The Florida Senate

324.011  Purpose of chapter.

324.021  Definitions; minimum insurance required.

324.022  Financial responsibility for property damage.

324.031  Manner of proving financial responsibility.

324.032  Manner of proving financial responsibility; for-hire passenger transportation vehicles.

324.042  Administration.

324.051  Reports of crashes; suspensions of licenses and registrations.

324.061  Security deposited with Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; release.

324.071  Reinstatement; renewal of license; reinstatement fee.

324.072  Proof required upon certain convictions.

324.081  Nonresident owner or operator.

324.091  Notice to department; notice to insurer.

324.101  Compliance before license or registration allowed.

324.111  Failure to satisfy judgment; copy to department.

324.121  Suspension of license and registration.

324.131  Period of suspension.

324.141  Installment payments.

324.151  Motor vehicle liability policies; required provisions.

324.161  Proof of financial responsibility; surety bond or deposit.

324.171  Self-insurer.

324.181  Cancellation of liability policies; plan for apportionment of certain applicants.

324.191  Consent to cancellation; direction to return money or securities.

324.201  Return of license or registration to department.

324.202  Seizure of motor vehicle license plates by recovery agents.

324.211  Sale by owner during suspension; rights of conditional vendors, mortgagees, and lessors.

324.221  Penalties.

324.251  Short title.

324.011  Purpose of chapter.--It is the intent of this chapter to recognize the existing privilege to own or operate a motor vehicle on the public streets and highways of this state when such vehicles are used with due consideration for others and their property, and to promote safety and provide financial security requirements for such owners or operators whose responsibility it is to recompense others for injury to person or property caused by the operation of a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is required herein that the operator of a motor vehicle involved in a crash or convicted of certain traffic offenses meeting the operative provisions of s. 324.051(2) shall respond for such damages and show proof of financial ability to respond for damages in future accidents as a requisite to his or her future exercise of such privileges.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 5, ch. 77-468; s. 134, ch. 79-400; s. 433, ch. 95-148; s. 300, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.001.

324.021  Definitions; minimum insurance required.--The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1)  MOTOR VEHICLE.--Every self-propelled vehicle which is designed and required to be licensed for use upon a highway, including trailers and semitrailers designed for use with such vehicles, except traction engines, road rollers, farm tractors, power shovels, and well drillers, and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead wires but not operated upon rails, but not including any bicycle or moped. However, the term "motor vehicle" shall not include any motor vehicle as defined in s. 627.732(3) when the owner of such vehicle has complied with the requirements of ss. 627.730-627.7405, inclusive, unless the provisions of s. 324.051 apply; and, in such case, the applicable proof of insurance provisions of s. 320.02 apply.

(2)  DEPARTMENT.--The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.

(3)  OPERATOR.--Every person who is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.

(4)  PERSON.--Every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.

(5)  NONRESIDENT.--Every person who is not a resident of this state.

(6)  LICENSE.--Any license, temporary instruction permit, or temporary license issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the licensing of persons to operate motor vehicles.

(7)  PROOF OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.--That proof of ability to respond in damages for liability on account of crashes arising out of the use of a motor vehicle:

(a)  In the amount of $10,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, one person in any one crash;

(b)  Subject to such limits for one person, in the amount of $20,000 because of bodily injury to, or death of, two or more persons in any one crash;

(c)  In the amount of $10,000 because of injury to, or destruction of, property of others in any one crash; and

(d)  With respect to commercial motor vehicles and nonpublic sector buses, in the amounts specified in ss. 627.7415 and 627.742, respectively.

(8)  MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY POLICY.--Any owner's or operator's policy of liability insurance furnished as proof of financial responsibility pursuant to s. 324.031, insuring such owner or operator against loss from liability for bodily injury, death, and property damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle in not less than the limits described in subsection (7) and conforming to the requirements of s. 324.151, issued by any insurance company authorized to do business in this state.

(9)  OWNER; OWNER/LESSOR.--

(a)  Owner.--A person who holds the legal title of a motor vehicle; or, in the event a motor vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of this chapter.

(b)  Owner/lessor.--Notwithstanding any other provision of the Florida Statutes or existing case law:

1.  The lessor, under an agreement to lease a motor vehicle for 1 year or longer which requires the lessee to obtain insurance acceptable to the lessor which contains limits not less than $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability and $50,000 property damage liability or not less than $500,000 combined property damage liability and bodily injury liability, shall not be deemed the owner of said motor vehicle for the purpose of determining financial responsibility for the operation of said motor vehicle or for the acts of the operator in connection therewith; further, this subparagraph shall be applicable so long as the insurance meeting these requirements is in effect. The insurance meeting such requirements may be obtained by the lessor or lessee, provided, if such insurance is obtained by the lessor, the combined coverage for bodily injury liability and property damage liability shall contain limits of not less than $1 million and may be provided by a lessor's blanket policy.

