After a car accident, your first focus is often medical care and getting your car repaired. But before long, the insurance company will ask for the police report. This document locks in the basics: where and when the crash happened, who was involved, what the officer observed, and whether citations were issued.
Why does a crash report matter after a Florida accident?
It can also contain a diagram and the officer’s narrative, which insurers use when deciding fault. Without the report, you may face delays with your PIP claim, property damage claim, or a possible UM/UIM claim if the other driver has little or no insurance.
The sooner you request the report, the better. In most cases, the investigating officer has up to 10 days after completing the investigation to submit it. Once filed, you can request it online, in person, or by mail. At MANGAL, PLLC, we obtain reports for clients immediately to prevent delays.
How does Florida’s 60-day confidentiality rule affect your request?
Florida law makes crash reports confidential for the first 60 days after they are filed. During that period, only certain people can obtain a copy. Those include:
- Drivers and passengers listed in the crash
- Vehicle owners
- Lawyers for the parties
- Insurance companies involved in the claim
- Certain media and government agencies
If you qualify, you will need to complete a sworn statement and show ID. Without those, your request will be denied. After the 60-day window ends, the report becomes a public record and can be requested by anyone.
This rule often surprises drivers. Many assume they can just pay the fee and download the report right away. But unless you submit the proper paperwork, you may be stuck waiting.
Where do you order a Florida crash report online?
The fastest way is through the FLHSMV Florida Crash Portal. This is the state’s official system for distributing crash reports.
Here’s how it works:
- Each report costs $10, plus a $2 convenience fee per transaction
- You can order up to 10 reports per transaction
- Reports are delivered as PDFs
- You usually receive a download link by email
Be sure to download the file promptly and save a backup copy. The portal link can expire, and getting it resent can take time.
For clients at MANGAL, PLLC, we handle this process directly so they do not risk delays or technical issues.
Can you request a report in person or by mail?
Yes. If you prefer not to use the online portal, you can request the report directly from the law enforcement agency that investigated the crash. That may be the Florida Highway Patrol, a sheriff’s office, or a city police department.
If you go in person during the first 60 days, you must bring valid ID and a completed sworn statement form. Without both, the agency cannot release the report.
If you request by mail, you need to include payment, your notarized sworn statement, and enough information to locate the report. This usually means the crash date, location, and names of the drivers. Mail requests can take longer, so plan for a few weeks of processing time.
What forms and IDs do you need during the confidentiality period?
The required form is called the HSMV Sworn Statement for Crash Report Information (Form 94010). This verifies that you are legally entitled to receive the report within the 60-day window.
You will also need a government-issued ID that matches the name listed on the report. If you are an attorney or insurer, you will need to show proof of your role in the case.
When submitting in person, bring the form and ID together. For mailed requests, make sure your sworn statement is notarized to avoid rejection.
When is the report ready—and what if it isn’t?
Crash reports are not always available immediately. Officers are required to submit a long form report within 10 days after finishing their investigation, but that does not always mean 10 days from the crash itself. If the investigation is still open, the report may be delayed.
If you try to order and the report is not posted yet, call the records department of the investigating agency. Provide your case number, if you have it, or the crash date and location. They can confirm whether the report is pending or already submitted.
What’s the difference between Long Form and Short Form crash reports?
Florida requires officers to file a Long Form crash report when certain conditions are met. These include:
- Injury or death
- DUI or suspected impairment
- A hit-and-run crash
- A commercial vehicle involved
The Long Form crash report includes more detail. It often has the officer’s notes and a diagram of how the crash happened.
For smaller accidents with no injuries and only minor damage, the officer may use a Short Form report instead. That version is brief.
If you get a short form and your insurance company wants more proof, don’t panic. You can strengthen your file with photos, witness statements, or repair records.
Our car accident lawyer can also help add the missing pieces.
How do you use a crash report in your insurance claim?
Once you have the report, review it carefully. Check that names, license plate numbers, and insurance details are accurate. Look at the officer’s narrative and diagram to confirm they match what you remember.
Insurers rely heavily on this document. If it shows the other driver was cited or clearly at fault, that can strengthen your case. If something looks wrong, note the issue and gather evidence to correct the record.
