Florida Motorcycle Info: Insurance, Licensing, Safety, and More
Motorcycle Insurance & Requirements
Liability insurance for motorcycle is voluntary and not mandatory in Florida unless you have caused an accident but it is highly recommended to be purchased for your protection. We recommend good purchasing a motorcycle insurance policy as it can safeguard you from liability and help you save money long term
When looking for insurance quotes in Florida, you may want to begin by looking at our review of insurance companies or get more detailed information on motorcycle insurance companies from the state regulator's website. You can see the full list of licensed insurers in the state plus get many other useful resources including information on how to file a complaint by visiting the state insurance division web site.
Licensing and Registration
To receive a motorcycle endorsement in Florida, you must complete a department approved Motorcycle Safety Education Course. Upon successful completion, the sponsor will submit the results electronically to the department records. Upon receiving the results, the applicant will be processed for a motorcycle endorsement.
Please visit these Florida websites for updated and detailed information
- Florida Driver License Information
- Florida DMV
- Department of Transportation
- Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
Helmet Laws
Florida law states anyone under 21 years old must wear a helmet. Those 21 years and older may ride without helmets only if they can show proof that they are covered by a medical insurance policy. We strongly advocate the use of helmets at all times for all riders and passengers to protect from injuries.
Use our specialized search to find Florida motorcycle resources
Motorcycle Safety Schools and Training Programs
Many states offer motorcycle safety training programs and most insurance companies will offer discounts to bikers that have completed a certified course.
The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. FRTP Course providers offer a 15-hour MSF Basic RiderCourseTM (BRC), which provides an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling. This includes the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the streets and highways.
Below is a partial list of The Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Safety courses in Florida. See www.msf-usa.org for a complete and updated list
- Jacksonville - Englewood High School
- Miami - Southeast Florida Motorcycle
- Tampa - Motorcycle Riders Association - Tampa
- Orlando - Bumby Range
- Lake City - Lake City Community College
- Green Cove Springs - National Training Ground
- Saint Augustine - First Coast Technical Institute
- Starke - Cc's Motorcycle Training Inc.
Accidents and Safety in Florida
According to the National Highway Traffic Association and Federal Highway Administration, in 2008 there were 667,087 motorcycles registered in Florida with only 523 motorcycle accident deaths in the state.
| State | Registered Motorcycles | Motorcycle Riders Killed | Percent Helmeted | Percent Not Helmeted | Impaired Riders Killed (BAC=.01+) |
| FL | 667.087 | 523 | 52% | 48% | 41% |
| GA | 186.719 | 166 | 93% | 7% | 25% |
| AL | 126.675 | 95 | 85% | 15% | 27% |
Sweet Rides in Florida
Here are some of the designated highways to consider for a ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas the state has to offer bikers.
- A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway
- Big Bend Scenic Byway
- Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway
- Florida Keys Scenic Highway
- Indian River Lagoon National Scenic Byway
- Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail
- A1A Ocean Shore Scenic Highway
- A1A River to Sea Trail
- Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway
- Bradenton Beach Scenic Highway
- Broward County A1A Scenic Highway
- Courtney Campbell Scenic Highway
- Green Mountain Scenic Byway
- Heritage Crossroads: Miles of History Heritage Highway
- Indian River Lagoon - Treasure Coast Scenic Highway
- Lemon Bay/Myakka Trail
- Old Florida Heritage Highway
- Palma Sola Scenic Highway
- Pensacola Scenic Bluffs Highway
- The Ridge Scenic Highway
- River of Lakes Heritage Corridor Scenic Highway
- Scenic Highway 30-A
- Scenic & Historic A1A Highway
- Suncoast Scenic Parkway
- Tamiami Trail - Windows to the Gulf Coast Waters Scenic Highway
- William Bartram Scenic and Historic Trail
Biking Clubs
- USMV MC Homestead Chapter/The Dirty Dozen
- Lone Legion Brotherhood MC
- Iron Pigs M/C Cigar City Chapter- Tampa Florida
- clearwaterbiker
Useful Resources
Learn about motorcycling in neighboring states
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