2.  The lessor, under an agreement to rent or lease a motor vehicle for a period of less than 1 year, shall be deemed the owner of the motor vehicle for the purpose of determining liability for the operation of the vehicle or the acts of the operator in connection therewith only up to $100,000 per person and up to $300,000 per incident for bodily injury and up to $50,000 for property damage. If the lessee or the operator of the motor vehicle is uninsured or has any insurance with limits less than $500,000 combined property damage and bodily injury liability, the lessor shall be liable for up to an additional $500,000 in economic damages only arising out of the use of the motor vehicle. The additional specified liability of the lessor for economic damages shall be reduced by amounts actually recovered from the lessee, from the operator, and from any insurance or self-insurance covering the lessee or operator. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to affect the liability of the lessor for its own negligence.

3.  The owner who is a natural person and loans a motor vehicle to any permissive user shall be liable for the operation of the vehicle or the acts of the operator in connection therewith only up to $100,000 per person and up to $300,000 per incident for bodily injury and up to $50,000 for property damage. If the permissive user of the motor vehicle is uninsured or has any insurance with limits less than $500,000 combined property damage and bodily injury liability, the owner shall be liable for up to an additional $500,000 in economic damages only arising out of the use of the motor vehicle. The additional specified liability of the owner for economic damages shall be reduced by amounts actually recovered from the permissive user and from any insurance or self-insurance covering the permissive user. Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to affect the liability of the owner for his or her own negligence.

(c)  Application.--

1.  The limits on liability in subparagraphs (b)2. and 3. do not apply to an owner of motor vehicles that are used for commercial activity in the owner's ordinary course of business, other than a rental company that rents or leases motor vehicles. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "rental company" includes only an entity that is engaged in the business of renting or leasing motor vehicles to the general public and that rents or leases a majority of its motor vehicles to persons with no direct or indirect affiliation with the rental company. The term also includes a motor vehicle dealer that provides temporary replacement vehicles to its customers for up to 10 days.

2.  Furthermore, with respect to commercial motor vehicles as defined in s. 627.732, the limits on liability in subparagraphs (b)2. and 3. do not apply if, at the time of the incident, the commercial motor vehicle is being used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994, as amended, 49 U.S.C. ss. 5101 et seq., and that is required pursuant to such act to carry placards warning others of the hazardous cargo, unless at the time of lease or rental either:

a.  The lessee indicates in writing that the vehicle will not be used to transport materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Authorization Act of 1994, as amended, 49 U.S.C. ss. 5101 et seq.; or

b.  The lessee or other operator of the commercial motor vehicle has in effect insurance with limits of at least $5,000,000 combined property damage and bodily injury liability.

(10)  JUDGMENT.--Any judgment which shall have become final by expiration without appeal of the time within which an appeal might have been perfected, or by final affirmation on appeal, rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction of any state or of the United States upon a cause of action arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of any motor vehicle for damages, including damages for care and loss of services because of bodily injury to or death of any person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, or upon a cause of action on an agreement of settlement for such damage.

(11)  REGISTRATION.--Registration certificate or certificates and registration plates issued under the laws of this state pertaining to the registration of motor vehicles.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 1, ch. 71-59; s. 100, ch. 71-377; s. 1, ch. 72-297; ss. 1, 2, ch. 73-180; s. 1, ch. 76-266; s. 6, ch. 76-286; s. 1, ch. 77-118; s. 6, ch. 77-468; s. 135, ch. 79-400; s. 562, ch. 82-243; s. 2, ch. 83-200; s. 2, ch. 86-18; s. 3, ch. 86-229; s. 21, ch. 87-161; ss. 6, 7, ch. 88-370; s. 1, ch. 96-362; s. 28, ch. 99-225; s. 301, ch. 99-248; s. 9, ch. 2001-271.

324.022  Financial responsibility for property damage.--Every owner or operator of a motor vehicle, which motor vehicle is subject to the requirements of ss. 627.730-627.7405 and required to be registered in this state, shall, by one of the methods established in s. 324.031 or by having a policy that complies with s. 627.7275, establish and maintain the ability to respond in damages for liability on account of accidents arising out of the use of the motor vehicle in the amount of $10,000 because of damage to, or destruction of, property of others in any one crash. The requirements of this section may also be met by having a policy which provides coverage in the amount of at least $30,000 for combined property damage liability and bodily injury liability for any one crash arising out of the use of the motor vehicle. No insurer shall have any duty to defend uncovered claims irrespective of their joinder with covered claims.

History.--s. 8, ch. 88-370; s. 1, ch. 89-238; s. 302, ch. 99-248.

