If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, obtaining the accident report can be an essential step in proving liability and securing compensation for damages. Accident reports are useful when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing legal claims, as they contain important details about the incident.
In some states, you must contact the specific law enforcement agency that responded to your accident, such as a city police department or state highway patrol. Fortunately, Florida makes the process easier. All crash reports are accessible through the Florida Crash Portal. This portal is overseen by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
Our Florida personal injury lawyers will walk you through the process of looking up an accident report in Florida and explain how it can help your case.
Did You Experience Injuries in a Car Accident? You May Have a Lawsuit.
Why Do You Need An Accident Report?
An accident report, also known as a crash report, provides critical information about the accident, such as:
- Time, date, and location of the crash
- The parties involved, including contact information
- Descriptions of injuries and property damage
- Statements from witnesses and officers’ observations
- Any citations or violations
In Florida, these reports are crucial because they serve as official documentation of the incident, which can play a key role in establishing fault and supporting your insurance claim. If the crash resulted in injury, death, or significant property damage, Florida law mandates that the involved parties file a report with the police.
If you need the other driver’s insurance information, you will need to get a copy of the crash report or a copy of your Self-Report of Traffic Crash. Mail or fax the copy and the Insurance Request Form to the address included on the form and allow 10 business days for processing.
How To Obtain An Accident Report In Florida
Florida law allows you to request your accident report through several methods. You’ll typically need the report if you are:
- Filing an insurance claim
- Pursuing legal action
- Seeking compensation for medical bills or car repairs
Here’s how you can obtain your report.
Option 1: Request The Report Online
The most convenient way to access your crash report is through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) online portal. This portal provides access to accident reports filed by law enforcement agencies across the state.
Steps to access a Florida crash report online:
- Visit the FLHSMV website.
- Navigate to the “Buy a Crash Report” section.
- Search for your crash report by providing the required information. This includes the date of the accident, the driver’s name, or report number.
- Pay the $10 fee (plus a $2 convenience fee) to download the report.
- Download your crash report. You will be emailed a download link. You must download the report within 48 hours of making your request.
Important Tip – Crash Reports Are Typically Available for 60 Days After an Accident
Only parties involved in the accident and authorized parties can access the report within the first 60 days. After this period, the report becomes publicly accessible. You will need to provide a copy of your driver’s license to prove your eligibility to buy the report.
Option 2: Obtain The Report In Person
Visit the local law enforcement agency that responded to your crash. Bring valid ID and crash details (date, location, etc.). This could be:
- City police (like Miami or Orlando PD)
- Sheriff’s Office
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
Some agencies may charge a fee or require you to request it in advance.
Option 3: Request By Mail
You can also send a request by mail to the responding agency or FLHSMV. Be sure to include:
- The crash date and location
- Your contact info
- A check or money order for $10
It can take 10+ business days to receive the report this way.
How Long After an Accident is My Police Report Available?
Florida law enforcement has up to 10 days to file the report. If you’re trying to retrieve it sooner, it might not be available yet.
Once submitted, it will remain in the FLHSMV portal for 60 days, after which it becomes public. During that initial period, you’ll need to show ID proving you’re an involved party.
You Don’t Need to Navigate This Alone — Let Payer Law Help You
Don’t risk going it alone or waiting too long. There are strict deadlines in Florida for filing both insurance claims and lawsuits. If you’re thinking about filing a car accident claim — or even if you’re unsure what to do next — our team can:
- Get the crash report for you
- Review your rights and legal options
- Handle communication with the insurer
- Help you file a claim or lawsuit if the crash meets Florida’s serious injury threshold
