Understanding Florida Crash Records
How to Find Local Car Accident Reports in Florida
Public crash data helps you understand what happened, build your claim, and hold negligent drivers accountable.
By CHG Lawyers · Published September 13, 2026
Car Accident Public Records in Florida: How to Access Crash Reports
Car accident public records in Florida are open to everyone. Police departments and state agencies document every crash. You can get this information free or for a small fee.
If you were injured in a car accident, finding the crash report is your first step. The report shows what happened and who was at fault. It also supports any car accident claim you pursue.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Why You May Need Car Accident Public Records
You might search for car accident information for many reasons:
- A loved one was in an accident.
- You want to understand traffic safety in your area.
- You’re researching a specific incident to learn what happened.
If you or someone close to you was hurt, the crash report matters. That information helps you understand the facts and decide your next steps.
Are Car Accidents Public Record in Florida?
Yes. Traffic crash reports are public records in Florida and nationwide. Police and highway patrol agencies document accidents as part of their official duties.
Public access to crash data serves important purposes:
- It promotes transparency in law enforcement.
- It helps the public understand local traffic safety.
- It gives accident victims the facts they need to make informed decisions.
How to Access Car Accident Public Records for Free
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) maintains traffic incident data. You can access current and recent incidents on their website. The data includes location, time, and basic crash details.
Local police departments and sheriff’s offices also keep accident reports. Call your local police non-emergency line and ask about a specific accident. Many municipalities post traffic summaries online or share information through local news.
For real-time information, traffic apps and GPS services show crash locations and road delays.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
How to View a Crash Report in Florida
A formal crash report typically includes:
- Date, time, and exact location
- Names of the parties involved
- Description of how the accident occurred
- Vehicle information
- Citations or violations issued
- Whether injuries were reported
To get an official crash report, request it from the responding agency. This is usually the local police department, sheriff’s office, or Florida Highway Patrol.
Here’s what to expect:
- Provide identifying information: Have the date, location, or case number ready.
- Choose your method: Some agencies allow online requests. Others require in-person or mail requests.
- Expect a small fee: Most agencies charge $5–$15 for a copy.
- Allow time for processing: Requests typically take 5–10 business days.
Contact the agency directly if you’re unsure where to send your request.
What Information Is in Public Crash Reports?
Public crash reports contain substantial detail:
- Date, time, and exact location of the accident
- Names and contact information of drivers and witnesses
- Vehicle information (make, model, license plate, VIN)
- Description of how the accident happened
- Citations or violations issued
- Whether injuries were reported
- Sometimes insurance information
This information is crucial if you need to file a car accident claim. It establishes the facts and helps identify who was at fault.
Accessing Crash Reports in Other States
The firm handles cases nationwide. Each state maintains its own system:
- Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles provides statewide crash data reports
- North Carolina State Highway Patrol maintains searchable crash reports
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offers an online crash information tool
- Ohio Department of Public Safety provides crash data access
- Illinois State Police and Missouri State Highway Patrol also publish crash information
The process varies by state, but all maintain public records. Contact that state’s highway patrol or DMV directly for help locating a specific report.
What to Do If You Were Injured in a Car Accident
Gathering information about the accident is your first priority. Understanding what happened, where, and who was involved creates a factual foundation.
In Florida, you have a limited time to pursue a claim. Under Florida Statute §95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a negligence claim. Missing this deadline means losing your right to recover.
Florida also applies comparative fault rules. Under Florida Statute §768.81, if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still have a claim. But the rules are strict.
An attorney can help you obtain and interpret crash reports. They can determine fault and explain what you might recover. They can also handle communication with insurance companies and protect your rights while you heal.
Want to know where you stand?
Tell us what happened and our team will walk you through the options available to you, at no cost.
FAQ
Can I get a copy of a crash report online in Florida?
Some Florida agencies allow online requests through their websites. Others require in-person visits or mail requests. Contact the responding agency to find out their specific process.
How long does it take to get a crash report?
Most agencies fulfill requests within 5–10 business days. Expedited requests may be available for an additional fee.
What if I don’t know the case number or exact location?
Provide as much detail as you can: the date, the city or neighborhood, and the names of the drivers involved. The agency can usually locate the report with this information.
Are all details in a crash report public?
Most information is public. Some personal details (like Social Security numbers or certain witness information) may be redacted for privacy.
What should I do with the crash report if I was injured?
Keep it in a safe place and share it with your attorney. It’s a key document for any claim you pursue.
If you or someone you care about was hurt in a car accident, the crash report is just the beginning. Many people in your situation reach out after gathering the police report and realizing they need guidance on whether they have a claim and what it’s worth.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. We can review your crash report, explain your rights, and help you understand your next steps. “`
Where to Request Your Crash Report
Local Police Department
If the accident happened in a city or town, the local police department typically files the initial report. Contact them directly to request a copy—many now accept online requests through their websites.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
Crashes on state highways and interstates are usually handled by FHP. You can request reports through their website or by contacting your local FHP post directly.
Sheriff's Office
In unincorporated areas, the county sheriff's office handles accident reports. Check your county's sheriff website for their specific request process.
Miami-Dade, Broward & Other Major Counties
Large Florida counties often have dedicated online portals for crash report requests. Visit your county's official website to find the fastest method for your area.
What You Need to Know About Getting Your Report
Have Your Case Information Ready
Gather the date, time, location, and any case or report number from the accident. The more details you provide, the faster the agency can locate your report.
Expect a Processing Timeline
Most Florida agencies fulfill requests within 5–10 business days. Some offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need it faster.
Understand What's in the Report
The official crash report includes officer observations, driver statements, witness information, vehicle damage details, and sometimes preliminary fault findings—all crucial for your claim.
Use It to Strengthen Your Claim
An official report is powerful evidence. It documents what happened, identifies the responding officer, and provides a neutral account that supports your side of the story.
Don't Wait to Act
While you're gathering your crash report, evidence at the scene fades, witnesses move away, and memories blur. The sooner you document everything and understand your rights, the stronger your position. An attorney can help you collect the right evidence and build your case while you focus on recovery.
Common Questions About Florida Crash Reports
Can I get a report online?
Many Florida agencies now offer online requests through their websites. Some still require in-person visits or mail requests. Contact the responding agency directly to find out their process.
What if I don't know which agency responded?
Start with the city or county where the accident occurred. You can also call the non-emergency police line and provide the date, time, and location—they'll direct you to the right department.
Is there a fee?
Yes, most agencies charge a small fee (typically $5–$15) for crash reports. Some offer free digital copies online, while others charge for certified copies by mail.
How long does the report stay available?
Florida keeps crash reports on file for many years. You can request yours long after the accident, though older reports may take longer to locate.
Your Report Is Just the Starting Point
An official crash report documents what happened, but it doesn't determine who pays for your injuries, lost wages, medical care, or other damages. That's where legal guidance matters. If you've been injured in a car accident—whether it's a minor fender-bender or a serious, life-altering crash—understanding your rights and your options is critical.