324.031  Manner of proving financial responsibility.--The owner or operator of a taxicab, limousine, jitney, or any other for-hire passenger transportation vehicle may prove financial responsibility by providing satisfactory evidence of holding a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in s. 324.021(8) or s. 324.151, which policy is issued by an insurance carrier which is a member of the Florida Insurance Guaranty Association. The operator or owner of any other vehicle may prove his or her financial responsibility by:

(1)  Furnishing satisfactory evidence of holding a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in ss. 324.021(8) and 324.151;

(2)  Posting with the department a satisfactory bond of a surety company authorized to do business in this state, conditioned for payment of the amount specified in s. 324.021(7);

(3)  Furnishing a certificate of the department showing a deposit of cash or securities in accordance with s. 324.161; or

(4)  Furnishing a certificate of self-insurance issued by the department in accordance with s. 324.171.

Any person, including any firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other person, other than a natural person, electing to use the method of proof specified in subsection (2) or subsection (3) shall post a bond or deposit equal to the number of vehicles owned times $30,000, to a maximum of $120,000; in addition, any such person, other than a natural person, shall maintain insurance providing coverage in excess of limits of $10,000/20,000/10,000 or $30,000 combined single limits, and such excess insurance shall provide minimum limits of $50,000/100,000/50,000 or $150,000 combined single limits.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 85-320; s. 12, ch. 87-225; s. 1, ch. 92-29; s. 89, ch. 94-306; s. 945, ch. 95-148.

Note.--Former s. 324.02.

324.032  Manner of proving financial responsibility; for-hire passenger transportation vehicles.--

(1)  Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 324.031, a person who is either the owner or a lessee required to maintain insurance under s. 324.021(9)(b) and who operates at least 300 taxicabs, limousines, jitneys, or any other for-hire passenger transportation vehicles may prove financial responsibility by satisfying the following:

(a)  Furnishing satisfactory evidence of holding a motor vehicle liability policy as defined in s. 324.031; or

(b)  Complying with the provisions of s. 324.171, such compliance to be demonstrated by maintaining at its principal place of business an audited financial statement, prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and providing to the department a certification issued by a certified public accountant that the applicant's net worth is at least equal to the requirements of s. 324.171 as determined by the Department of Insurance, including claims liabilities in an amount certified as adequate by a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Upon request by the department, the applicant must provide the department at the applicant's principal place of business in this state access to the applicant's underlying financial information and financial statements that provide the basis of the certified public accountant's certification. The applicant shall reimburse the requesting department for all reasonable costs incurred by it in reviewing the supporting information. The maximum amount of self-insurance permissible under this subsection is $100,000 and must be stated on a per-occurrence basis, and the applicant shall maintain adequate excess insurance issued by an authorized or eligible insurer licensed or approved by the Department of Insurance. All risks self-insured shall remain with the owner or lessee providing it, and the risks are not transferable to any other person, unless a policy complying with paragraph (a) is obtained.

(2)  The provisions of subsection (1) shall not apply in a county with a population in excess of 1.25 million persons as of June 11, 1995.

History.--ss. 2, 3, ch. 95-262.

324.042  Administration.--The department shall administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter, and has authority to adopt rules pursuant to ss. 120.536(1) and 120.54 to implement them.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 1, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 20, ch. 78-95; s. 61, ch. 85-180; s. 3, ch. 86-18; s. 65, ch. 98-200.

Note.--Former s. 324.03.

324.051  Reports of crashes; suspensions of licenses and registrations.--

(1)(a)  Every law enforcement officer who, in the regular course of duty either at the time of and at the scene of the crash or thereafter by interviewing participants or witnesses, investigates a motor vehicle crash which he or she is required to report pursuant to s. 316.066(3)(a) shall forward a written report of the crash to the department within 10 days of completing the investigation. However, when the investigation of a crash will take more than 10 days to complete, a preliminary copy of the crash report shall be forwarded to the department within 10 days of the occurrence of the crash, to be followed by a final report within 10 days after completion of the investigation. The report shall be on a form and contain information consistent with the requirements of s. 316.068.

(b)  The department is hereby further authorized to require reports of crashes from individual owners or operators whenever it deems it necessary for the proper administration of this chapter, and these reports shall be made without prejudice except as specified in this subsection. No such report shall be used as evidence in any trial arising out of a crash. However, subject to the applicable rules of evidence, a law enforcement officer at a criminal trial may testify as to any statement made to the officer by the person involved in the accident if that person's privilege against self-incrimination is not violated.

(2)(a)  Thirty days after receipt of notice of any accident described in paragraph (1)(a) involving a motor vehicle within this state, the department shall suspend, after due notice and opportunity to be heard, the license of each operator and all registrations of the owner of the vehicles operated by such operator whether or not involved in such crash and, in the case of a nonresident owner or operator, shall suspend such nonresident's operating privilege in this state, unless such operator or owner shall, prior to the expiration of such 30 days, be found by the department to be exempt from the operation of this chapter, based upon evidence satisfactory to the department that:

1.  The motor vehicle was legally parked at the time of such crash.

2.  The motor vehicle was owned by the United States Government, this state, or any political subdivision of this state or any municipality therein.

