Florida · Reporting a crash · Updated Oct 2026
Reporting a car accident in Florida: police, state report and crash report copies
When to call the police or file your own report, and how to get the crash report.
Short answer
Call police right away (city police, sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol) if anyone is hurt or killed. Police complete a long-form crash report if anyone is hurt or complains of pain, a vehicle had to be towed, there was a DUI or hit-and-run, or a commercial vehicle was involved.
- Damage that requires a report
- $2,000
- Your own report is due within
- 10 days
- Crash report copies
- Can be ordered online (see below)
- Law
- Fla. Stat. §§ 316.065(1), 316.066(1)(a), (1)(e)
When to call the police in Florida
Always stop and help anyone who is hurt. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime in every state.
- When to call the police
- Call police right away (city police, sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol) if anyone is hurt or killed. Since October 1, 2026, you must also call if damage to any vehicle or other property looks like $2,000 or more. Before that date the amount was $500.
- Damage amount
- $2,000
- Law
- Fla. Stat. §§ 316.065(1), 316.066(1)(a), (1)(e); ch. 2026-39, Laws of Fla. (SB 488, effective Oct. 1, 2026)
- Official text
- Read the official text
Your own report to the state in Florida
- Your own report
- Police complete a long-form crash report if anyone is hurt or complains of pain, a vehicle had to be towed, there was a DUI or hit-and-run, or a commercial vehicle was involved. If the crash damaged a vehicle or property and police didn't make a report, you must send your own written report to FLHSMV within 10 days, on its approved form.
- Deadline for your report
- 10 days
How to get a copy of the crash report in Florida
- Buy a copy through the FLHSMV Florida Crash Portal.
- The fee is $10 per report plus a $2 convenience fee per transaction, and you download it within 48 hours.
- You can also get it by mail or at the nearest FHP troop station with a signed sworn statement.
- For the first 60 days, only the people in the crash, their lawyers, insurers and a few others can get it. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/
Florida has an online way to get at least some crash reports. Reports written by a city police department or sheriff may have to be requested from that agency; our free request letter can help.
More facts for Florida
- Since October 1, 2026, the damage amount that requires calling police rose from $500 to $2,000 (ch. 2026-39, Laws of Fla.; Fla. Stat. § 316.065(1)).
Recent changes in Florida
- Ch. 2026-39 (SB 488), approved April 21, 2026, effective Oct. 1, 2026: you must call police for apparent property damage of at least $2,000 (was $500).
Step by step after a crash in Florida
- Stop, help anyone who is hurt and call 911 if needed. Leaving the scene of a crash is a crime.
- Call the police when Florida law requires it. Call police right away (city police, sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol) if anyone is hurt or killed.
- File your own report if the rule applies to you. Police complete a long-form crash report if anyone is hurt or complains of pain, a vehicle had to be towed, there was a DUI or hit-and-run, or a commercial vehicle was involved.
- Exchange names, licenses, plates and insurance details, and take photos.
- Get a copy of the crash report. Buy a copy through the FLHSMV Florida Crash Portal.
- Tell your insurer and keep the report or case number.
Free help in Florida
Questions about reporting a crash in Florida
When do you have to call the police after a car accident in Florida?
Call police right away (city police, sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol) if anyone is hurt or killed. Since October 1, 2026, you must also call if damage to any vehicle or other property looks like $2,000 or more. Before that date the amount was $500.
How much damage has to be reported in Florida?
Since October 1, 2026, you must also call if damage to any vehicle or other property looks like $2,000 or more. Before that date the amount was $500.
Do I have to file my own accident report in Florida?
Police complete a long-form crash report if anyone is hurt or complains of pain, a vehicle had to be towed, there was a DUI or hit-and-run, or a commercial vehicle was involved. If the crash damaged a vehicle or property and police didn't make a report, you must send your own written report to FLHSMV within 10 days, on its approved form.
How do I get a copy of a crash report in Florida?
Buy a copy through the FLHSMV Florida Crash Portal. The fee is $10 per report plus a $2 convenience fee per transaction, and you download it within 48 hours. You can also get it by mail or at the nearest FHP troop station with a signed sworn statement. For the first 60 days, only the people in the crash, their lawyers, insurers and a few others can get it. https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/
What is the deadline for an accident report in Florida?
If the crash damaged a vehicle or property and police didn't make a report, you must send your own written report to FLHSMV within 10 days, on its approved form.
More for Florida drivers
- All car accident rules in Florida
- Comparative fault
- Uninsured driver
- Deadline to sue
- Accident reporting requirements in every state
- What to do after a car accident
- Fault and payout explainer
- Deadline calculator
- Insurance claim letter
- Police report request letter
Nearby states
- Fla. Stat. §§ 316.065(1), 316.066(1)(a), (1)(e); ch. 2026-39, Laws of Fla. (SB 488, effective Oct. 1, 2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 316.066 (2026)
- Ch. 2026-39, Laws of Fla. (SB 488), effective Oct. 1, 2026
- SB 522 (2026) no-fault repeal, died
- Fla. Stat. § 627.736 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 627.737 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 768.81 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 95.11 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 324.022 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 627.727 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 627.4265 (2026)
- Fla. Stat. § 768.28 (2026)
- FLHSMV: Traffic crash reports
- Florida DFS: Automobile Insurance FAQs
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.