Florida Motorcycle Licensing
Motorcycle License Endorsements, Training & Insurance
The content below is for informational purposes only and was last updated in July 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic RiderCourse Rider Handbook.
Operating a Motorcycle in Florida
To legally operate a motorcycle whose engine size is more than 50 cc in Florida, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Obtain either a motorcycle endorsement on your regular Class E operator’s driver license or a “Motorcycle Only” license, if you do not wish to obtain a regular driver license.
- Title and register your motorcycle.
Obtaining a Florida Motorcycle Endorsement
The requirements for obtaining a motorcycle endorsement include:
- Hold at least a regular Class E operator’s driver license.
- Complete the Basic RiderCourse (BRC) or Basic RiderCourse updated (BRCu) motorcycle safety course.
- Locate a driver license or tax collector office that issues driver licenses and inform them that you have completed the safety course.
- Pay the $7 endorsement fee at the driver license or tax collector office, as well as the applicable transaction fee. If you apply at a county tax collector office, you will be charged an additional $6.25 fee.
Obtaining a Florida Motorcycle License
The requirements for obtaining a Motorcycle Only license include:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Obtain a Learner’s License. If you’re between the ages of 16-18, you must hold the Learner’s License for at least one (1) year with no traffic convictions.
- Complete the BRC safety course.
- Locate a driver license or tax collector office that issues driver licenses and inform them that you have completed the safety course.
- Pay the Motorcycle Only license fee. If you apply at a county tax collector office, you will be charged an additional $6.25 fee.
Once you pay the required fees, your Motorcycle Only license will be issued, and you will be able to operate motorcycles only in Florida.
Motorcycle Education & Training in Florida
In Florida, you must pass the BRC course through a course provider authorized by the Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) to obtain your motorcycle endorsement or license. The requirements for enrolling in the BRC course include:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Hold a Learner’s License.
FLHSMV also recommends that you have a basic knowledge of traffic laws, road signs and general “road rules” before enrolling in the course. The BRC course provides instruction on managing the riding environment and avoiding crashes. It also includes on-cycle riding sessions to practice riding technique and crash avoidance skills.
Florida Motorcycle Insurance & Financial Responsibility Requirements
Florida does not require you to have insurance to register a motorcycle. However, insurance may be required in certain situations.
If you are charged in a crash involving injuries, you are financially responsible for bodily injuries and property damage caused to others. If you did not have liability insurance at the time of the crash, you must purchase and maintain bodily injury and property damage liability insurance for three years to avoid suspension of your driver’s license and motorcycle registration, or to reinstate them after a suspension.
Motorcycle Safety Laws in Florida
To ride without a helmet in Florida, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old; and
- Be covered by an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 in medical benefits.
FLHSMV states that you may use a current health insurance card, insurance policy, or insurance declarations page from a recognized health insurance provider to show proof of the required medical coverage. When you provide this card to law enforcement as proof of coverage, it must demonstrate that the coverage is current and in effect at that time.
Limited motorcycle medical coverage may also satisfy the medical benefits requirement, but Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage under a personal passenger vehicle policy is not sufficient coverage for either the operator or any passenger riding on the motorcycle.
All motorcycle operators must wear eye protection. Passengers are not required by law to wear eye protection, but FLHSMV recommends that they do for safety.
Next Steps
By now, you should have a solid understanding of how to obtain a Florida motorcycle endorsement — from endorsement requirements to safety strategy and insurance information.
If you’re a new rider or a new resident shopping for motorcycle insurance, click here or call 833-70-RIDER to get a quote in minutes, and make sure you have the right coverage before hitting the road.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is based on the most reliable information available as of the date of publication. Motorcycle laws are subject to change. For legal guidance and to ensure you have the most up-to-date information, please consult qualified legal counsel or your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The FL DHSMV requires motorcyclists to have current coverage that meets the state’s minimum requirements on all registered vehicles. Before riding in Florida, make sure your coverage meets the state’s requirements.
To make sure you have the right coverage at the right price, come see what Rider can do for you.
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