3.  Such operator or owner has secured a duly acknowledged written agreement providing for release from liability by all parties injured as the result of said crash and has complied with one of the provisions of s. 324.031.

4.  Such operator or owner has deposited with the department security to conform with s. 324.061 when applicable and has complied with one of the provisions of s. 324.031.

5.  One year has elapsed since such owner or operator was suspended pursuant to subsection (3), the owner or operator has complied with one of the provisions of s. 324.031, and no bill of complaint of which the department has notice has been filed in a court of competent jurisdiction.

(b)  This subsection shall not apply:

1.  To such operator or owner if such operator or owner had in effect at the time of such crash or traffic conviction an automobile liability policy with respect to all of the registered motor vehicles owned by such operator or owner.

2.  To such operator, if not the owner of such motor vehicle, if there was in effect at the time of such crash or traffic conviction an automobile liability policy or bond with respect to his or her operation of motor vehicles not owned by him or her.

3.  To such operator or owner if the liability of such operator or owner for damages resulting from such crash is, in the judgment of the department, covered by any other form of liability insurance or bond.

4.  To any person who has obtained from the department a certificate of self-insurance, in accordance with s. 324.171, or to any person operating a motor vehicle for such self-insurer.

No such policy or bond shall be effective under this subsection unless it contains limits of not less than those specified in s. 324.021(7).

(3)  Any driver's license or registration certificate or certificates and registration plates which are suspended as provided for in this section shall remain suspended for a period of 3 years unless reinstated as otherwise provided in this chapter.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 2, ch. 57-147; ss. 1, 2, ch. 65-122; s. 6, ch. 65-190; ss. 13, 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 2, ch. 71-59; s. 2, ch. 76-266; s. 2, ch. 77-118; s. 1, ch. 77-174; s. 7, ch. 77-468; s. 1, ch. 78-83; s. 20, ch. 78-95; s. 2, ch. 83-22; s. 10, ch. 85-81; s. 3, ch. 89-271; s. 54, ch. 89-282; s. 28, ch. 90-119; s. 15, ch. 91-255; s. 90, ch. 94-306; s. 946, ch. 95-148; s. 303, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.04.

324.061  Security deposited with Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; release.--

(1)  Security deposited pursuant to the provisions of s. 324.051(2)(a)4. with respect to claims for injuries to persons or properties resulting from a crash occurring prior to such deposit shall be in the form and amount determined by the department which, in its judgment, will be sufficient to compensate for all injuries arising out of such crash, but in no case shall the amount exceed the limits as specified in s. 324.021(7).

(2)  Such security shall be deposited with the department and shall not be released except under one of the following conditions:

(a)  A duly attested written statement of satisfaction by all parties shown to be injured in such crash has been received by the department.

(b)  In the event the depositor has been finally adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be liable; or all judgments of liability against the depositor have been satisfied.

(c)  One year shall have elapsed after deposit and during such period the department has not been duly notified of any court action brought for damages.

(d)  Upon receipt of an order from a court ordering that such deposit be paid to satisfy a recorded judgment, in whole or in part, resulting from a crash. If the department does not have sufficient funds on deposit to satisfy such judgment it shall forthwith call upon the judgment debtor for the balance, subject to the limits specified in s. 324.021(7). Upon failure of the judgment debtor to make the necessary deposit or to satisfy the judgment in full, the department shall revoke the driving privilege and all registrations of such judgment debtor within 10 days subsequent to notification to the judgment debtor by the department.

(e)  In any case in which securities deposited under this section have remained unclaimed for 5 years or more such deposit shall be transferred by the department to the State School Fund, and all interest and income that may accrue from said deposits after the aforesaid period of time, shall belong to said fund.

(3)  The department shall invest security deposits in its custody received under this section in excess of current needs in interest-bearing accounts. The interest earned from such investments shall be deposited in a department trust fund, and any security deposits remaining unclaimed after 5 years shall be transferred to the State School Fund as provided in paragraph (2)(e) above.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 3, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 3, ch. 71-59; s. 3, ch. 77-118; s. 8, ch. 77-468; s. 69, ch. 79-164; s. 34, ch. 95-143; s. 304, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.041.

324.071  Reinstatement; renewal of license; reinstatement fee.--Any operator or owner whose license or registration has been suspended pursuant to s. 324.051(2), s. 324.072, s. 324.081, or s. 324.121 may effect its reinstatement upon compliance with the provisions of s. 324.051(2)(a)3. or 4., or s. 324.081(2) and (3), as the case may be, and with one of the provisions of s. 324.031 and upon payment to the department of a nonrefundable reinstatement fee of $15. Only one such fee shall be paid by any one person irrespective of the number of licenses and registrations to be then reinstated or issued to such person. All such fees shall be deposited to a department trust fund. When the reinstatement of any license or registration is effected by compliance with s. 324.051(2)(a)3. or 4., the department shall not renew the license or registration within a period of 3 years from such reinstatement, nor shall any other license or registration be issued in the name of such person, unless the operator is continuing to comply with one of the provisions of s. 324.031.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 4, ch. 57-147; s. 6, ch. 65-190; s. 1, ch. 67-279; ss. 13, 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 71-59; s. 4, ch. 77-118; s. 9, ch. 77-468; s. 70, ch. 79-164; s. 35, ch. 95-143.

