By Nicole McConnie-Jensen, Esq. · Florida Personal Injury Attorney · Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer
No. Florida did not get rid of PIP (Personal Injury Protection). PIP is still required for most vehicles registered in Florida, and the $10,000 minimum still applies. If you’re hurt in a crash, you must get medical care within 14 days to use your PIP medical benefits.
If you’ve read online that Florida’s no-fault insurance law ended on July 1, 2026, you’re not alone. That claim spread fast through blogs, social media and even AI search answers. But it isn’t true. Lawmakers filed bills to repeal PIP, and none of them passed.
Here’s what that means for you if you drive in Tampa, Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida — and the one deadline that catches people off guard after an accident.
What is PIP, in plain words?
PIP is the part of your car insurance that pays for your own injuries after a crash, no matter who caused it. That’s why Florida is called a “no-fault” state: you go to your own insurance first, instead of waiting to prove the other driver was to blame.
Here’s what Florida PIP generally covers:
- $10,000 minimum in coverage, required by law
- 80% of reasonable medical bills related to the accident
- 60% of lost income if your injuries keep you from working
- Coverage in many cases when you’re a passenger or a pedestrian, too
Is PIP still required in Florida in 2026?
Yes. Florida has required PIP since 1971, and it still does today.
Lawmakers have tried to repeal PIP several times. A repeal bill passed in 2021, but the governor vetoed it. In 2026, the repeal bills (Senate Bill 522 and House Bill 769) died in committee, and the legislative session ended on March 13, 2026 without changing the law.
So why did so many people hear that PIP ended? Some websites published the repeal as if it had already happened, and some AI tools repeated it. Even insurance industry news outlets had to publish corrections.
Laws can change. If Florida’s PIP law changes in the future, we will update this article.
Should I drop my PIP coverage?
No. Driving without the coverage Florida requires can lead to the suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration. You would also lose the protection PIP gives you in the days right after a crash, when medical bills start arriving.
What is Florida’s 14-day rule?
This is the rule that surprises people the most. To use your PIP medical benefits, you must get your first medical treatment within 14 days of the accident. If you wait longer, PIP may not pay for your medical bills at all.
People miss this deadline all the time, usually for understandable reasons:
- They feel fine right after the crash because of adrenaline
- Injuries like whiplash, back pain or a concussion show up days later
- They don’t want to make a fuss or miss work
There’s a second reason to see a doctor early. If a doctor does not find that you have an “emergency medical condition,” your PIP medical benefits may be limited to $2,500 instead of the full $10,000. Tell your doctor about every symptom, even the ones that seem small.
What should I do right after a car accident in Florida?
- Get safe and call 911. A police report creates an official record of the crash.
- See a doctor right away — and no later than 14 days after the accident.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the vehicles, the road and your injuries. Get names, phone numbers, license plates and insurance information.
- Notify your own insurance company that the accident happened.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company before talking to a lawyer.
- Get a free case evaluation so you understand your options.
What if my injuries cost more than PIP covers?
Serious injuries can pass $10,000 in medical bills very quickly — sometimes in a single hospital visit. When that happens, you may be able to file a claim against the driver who caused the crash. In some cases, such as when an injury is permanent, that claim can include pain and suffering, not just bills and lost wages.
Keep in mind that Florida now gives you two years to file most injury lawsuits, and being found more than 50% at fault can keep you from recovering anything.
Frequently asked questions
Did Florida’s no-fault law end on July 1, 2026?
No. The 2026 repeal bills did not pass. PIP is still required, and the 14-day rule is still in effect.
Does the 14-day rule apply if the crash wasn’t my fault?
Yes. The 14-day rule is about your own PIP benefits, so it applies no matter who caused the accident.
Does PIP cover passengers?
Often, yes. Whose policy pays depends on whether the passenger has their own PIP coverage or lives with a relative who does. An attorney can help you sort it out.
Can I talk to a lawyer in Spanish?
Yes. Nicole is fully bilingual and handles cases directly in Spanish — no interpreter needed.
Hurt in an accident? Talk to Nicole today.
Call (813) 888-8383 or text (727) 798-7779 — you can even text from the scene.
Your first case evaluation is free, with no obligation. Serving Tampa, Orlando and Central Florida.
¿Prefiere español? Nicole atiende su caso directamente en español.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different — contact an attorney about your specific situation.