At MANGAL, PLLC, we organize the crash report with photos, medical records, and repair estimates into one file. This way, insurers see a clear, consistent picture of what happened.
What if the crash report contains errors?
It happens more than people realize. An officer might write down the wrong VIN, misspell a name, or list the wrong location. Sometimes the notes just don’t explain the crash clearly.
You usually can’t make the officer change the report itself. But you can add a supplemental statement. This means sending the agency a short explanation with proof — things like photos, medical records, or witness details. The supplement then becomes part of the official file.
How do you get a Florida Highway Patrol report?
If the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) handled your accident, the process is similar but sometimes more centralized.
You can order FHP crash reports through the Florida Crash Portal, just like with other agencies. If you prefer to call, the FHP Crash Records office is available at 850-617-3416.
When contacting them, have your case number ready. If you don’t have it, provide the date, county, and names of drivers involved.
What mistakes slow people down when requesting a report?
Some delays are preventable. The most common issues we see include:
- Waiting for a mailed copy when the portal already has it
- Forgetting the sworn statement during the 60-day window
- Entering the wrong crash date or county in the search system
- Using a nickname that doesn’t match your ID
- Ignoring emails with the download link, which can expire
A small mistake can cost you weeks. Double-check the details before you submit the request.
How does the report help with PIP, UM/UIM, and liability disputes?
The police report isn’t just a formality. It plays a direct role in different parts of your claim:
- PIP (Personal Injury Protection): Confirms the crash date for the 14-day treatment rule and ties your injuries to the accident.
- UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage): Shows whether the at-fault driver lacked insurance or carried only minimum limits.
- Liability: Provides evidence about how the crash happened. Officer narratives, diagrams, and citations can all influence fault decisions.
Keep in mind that insurers don’t always accept the officer’s conclusion at face value. They will look for their own evidence. That’s why we pair the crash report with photos, witness statements, and medical records to give a stronger picture.
What if you’re a medical provider or body shop?
Providers often need crash reports to bill PIP correctly. A body shop may need the report to coordinate repairs with insurance.
If you’re a provider or shop, you may only access the report during the 60-day period if you qualify under the statute or have written authorization from the patient. After 60 days, the report becomes public, and anyone can request it.
What if you still can’t get the report?
Sometimes reports are held back. This usually happens when a criminal investigation is ongoing — for example, if DUI is suspected.
If you qualify for access but still can’t obtain the report, try these steps:
- Call the records unit directly and ask if the report is on hold.
- Re-submit the sworn statement with ID.
- Request review by the agency’s records supervisor.
- Ask your attorney to request the report on letterhead.
With persistence, most issues can be resolved.
FAQs about Florida crash reports
Do I need a police report to file a claim?
Usually, yes. Insurers expect it. You can report the claim first and send the report later.
How much does a Florida crash report cost?
Ten dollars per report plus a two-dollar transaction fee when ordered online.
Can I get the report before 60 days are up?
Yes, if you’re a party, lawyer, or insurer, and you submit a sworn statement with ID.
How long until the report is ready online?
Often about 10 days after the officer finishes the investigation. Timing can vary.
What if I don’t have a case number?
Search by crash date, location, and driver names. Or call the records office directly.
Is the officer’s fault decision final?
No. Insurers and courts make their own decisions. The report is one piece of evidence.
Key takeaways for Florida drivers
- Florida crash reports are usually ready within 10 days of the investigation.
- For the first 60 days, only certain people can access them with ID and a sworn statement.
- The easiest way is through the Florida Crash Portal at flhsmv.gov.
- Reports cost $10 each plus $2 per transaction fee.
- Always review the report for accuracy and submit supplements if needed.
- Keep digital and paper copies organized with your medical and repair records.
Ready to talk about your Florida car accident case?
After a crash, the police report is just the start. You still have to deal with medical bills, insurance deadlines, and questions of fault. At MANGAL, PLLC, we believe no one should face that alone.
We are proud to be voted the #1 injury firm in Central Florida and hold 5-star ratings on Google and Avvo. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions, retrieve your report, and guide you through the next steps.
Call (352) 320-2913 or email Team@LawByYourSide.com for a free consultation. Whether your accident happened in Clermont, Orlando, or anywhere in Central Florida, we are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