Note.--Former s. 324.05.

324.072  Proof required upon certain convictions.--

(1)  Upon the suspension or revocation of a license pursuant to the provisions of s. 322.26 or s. 322.27, the department shall suspend the registration for all motor vehicles registered in the name of such person, either individually or jointly with another, except that it shall not suspend such registration, unless otherwise required by law, if such person has previously given or shall immediately give, and thereafter maintain, proof of financial responsibility with respect to all motor vehicles registered by such person, in accordance with this chapter.

(2)  Such license and registration shall remain suspended or revoked and shall not at any time thereafter be renewed, nor shall any license be thereafter issued to such person, nor shall any motor vehicle be thereafter registered in the name of such person, until permitted under the laws of this state, and not then unless and until he or she shall give and thereafter maintain proof of financial responsibility as required by s. 324.071.

History.--s. 5, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 24, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 5, ch. 77-118; s. 10, ch. 77-468; s. 2, ch. 78-83; s. 1, ch. 79-207; s. 434, ch. 95-148.

324.081  Nonresident owner or operator.--

(1)  The department may establish reciprocal agreements with any other states for the purpose of fulfilling the provisions of this chapter and pursuant to such agreements may suspend the license and registration of a resident of this state involved in a crash in another state.

(2)  When a nonresident's operating privilege is suspended pursuant to this chapter, the department shall transmit a certified copy of the record of such action to the appropriate official of the reciprocating state in which such nonresident resides, if the law of such other state provides for action in relation thereto similar to that provided for in subsection (3).

(3)  Upon receipt of such certification that the operating privilege of a resident of this state has been suspended or revoked in any such other reciprocating state pursuant to a law providing for its suspension or revocation for failure to deposit security for the payment of judgments arising out of a motor vehicle crash, under circumstances which would require the department to suspend a nonresident's operating privilege had the crash occurred in this state, the department shall suspend the license of such resident if he or she was the operator, and all of his or her registrations if he or she was the owner of a motor vehicle involved in such crash. Such suspension shall continue until such resident furnishes evidence of his or her compliance with the law of such other state relating to the deposit of such security.

(4)  In the event such nonresident shall at the time have in effect an insurance policy or surety bond issued by any insurance company or surety company not authorized to do business in this state, the department may reinstate such nonresident upon said company furnishing it with power of attorney to accept service of process.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 6, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 77-118; s. 11, ch. 77-468; s. 435, ch. 95-148; s. 305, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.06.

324.091  Notice to department; notice to insurer.--

(1)  Each owner and operator involved in a crash or conviction case within the purview of this chapter shall furnish evidence of automobile liability insurance, motor vehicle liability insurance, or surety bond within 30 days from the date of the mailing of notice of crash by the department in such form and manner as it may designate. Upon receipt of evidence that an automobile liability policy, motor vehicle liability policy, or surety bond was in effect at the time of the crash or conviction case, the department shall forward by United States mail, postage prepaid, to the insurer or surety insurer a copy of such information and shall assume that such policy or bond was in effect unless the insurer or surety insurer shall notify the department otherwise within 20 days from the mailing of the notice to the insurer or surety insurer; provided that if the department shall later ascertain that an automobile liability policy, motor vehicle liability policy, or surety bond was not in effect and did not provide coverage for both the owner and the operator, it shall at such time take such action as it is otherwise authorized to do under this chapter. Proof of mailing to the insurer or surety insurer may be made by the department by naming the insurer or surety insurer to whom such mailing was made and specifying the time, place and manner of mailing.

(2)  Each insurer doing business in this state shall immediately give notice to the department of each motor vehicle liability policy when issued to effect the return of a license which has been suspended under s. 324.051(2); and said notice shall be upon such form and in such manner as the department may designate.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 3, ch. 65-122; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 306, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.08.

324.101  Compliance before license or registration allowed.--In case the operator or owner of a motor vehicle involved in a crash within the state has no license or registration, he or she shall not be allowed a license or registration until he or she has complied with the requirements of this chapter to the same extent that would be necessary, if at the time of the crash he or she had held a license and registration.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 436, ch. 95-148; s. 307, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.09.

324.111  Failure to satisfy judgment; copy to department.--Whenever any person fails within 30 days to satisfy any judgment, upon the written request of the judgment creditor or his or her attorney it shall be the duty of the clerk of the court, or of the judge of a court which has no clerk, in which any such judgment is rendered within this state, to forward to the department immediately after the expiration of said 30 days, a certified copy of such judgment.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 5, ch. 71-59; s. 437, ch. 95-148.

