Florida Accident Reports
How to Look Up Your Accident Report in Florida Online
Get the documentation you need quickly. A step-by-step guide to accessing your crash report through official Florida channels.
By CHG Lawyers · Published September 18, 2026
How to Look Up an Accident Report in Florida: Online, By Mail & In Person
If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you’ll need the official crash report. It’s a public record anyone can request. Here’s how to get one quickly, what it costs, and how long it takes.
If you need help understanding your accident report details or have questions about a claim, we can help. Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in Florida?
Yes. Florida law makes crash reports public records. Anyone can request one—even if you weren’t in the crash.
Under Florida Statutes § 119.07(1)(a), law enforcement files official crash documents for public access. You don’t need to be a driver or passenger to get a copy.
Crash reports are kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) and local law enforcement. This includes the Florida Highway Patrol, city police departments, and sheriff’s offices.
Reports typically become available within 10–30 days of the crash. Timing depends on the investigating agency and how complex the incident is.
What Is the Difference Between a Police Report and an Accident Report?
In Florida, these terms mean the same thing.
A police report is the official record filed by law enforcement who investigated the crash. An accident report (also called a crash report) is that same document. It includes vehicle damage, reported injuries, citations issued, and the officer’s findings about what happened.
Both terms describe the official record you’ll need for insurance claims and legal purposes.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Florida Crash Report?
Processing time depends on how you request the report and how complex the crash is.
Typical timeline: – Simple, minor-injury crashes: 7–10 days – Standard crashes: 10–30 days – Complex crashes or active investigations: 30+ days – Online requests via the Florida Crash Portal: 1–3 business days
Online requests are usually fastest. Contact the investigating agency directly for an estimate specific to your case.
How to Look Up a Crash Report Online in Florida
The Florida Crash Portal is the main online tool for requesting crash reports in Florida.
What you’ll need: – Date of the crash – County where it occurred – Names of drivers involved (or vehicle information)
Steps: 1. Visit floridacrashportal.gov 2. Enter the crash details 3. Pay the fee (typically $10–$15) 4. Download or receive the report by email within 1–3 business days
You can also order through the DHSMV website by following the “Traffic Crash Reports” link. Both options are secure and easy to use.
Getting a Crash Report by Mail or In Person
By mail:
Send a written request to the DHSMV Records Bureau or the local law enforcement agency that investigated the crash.
Include: – Your name, address, and phone number – Date and location of the crash – Driver names or vehicle information
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks.
In person:
Visit the DHSMV office or the police department or sheriff’s office in the county where the crash occurred.
Bring: – A photo ID – The crash details (date, location, driver/vehicle info) – Cash or a check for the fee (policies vary by agency)
You’ll receive your report on the spot or within a few days.
Not sure what your next step is?
Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.
Contacting the Relevant Authorities
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): Handles crashes on state highways and interstates. – Call 1-800-CALL-FHP – Visit flhsmv.gov
Local police or sheriff: Contact the police department or sheriff’s office in the city or county where the crash occurred. Use the non-emergency line to ask about report status or request information.
Case or report number: If you have the report number from the scene, provide it to speed up your request.
Information You’ll Need When Requesting a Report
Have these details ready when you contact the agency or use the online portal:
- Date and time of the crash
- Exact location (city, county, highway name, or street address)
- Names of all drivers involved
- Vehicle information (license plate, VIN, or vehicle description)
- Your relationship to the crash (driver, passenger, witness, or third party)
- Case or report number, if you have it
Potential Fees Involved
Under Florida Statutes § 321.23, the standard fee for a crash report is $10.00 per report.
Online ordering may add a small processing or convenience fee (typically $2.00). Certified copies may cost $15–$25. Some agencies offer rush processing for an additional fee.
In rare cases, law enforcement may waive fees for victims or those with financial hardship. Ask when you request the report.
Do You Need a Police Report to File an Insurance Claim?
A police report isn’t always required to file an insurance claim, but it’s strongly recommended.
Insurance companies often request it to verify accident details and determine who was at fault. If the crash involved injury, property damage over a certain threshold, or citations, a police report was likely filed.
