Fla. Stat. § 627.736

PIP & No-Fault Insurance

Florida’s no-fault system means your own insurance pays first — but only $10,000, only if you act within 14 days, and only until your injuries clear a threshold. Here is how it works.

Attorney-Reviewed Statute Resource
Reviewed by Christopher Walsh, Personal Injury Trial Attorney (Fla. Bar #127459). Last reviewed: June 2026

What "No-Fault" Means

Florida is one of a handful of "no-fault" states. Under § 627.736, every driver must carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays your own medical bills and lost wages — up to $10,000 — regardless of who caused the crash.

The Governing Statute
Fla. Stat. § 627.736 — Personal Injury Protection (No-Fault)
"Every insurance policy [providing personal injury protection] shall provide … benefits … to a limit of $10,000 … for loss sustained … as a result of bodily injury … arising out of the ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle."
Read the full statute on Online Sunshine →
PIP — Key Rules
Coverage: Up to $10,000 (often only 80% of medical bills).

The 14-day rule: You must seek initial medical care within 14 days of the crash, or PIP can be denied entirely.

The emergency-condition rule: Full $10,000 generally requires an "emergency medical condition"; otherwise the limit may be just $2,500.

Stepping Outside No-Fault

PIP is often not enough for a serious injury. To step outside no-fault and sue the at-fault driver for full damages — including pain and suffering — your injury must cross the serious-injury threshold: permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or significant loss of an important bodily function. Whether you meet it is often hotly contested.

Where It Gets Complicated

  • The 14-day deadline, which people miss without realizing the cost.
  • PIP denials and reductions by insurers.
  • Proving the serious-injury threshold to unlock a full claim.
  • Coordinating PIP with health insurance and medical providers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my own insurance pay if the other driver caused the crash in Florida?
Yes, initially. Florida’s no-fault system (§ 627.736) means your own PIP coverage pays your medical bills and lost wages up to $10,000 regardless of fault. To recover more, you generally must meet the serious-injury threshold and pursue the at-fault driver.
What is the 14-day rule for PIP in Florida?
You must seek initial medical treatment within 14 days of the accident to be eligible for PIP benefits. Missing this deadline can cause your PIP claim to be denied entirely, which is why prompt medical care is critical.
When can I sue for pain and suffering after a car accident in Florida?
Because Florida is a no-fault state, you generally must meet the serious-injury threshold — permanent injury, significant scarring or disfigurement, or significant loss of an important bodily function — to step outside PIP and pursue pain and suffering from the at-fault driver.

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This page summarizes Fla. Stat. § 627.736 for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Statutes change; while this page is reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney, always verify the current text on the official Online Sunshine source or consult an attorney about your specific situation. Serving Martin, St. Lucie, Palm Beach, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties.