Legally Reviewed by Frank Marsalisi on August 17, 2026
If you have been in a car accident anywhere in Florida, one of the first things you will need is your official crash report, also commonly called a Florida accident report. Insurance companies often request it, and it can help clarify important details about the accident, such as the parties involved, the location, and initial observations from the responding officer.
Here at Marsalisi Law, we help clients across St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area track down crash reports every week, and we know the process can feel confusing the first time you go through it. Here is how to get your copy quickly and understand what to do with it once you have it.
Option 1: Request the Report Online Through FLHSMV
The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) portal allows you to purchase and download your crash report online in most cases within days of the accident being processed.
You can order it through the FLHSMV Crash Portal by searching:
- Case number
- Driver information
- Date and location of the crash
There is a small fee for online reports, and the portal is generally the fastest option if the crash has already been processed into the state system.
Option 2: Request the Report From the Local Law Enforcement Agency
Depending on where the accident occurred, you may need to go directly through the agency that responded to the scene, including:
- Tampa Police Department
- St. Petersburg Police Department
- Clearwater Police Department
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Sarasota or Manatee law enforcement
Each agency maintains copies of the reports it creates and controls how those records are released. You can typically request the report in person or through their online records request systems, and processing times vary by department.
Option 3: Request Through the Florida Crash Portal After 60 Days
Florida law protects crash reports for the first 60 days after an accident. Only individuals directly involved, their representatives, or their insurance companies can access them during that time under Florida’s crash report confidentiality rules.
After 60 days, reports become public record and may be requested by members of the general public. This confidentiality window exists to protect the privacy of everyone involved while the report is still fresh, but it also means you should plan ahead if you need your copy quickly for an insurance deadline.
Information You May Need to Provide
To obtain your report, be prepared to give:
- Your name
- Date of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Driver license or ID
- Case number, if available
Having these details ready before you start the request process can save you a significant amount of back and forth with either FLHSMV or the responding agency.
What to Do If Your Crash Report Contains Errors
Crash reports are written quickly, often at the scene, and mistakes happen. An officer may misidentify a vehicle, record an incorrect statement, or note the wrong contributing factor. If you believe your report contains an error, you can typically submit a supplemental statement or request a correction directly through the reporting agency, though the agency is not required to change the officer’s original narrative.
This is one of the more overlooked reasons to have an attorney review your report early. A factual error in the report can shape how an insurance adjuster views fault, even if the error has nothing to do with what actually happened.
Why Your Crash Report Matters for Your Injury Claim
Your crash report is often one of the first pieces of evidence an insurance adjuster reviews, and it can shape the early direction of your claim before you have even spoken with anyone. It typically includes the responding officer’s observations, any citations issued, and a basic diagram of how the crash occurred.
Because Florida’s current negligence statute generally requires an injury claim to be filed within two years of the crash, pulling your report early and having it reviewed gives you and your attorney more time to build the rest of your case around it rather than scrambling later.
If You Need Help Understanding Your Crash Report
Crash reports can be detailed and sometimes confusing. A personal injury attorney can help review the report and explain what information may be important for your situation, including how insurers may interpret it.
Marsalisi Law offers free consultations for individuals who have questions after a car accident and want help understanding the next steps after reviewing their crash report. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form. Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Accident Reports
How soon can I get my Florida accident report after a crash?
Reports are often available through the FLHSMV Crash Portal within a matter of days once the crash has been processed into the state system, though timing can vary depending on the responding agency and how quickly the report is filed.
Who is allowed to access a crash report during the first 60 days?
During the first 60 days, access is generally limited to the people directly involved in the crash, their representatives, and their insurance companies. After 60 days, the report typically becomes public record.
What should I do if there is a mistake on my crash report?
You can typically submit a supplemental statement or request a correction through the agency that created the report. An attorney can also help identify errors that may affect how an insurance company views fault in your claim.
Does my insurance company need a copy of the crash report?
In most cases, yes. Insurance companies typically request the official crash report as part of processing a claim, since it documents the responding officer’s initial observations about how the accident happened.
How long do I have to file an injury claim after getting my crash report?
Under Florida’s current negligence statute, most injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the crash, not the date you obtained your report, so it is worth acting on your claim promptly.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, Marsalisi Law
Frank P. Marsalisi is the founding attorney of Marsalisi Law, representing injured people throughout St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area for more than 18 years. He is a member of the Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association and has been recognized on the Florida Super Lawyers list. Frank works directly with clients in English and Spanish and personally oversees every case his firm handles.