324.121  Suspension of license and registration.--

(1)  The department, upon the receipt of a certified copy of a judgment, as provided in s. 324.111, shall forthwith suspend the license and registration and any nonresident's operating privilege of any person against whom such judgment was rendered, except as hereinafter otherwise provided in this section, and in s. 324.141.

(2)(a)  If the judgment creditor consents in writing, in such form as the department may prescribe, that the judgment debtor be allowed license and registration or nonresident's operating privilege, the same may be allowed by the department, in its discretion, for 6 months from the date of such consent and thereafter until such consent is revoked in writing notwithstanding default in the payment of such judgment, or any installments thereof prescribed in s. 324.141, provided the judgment debtor furnished proof of financial responsibility as provided in s. 324.031, such proof to be maintained for 3 years.

(b)  If the department determines that an insurer was obligated to pay the judgment but failed to do so through no fault of the judgment debtor, the judgment debtor's license and registration and any nonresident's operating privilege shall not be suspended.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 6, ch. 71-59; s. 29, ch. 90-119.

324.131  Period of suspension.--Such license, registration and nonresident's operating privilege shall remain so suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall any such license or registration be thereafter issued in the name of such person, including any such person not previously licensed, unless and until every such judgment is stayed, satisfied in full or to the extent of the limits stated in s. 324.021(7) and until the said person gives proof of financial responsibility as provided in s. 324.031, such proof to be maintained for 3 years.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955.

324.141  Installment payments.--

(1)  A judgment debtor upon due notice to the judgment creditor may apply to the court in which such judgment was rendered for the privilege of paying such judgment in installments and the court, in its discretion and without prejudice to any other legal remedies which the judgment creditor may have, may so order and fix the amounts and times of payment of the installments.

(2)  The department shall not suspend a license, registration or a nonresident's operating privilege, and shall restore any license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege suspended following nonpayment of a judgment, when the judgment debtor gives proof of financial responsibility and obtains such an order permitting the payment of such judgment in installments, and while the payment of any said installment is not in default.

(3)  In the event the judgment debtor fails to pay any installment as specified by such order, then upon notice of such default, the department shall forthwith suspend the license, registration or nonresident's operating privilege of the judgment debtor until such judgment is satisfied, as provided in this chapter.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106.

324.151  Motor vehicle liability policies; required provisions.--

(1)  A motor vehicle liability policy to be proof of financial responsibility under s. 324.031(1), shall be issued to owners or operators under the following provisions:

(a)  An owner's liability insurance policy shall designate by explicit description or by appropriate reference all motor vehicles with respect to which coverage is thereby granted and shall insure the owner named therein and any other person as operator using such motor vehicle or motor vehicles with the express or implied permission of such owner against loss from the liability imposed by law for damage arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of such motor vehicle or motor vehicles within the United States or the Dominion of Canada, subject to limits, exclusive of interest and costs with respect to each such motor vehicle as is provided for under s. 324.021(7). Insurers may make available, with respect to property damage liability coverage, a deductible amount not to exceed $500. In the event of a property damage loss covered by a policy containing a property damage deductible provision, the insurer shall pay to the third-party claimant the amount of any property damage liability settlement or judgment, subject to policy limits, as if no deductible existed.

(b)  An operator's motor vehicle liability policy of insurance shall insure the person named therein against loss from the liability imposed upon him or her by law for damages arising out of the use by the person of any motor vehicle not owned by him or her, with the same territorial limits and subject to the same limits of liability as referred to above with respect to an owner's policy of liability insurance.

(c)  All such motor vehicle liability policies shall state the name and address of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, the premium charged therefor, the policy period, the limits of liability, and shall contain an agreement or be endorsed that insurance is provided in accordance with the coverage defined in this chapter as respects bodily injury and death or property damage or both and is subject to all provisions of this chapter. Said policies shall also contain a provision that the satisfaction by an insured of a judgment for such injury or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the right or duty of the insurance carrier to make payment on account of such injury or damage, and shall also contain a provision that bankruptcy or insolvency of the insured or of the insured's estate shall not relieve the insurance carrier of any of its obligations under said policy.

(2)  The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to any automobile liability policy unless and until it is furnished as proof of financial responsibility for the future pursuant to s. 324.031, and then only from and after the date said policy is so furnished.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 24, ch. 57-1; s. 1, ch. 65-489; s. 1, ch. 71-325; s. 9, ch. 88-370; s. 438, ch. 95-148.

Note.--Former s. 324.10.

324.161  Proof of financial responsibility; surety bond or deposit.--The certificate of the department of a deposit may be obtained by depositing with it $30,000 cash or securities such as may be legally purchased by savings banks or for trust funds, of a market value of $30,000 and which deposit shall be held by the department to satisfy, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, any execution on a judgment issued against such person making the deposit, for damages because of bodily injury to or death of any person or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property resulting from the use or operation of any motor vehicle occurring after such deposit was made. Money or securities so deposited shall not be subject to attachment or execution unless such attachment or execution shall arise out of a suit for damages as aforesaid.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 91, ch. 94-306.

