{"id":50691,"date":"2026-09-18T09:29:56","date_gmt":"2026-09-18T09:29:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/how-do-i-look-up-an-accident-report-in-florida-without\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T07:26:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T07:26:38","slug":"how-do-i-look-up-an-accident-report-in-florida-without","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/car-accident-settlements-florida\/how-do-i-look-up-an-accident-report-in-florida-without\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Look Up Accident Report in Florida Online"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Florida Accident Reports<\/p>

How to Look Up Your Accident Report in Florida Online<\/h1>

Get the documentation you need quickly. A step-by-step guide to accessing your crash report through official Florida channels.<\/p>

Need help with your case? Contact us for a free evaluation.<\/a><\/div>
Need help with your case? Contact us for a free evaluation.<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published September 18, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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How to Look Up an Accident Report in Florida: Online, By Mail & In Person<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n\n

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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.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Are Car Accident Reports Public Record in Florida?<\/h2>\n

Yes. Florida law makes crash reports public records. Anyone can request one\u2014even if you weren’t in the crash.<\/p>\n

Under Florida Statutes \u00a7 119.07(1)(a)<\/a>, law enforcement files official crash documents for public access. You don’t need to be a driver or passenger to get a copy.<\/p>\n

Crash reports are kept by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles<\/a> (DHSMV) and local law enforcement. This includes the Florida Highway Patrol, city police departments, and sheriff’s offices.<\/p>\n

Reports typically become available within 10\u201330 days of the crash. Timing depends on the investigating agency and how complex the incident is.<\/p>\n

What Is the Difference Between a Police Report and an Accident Report?<\/h2>\n

In Florida, these terms mean the same thing.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Both terms describe the official record you’ll need for insurance claims and legal purposes.<\/p>\n

How Long Does It Take to Get a Florida Crash Report?<\/h2>\n

Processing time depends on how you request the report and how complex the crash is.<\/p>\n

Typical timeline:<\/strong>\n– Simple, minor-injury crashes: 7\u201310 days\n– Standard crashes: 10\u201330 days\n– Complex crashes or active investigations: 30+ days\n– Online requests via the Florida Crash Portal<\/a>: 1\u20133 business days<\/p>\n

Online requests are usually fastest. Contact the investigating agency directly for an estimate specific to your case.<\/p>\n

How to Look Up a Crash Report Online in Florida<\/h2>\n

The Florida Crash Portal<\/a> is the main online tool for requesting crash reports in Florida.<\/p>\n

What you’ll need:<\/strong>\n– Date of the crash\n– County where it occurred\n– Names of drivers involved (or vehicle information)<\/p>\n

Steps:<\/strong>\n1. Visit floridacrashportal.gov\n2. Enter the crash details\n3. Pay the fee (typically $10\u2013$15)\n4. Download or receive the report by email within 1\u20133 business days<\/p>\n

You can also order through the DHSMV website<\/a> by following the “Traffic Crash Reports” link. Both options are secure and easy to use.<\/p>\n

Getting a Crash Report by Mail or In Person<\/h2>\n

By mail:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Send a written request to the DHSMV Records Bureau or the local law enforcement agency that investigated the crash.<\/p>\n

Include:\n– Your name, address, and phone number\n– Date and location of the crash\n– Driver names or vehicle information<\/p>\n

Processing typically takes 2\u20134 weeks.<\/p>\n

In person:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Visit the DHSMV office or the police department or sheriff’s office in the county where the crash occurred.<\/p>\n

Bring:\n– A photo ID\n– The crash details (date, location, driver\/vehicle info)\n– Cash or a check for the fee (policies vary by agency)<\/p>\n

You’ll receive your report on the spot or within a few days.<\/p>\n\n

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Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3>

Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Contacting the Relevant Authorities<\/h2>\n

Florida Highway Patrol (FHP):<\/strong> Handles crashes on state highways and interstates.\n– Call 1-800-CALL-FHP<\/a>\n– Visit flhsmv.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Local police or sheriff:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

Case or report number:<\/strong> If you have the report number from the scene, provide it to speed up your request.<\/p>\n

Information You’ll Need When Requesting a Report<\/h2>\n

Have these details ready when you contact the agency or use the online portal:<\/p>\n