Step 1: Figure Out Which Police Department Responded
Before leaving the accident scene, be sure to ask for the responding officer’s name, badge number, the accident report number, and the name of the police department they work for. The responding agency will depend on the location of your accident, and you can contact them to obtain a copy of your accident report.
If your crash happens outside Miami in a surrounding suburb, a local police department will usually respond. If it occurs on a major highway, Florida Highway Patrol may respond. Within Miami city limits, the Miami Police Department typically handles the scene, while crashes in unincorporated areas of Miami-Dade County may be handled by county law enforcement. Miami Beach is a separate municipality with its own agency, the Miami Beach Police Department.
Step 2: Information You’ll Need
Crash reports are only available to the parties involved, and you will need to provide some information to request the report, including:
- The date and time of the accident
- The location of the crash
- The accident report number
- Your name, phone number, and address
- The name of the driver involved
- The vehicle involved
Step 3: Request Your Report From the Correct Agency
Your accident report can be obtained in person or by mail, but submitting a request online through the responding agency is the fastest way to receive your report.
You can request a copy of your accident report through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles portal or via the agency’s public records request system. Officers have up to 10 days to file an accident report, so it should be available afterward.
The Miami Police Department’s online request form asks for your name, address, email, and phone number, as well as the case number, date, location of the accident, and the first and last names of the involved party and vehicle.
Reports can also be requested by mail by submitting a sworn statement for a crash report, and writing a request letter with the report you need. If you want to make your request in person, call the station in advance to schedule an appointment.
To request any of the public records from the Miami-Dade Police Department, you can call, send an email, or use the Sheriff’s Public Records Center online system.
The time it takes to receive your report can vary depending on the agency you request it from. The Miami Police Department may take weeks to process a records request, while records requested through the Highway Patrol’s portal may be available immediately.
How Payer Law Can Help Request Police Reports After an Accident in Miami
The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful, and the to-do list can feel never-ending. James D. Payer and his team can help you secure your police report and utilize the information to support your case. A police report can play a significant role in backing up your claims, helping you recover compensation for your injuries after an accident. Our lawyers take an aggressive, hands-on approach to every case, from the moment you sign with us until you receive compensation.
It Pays to Call Payer. In our firm’s 30-year history, we have recovered over $100 million in damages for Florida’s injury victims and do everything we can to support our clients and hold negligent parties accountable. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Miami, contact Payer Law today to schedule a free consultation or call (305) 363-7099.
FAQs About Miami Police Reports
How Long Do You Have To Obtain a Police Report?
There’s generally no short deadline to request a report, but you should obtain it as soon as possible for insurance and legal deadlines.
You can request a police report at any time, but it may take up to 10 days for responding officers to submit the crash report. Police reports become publicly available online after 60 days.
Does It Cost Money To Get a Police Report in Miami?
Yes, there is a cost to get a police report in Miami. Obtaining a crash report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles requires a $10 fee for each report and a $2 convenience fee per transaction.