Note.--Former s. 324.11.

324.171  Self-insurer.--

(1)  Any person may qualify as a self-insurer by obtaining a certificate of self-insurance from the department which may, in its discretion and upon application of such a person, issue said certificate of self-insurance when such person has satisfied the requirements of this section to qualify as a self-insurer under this section:

(a)  A private individual with private passenger vehicles shall possess a net unencumbered worth of at least $40,000.

(b)  A person, including any firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other person, other than a natural person, shall:

1.  Possess a net unencumbered worth of at least $40,000 for the first motor vehicle and $20,000 for each additional motor vehicle; or

2.  Maintain sufficient net worth, as determined annually by the department, pursuant to rules promulgated by the department, with the assistance of the Department of Insurance, to be financially responsible for potential losses. The rules shall take into consideration excess insurance carried by the applicant. The department's determination shall be based upon reasonable actuarial principles considering the frequency, severity, and loss development of claims incurred by casualty insurers writing coverage on the type of motor vehicles for which a certificate of self-insurance is desired.

(c)  The owner of a commercial motor vehicle, as defined in s. 207.002(2) or s. 320.01, may qualify as a self-insurer subject to the standards provided for in subparagraph (b)2.

(2)  The self-insurance certificate shall provide limits of liability insurance in the amounts specified under s. 324.021(7) or s. 627.7415 and shall provide personal injury protection coverage under s. 627.733(3)(b).

(3)  The department may require annual reports from any self-insurer which reports must continue to demonstrate the applicable amount of unencumbered net worth. Whenever the department finds that any self-insurer does not possess the required amount of unencumbered net worth, it shall revoke the certificate of self-insurance.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 4, ch. 85-320; s. 4, ch. 86-18; s. 46, ch. 87-198.

Note.--Former s. 324.12.

324.181  Cancellation of liability policies; plan for apportionment of certain applicants.--No motor vehicle liability policy which is obtained to effect the return of any driver's license or registration shall be canceled by an insurer issuing the same unless 10 days' notice of such cancellation shall be given to the department on a form prescribed by it and to the insured, except that when evidence has been furnished of the holding of a motor vehicle liability policy, and subsequently evidence is furnished of the holding of such a policy subsequently procured, the later policy shall, on the date evidence is furnished, terminate the policy as to which evidence was previously furnished with respect to any vehicle designated in both policies.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 1, ch. 61-69; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 12, ch. 77-468; s. 55, ch. 89-282.

Note.--Former s. 324.13.

324.191  Consent to cancellation; direction to return money or securities.--The department shall consent to the cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance furnished as proof of financial responsibility pursuant to s. 324.031, or the department shall return to the person entitled thereto cash or securities deposited as proof of financial responsibility pursuant to s. 324.031:

(1)  Upon substitution and acceptance of other adequate proof of financial responsibility pursuant to this chapter, or

(2)  In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf the proof was filed, or the permanent incapacity of such person to operate a motor vehicle, or

(3)  In the event the person who has given proof of financial responsibility surrenders his or her license and all registrations to the department; providing, however, that no notice of court action has been filed with the department, a judgment in which would result in claim on such proof of financial responsibility.

This section shall not apply to security as specified in s. 324.061 deposited pursuant to s. 324.051(2)(a)4.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 7, ch. 77-118; s. 36, ch. 95-143; s. 439, ch. 95-148.

Note.--Former s. 324.14.

324.201  Return of license or registration to department.--

(1)  Any person whose license or registration shall have been suspended as herein provided; whose policy of insurance or bond, when required under this chapter, shall have been canceled or terminated; or who shall neglect to furnish other proof upon the request of the department shall immediately return his or her license and registrations to the department. If any person shall fail to return to the department the license or registrations as provided herein, the department shall issue a complaint to a court of competent jurisdiction which shall issue a warrant charging such person with a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. Such person shall surrender to the court his or her driver's license, registration, and plates for delivery to the department. For the service and execution of such warrant the sheriff shall receive the arrest and other fees authorized by law.

(2)  It shall be unlawful for any person whose license has been suspended to operate any motor vehicle or for any person whose registrations have been suspended to obtain another motor vehicle for the purpose of circumventing this chapter.

(3)  If a law enforcement officer determines that a person operating a motor vehicle is also the owner or registrant, or the coowner or coregistrant, of the motor vehicle and is operating the motor vehicle with a driver's license or vehicle registration that has been under suspension pursuant to a violation of this chapter for a period of at least 30 days, the police officer shall immediately seize the license plate of the motor vehicle.

