Florida motorcycle insurance

The laws for Florida motorcycle riders are as follows:

Eye protective gear is a must when you ride in Florida. You’re not required, however, to wear a motorcycle helmet if you're at least 21 years old and have an insurance policy that provides a minimum of $10,000 in medical benefits. You must wear a helmet if you don’t have an insurance policy meeting that minimum or you’re under 21.

If you’re pulled over for not wearing a helmet, a police officer will accept a health insurance card (or policy or declarations page) that lists your current insurance coverage from an HMO or other recognized health insurance company. Limited motorcycle medical coverage in Florida is sufficient.

As in any state, it’s important to know and follow the laws carefully. While motorcycle violations are usually considered civil infractions and not subject to fines, they can adversely affect your driving record and result in a premium increase. On the other hand, an offense like drunk driving could lead to criminal charges. 

If you're in an accident in Florida, you’re required to provide proof of financial responsibility immediately following the occurrence. Without proof of financial responsibility, your license and registration could be revoked or suspended, and you may have to pay fees to regain your riding privileges.

In this state, you may not ride a motorcycle or moped while wearing headphones. However, you're permitted to use motorcycle helmets with speakers or cellphone headsets containing a single earbud. It's also against the law to have handlebars that are above the rider's shoulders. If you're going to have a passenger, they must have a seat and ride with their legs straddling both sides and their feet on the footrests. In general, every bike must have footrests, handlebars, brake lights, and signal lights.

Two motorcycles can ride side-by-side in the same lane in Florida. Three or more cycles must ride in multiple rows, no more than two abreast. Like in all states other than California, you’re not permitted to ride between two lanes of traffic, otherwise known as lane splitting. You’re required to have your lights on—even during the day.

Since 2008, Florida has required all riders to take a riders’ safety course, most often the MSF Basic Rider Course. Before you can start the course, you need a valid driver's license or learner’s permit. Once you complete your course, go to the drivers' license or tax collector's office to receive your license. You’ll need a valid ID and roughly $20 to cover various fees. A replacement ID is $25.

There are plenty of opportunities to get discounts on your motorcycle insurance policy. Here are some discounts you could qualify for in Florida:

• Advance quote

• Bike replacement (loyalty)

• Claim-free renewal

• Garaging

• Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) member

• Homeowner

• Motorcycle endorsement

• Multi-line

• Operator safety course

• Paid-in-full

• Prompt payer

• Rider group

• Transfer

Once you leave Naples, it’s easy to find U.S. 4—aka the Tamiami Trail. Take that through the Florida Everglades, a subtropical region so vast it can be seen from space. The Everglades is a 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve where hundreds of animal species live, including the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and the West Indian manatee.

The Tamiami Trail is a great way to see the preserve, especially if you make pit stops to explore some of the boardwalks along the way.

The Florida Keys are a series of tropical islands that dot the southern tip of Florida, extending 120 miles into a region between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. The name of the actual road that connects the Keys is the Overseas Highway, which snakes 113 miles of U.S. Route 1 along the shores of Florida. There are opportunities to snorkel, have close encounters with dolphins, take an eco-tour, fish, see some seven-toed cats at the Hemingway House, and more.

You can also combine this trip with a ride through the Everglades and avoid the traffic of Miami by taking 997 south. Once you exit the Everglades, follow signs for U.S. Route 1.

Just south of Crystal River, follow US 19 south and take a right onto the 494—aka the Ozello Trail. This road takes its time heading toward the Gulf of Mexico, passing through extensive salt marshes and islands filled with sabal palms and cedar trees. The road's nine miles are peppered with 67 turns and is home to such birds as ospreys, owls, and kingfishers, making for both an exciting and beautiful ride.

If you’re hungry along the way, stop at the locals’ favorite restaurant, Peck's Old Port Cove, for some blue crabs and garlic crabs, which are raised onsite. Opting for the fried seafood or fried fish platter is an equally delicious choice.

Florida has so much to see and experience, which is good news because it rewards repeat visitors. So whether you’re here for the first time or you're on the road back to check out more of the Sunshine State's many sites, do so worry-free with motorcycle insurance having your back.