Motorcycle insurance is not required to register a motorcycle in Florida. However, if a motorcycle operator is charged in a crash with injuries, the owner or owner/operator is financially responsible for bodily injuries and property damage to others.
If no liability coverage was in effect for the motorcycle at the time of the accident, then bodily injury/property damage liability insurance must be purchased and kept for 3 years to avoid license and tag/registration suspension or to reinstate license and tag/registration after suspension.
So liability insurance for motorcycles is voluntary and not mandatory unless you have caused an accident but it is highly recommended to be purchased for your protection. If you plan to carry passengers, it is also a good idea to have extra insurance coverage.
Another confusing law is the Florida helmet law and how it relates to insurance. Since 2000, the state requires helmet use by riders under age 21 and anyone that does not carry a minimum of $10,000 medical insurance coverage.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
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