(4)  All information obtained by the department regarding compliance with the provisions of this chapter shall be made available to all law enforcement agencies, and recovery agents or recovery agencies authorized under s. 324.202 to seize license plates, for the purpose of enforcing this chapter. Law enforcement agencies and recovery agents or recovery agencies may utilize that information to seize the license plate of any motor vehicle which has a suspended registration as a result of noncompliance by the operator or owner of the motor vehicle under the provisions of this chapter.

(5)  When a recovery agent or recovery agency obtains a seized license plate in accordance with this chapter, the license plate shall be delivered to a driver license office on the next business day.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 7, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 220, ch. 71-136; s. 96, ch. 73-333; s. 6, ch. 86-36; s. 10, ch. 88-370; s. 440, ch. 95-148; s. 3, ch. 95-202; s. 1, ch. 95-262; s. 47, ch. 99-248.

Note.--Former s. 324.16.

324.202  Seizure of motor vehicle license plates by recovery agents.--

(1)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall implement a pilot program using recovery agents for the seizure of license plates in Broward County, Dade County, and Hillsborough County. Licensed recovery agents and recovery agencies as described in s. 493.6101(20) and (21) may seize license plates of motor vehicles whose registrations have been suspended pursuant to s. 316.646 or s. 627.733 in such counties upon compliance with this section and rules of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Upon the implementation of the vehicle information system overall reorganization to the Oracle database of driver licenses and a verification of an error rate of 2 percent or less for valid license plates seized during the period following implementation of the database, as determined by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability, the program shall be expanded to those counties where a majority of the governing body of the county has requested the program be implemented. The determination by the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability shall be submitted to the Senate and the House of Representatives committees responsible for insurance and transportation issues no later than January 1, 2001. The program authorizing recovery agents and agencies to seize license plates shall be repealed July 1, 2002.

(2)  The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall:

(a)  Provide a procedure for recovery agents or recovery agencies who seize license plates pursuant to this section. This procedure shall include the development and distribution of forms and monthly renewal notices, including the name and most current address available to the department of persons not in compliance with s. 316.646 or s. 627.733.

(b)  Provide a method for the payment of a fee of $25 to the recovery agent or recovery agency seizing an eligible license plate pursuant to this section.

History.--s. 4, ch. 95-202; s. 12, ch. 97-100; ss. 48, 308, ch. 99-248.

324.211  Sale by owner during suspension; rights of conditional vendors, mortgagees, and lessors.--

(1)(a)  If an owner's registration has been suspended hereunder, it shall be unlawful for him or her to transfer such registration or to have registered in any other name the motor vehicle in respect of which such registration was issued until the department is satisfied that such transfer of registration is proposed in good faith and not for the purpose or with the effect of defeating the purpose of this chapter; provided, however, that any owner within the purview of this section may file an application for permission to transfer such registration, which application shall be accompanied by an affidavit of good faith showing that such transfer is not with the intent of defeating the purpose of this chapter. The department, within 10 days subsequent to suspension of the owner's registration, upon request shall furnish proper application and affidavit forms to each such owner along with the notice of suspension, and the owner shall have 15 days from receipt thereof to file such application, which application shall be either approved or rejected by the department within 30 days from the filing thereof.

(b)  In addition to the penalties otherwise provided for violation of this section the department may suspend the registration of any vehicle transferred contrary to the provisions of this section.

(2)  Nothing in this section or elsewhere in this chapter contained shall affect the rights of any conditional vendor, chattel mortgagee or lessor or any successor in interest of a motor vehicle registered in the name of another as owner who becomes subject to the provisions of this section; and in the event of the repossession or foreclosure of a motor vehicle by such conditional vendor, chattel mortgagee, or lessor, or any successor in interest, pursuant to the exercise of rights to such repossession under the terms of the lien instrument or contract involved, by operation of law or through legal proceedings, the lienholder or lessor repossessor shall have the right to have delivered to it the registration plates which shall have been surrendered.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 8, ch. 57-147; ss. 13, 35, ch. 69-106; s. 7, ch. 71-59; s. 441, ch. 95-148.

Note.--Former s. 324.15.

324.221  Penalties.--

(1)  Any person who makes any misstatement in or commits any forgery upon notice required to be filed hereunder or who makes any false affidavit in connection with the transfer or proposed transfer of the registration of a motor vehicle is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(2)  Any person who violates any other provision of this chapter for which no penalty is otherwise provided is guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(3)  Any person who operates a motor vehicle with an attached license plate which is not registered under the name of the owner of the vehicle and whose driver's license or vehicle registration is currently under suspension pursuant to a violation of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

History.--s. 1, ch. 29963, 1955; s. 9, ch. 57-147; s. 221, ch. 71-136; ss. 11, 12, ch. 88-370; s. 43, ch. 91-224.

Note.--Former s. 324.17.

324.251  Short title.--This chapter may be cited as the "Financial Responsibility Law of 1955" and shall become effective at 12:01 a.m., October 1, 1955.

History.--ss. 1, 5, ch. 29963, 1955.