The filing fee for the "Florida Uniform Financial Responsibility Certificate FR-44" is 15.00 dollars. Not too bad, however, the other additional insurance costs related to the DUI can be quite severe. Increased coverage, point surcharge, and rate tier assessment combine to skyrocket the policy premium (price) for DUI drivers.
For Florida drivers not convicted of DUI the state considers a policyholder who maintains auto insurance liability of 10/20/10 as being financially responsible. The state requires proof of 100/300/50 liability limits, via the FR44 filing, to reinstate and maintain the operators license of drivers with a DUI. This requirement is for three years from date of conviction. For policyholders who are accustomed to minimum coverage, or significantly lower limits, this change drastically increases premium (price).
Auto insurance companies use a system of discounts and surcharges to adjust premium. A "safe driver discount" reduces the premium for drivers who are accident and violation free. Those drivers with accidents and or violations accumulate "points" which surcharge premium. Naturally, DUI is considered a major violation and results in several points. Policy premium increases for each point assessed.
Rate tier assessment is another major factor insurance companies utilize to determine premium. Insurance companies place polices in different tiers (categories) with different rates. Good and bad risk characteristics for a specific policy determine the qualifying tier. DUI does not qualify anyone for a favorable tier with lower rates. In fact, more often than not, an insurance company will place a risk (policy) with a DUI driver in their worst tier with the highest rates.