Having the official report speeds up the claims process. It also provides an objective account of what happened.
If no report was filed and you believe one should have been, contact the investigating agency to request one. Understanding how to file an insurance claim after an accident can help you move forward.
Have questions about what happened?
Ask our team directly. The first conversation is free, confidential, and there is no obligation to continue.
What Happens Next If You’ve Been Injured
Once you have the accident report, you have the official record of what happened. It shows the date, location, vehicles involved, and the officer’s observations.
If you or anyone in your vehicle was injured, the report is key documentation for your insurance claim and any potential legal claim.
Medical records, witness statements, and the accident report together form the foundation of your case. If the crash caused significant injury, ongoing back or neck pain, or other medical needs, you may have questions about your rights and what comes next.
The report itself doesn’t determine liability or compensation. But it’s the starting point for understanding what happened and what you may be entitled to.
If you need help understanding your accident report details or have questions about a claim, we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Florida accident report cost?
The standard fee is $10.00 per report under Florida law, plus a $2.00 convenience fee for online payments. Certified copies may cost more.
Can I get a Florida crash report the same day?
Online requests typically process in 1–3 business days. In-person requests at a police department or DHSMV office may be available immediately, depending on the agency’s availability.
What if I don’t have the exact date or location of the crash?
Contact the investigating agency with as much information as you have. They can help locate the report using partial details like approximate date, city, or driver names.
Is a police report required to sue after a car accident?
No, but it strengthens your case. If you were injured and the other driver was cited, the report provides official documentation of fault and injuries.
If the accident left you or someone in your vehicle injured, the crash report is just the first step. You may have questions about your rights and what you’re entitled to. Contact us for a free case evaluation. People in your situation contact our team regularly to discuss what happens after an accident and whether they have a claim.
Steps to Request Your Florida Accident Report Online
Visit the Official DHSMV Portal
Go to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) website. Look for the 'Crash Report Request' section under public records. You'll need basic information about the crash—date, location, and vehicle details.
Provide Required Information
Enter the crash date, county where it occurred, driver names, and vehicle information. The system will search for matching reports in the state database. Have your driver's license or ID handy for verification.
Pay the Fee and Submit
The standard fee is $10.00 per report, plus a $2.00 convenience fee for online payments. Submit your request securely. You'll receive a confirmation number for tracking.
Download or Receive Your Report
Online requests typically process in 1–3 business days. You'll be notified when your report is ready to download. Certified copies may take longer and may cost more.
What You Need to Know
What's in a Crash Report
Florida accident reports include officer observations, driver and witness statements, vehicle damage details, contributing factors, and injury information. This document is critical evidence if you're pursuing a claim.
Processing Times
Online requests usually take 1–3 business days. If you need the report urgently, some police departments and DHSMV offices offer in-person requests that may be processed faster.
Public Records Access
Crash reports are public records in Florida. You can request your own report, or if you were injured and represented by an attorney, your lawyer can obtain it as part of case investigation.
Why Your Report Matters
An official accident report documents what happened, who was involved, and contributing factors. It's essential documentation if you're filing an insurance claim or pursuing a personal injury case.
Injured in the Crash?
If you or a family member were hurt in the accident, don't wait. The report is one piece of evidence, but your medical records, witness statements, and legal guidance matter too. An attorney can help you gather all necessary documentation and understand your options.
Common Questions About Florida Accident Reports
Can I get a report if I wasn't the driver?
Yes. If you were a passenger, pedestrian, or witness, you can request the report. You'll need to provide details about the crash and your involvement. Some information may be redacted for privacy.
What if the report has errors?
If you believe information in the report is inaccurate, you can file a correction request with the law enforcement agency that issued it. Document the error and provide supporting evidence.
How long are reports kept on file?
Florida keeps crash reports on file for many years. You can typically request reports for accidents that occurred several years ago, though very old records may require additional processing time.
Do I need the report for an insurance claim?
Your insurance company will usually obtain the official report themselves, but having a copy helps you verify accuracy and ensures nothing is missed. It's also vital if you're pursuing a personal injury claim.