Howard Coker | December 21, 2025 | Car Accidents
After a car accident, many drivers are unsure what steps to take next. One of the most common questions is: How long do you have to file a police report in Florida? The answer depends on how serious the accident was, whether anyone was injured, and whether property damage occurred.
Florida law sets clear rules for when crashes must be reported. Waiting too long or failing to report the accident at all can create problems later, even if it seemed minor at first. Knowing when a police report is required can help you avoid fines, protect your insurance claim, and preserve your legal rights.
When Is a Police Report Required in Florida?
Florida law requires a police report for certain types of accidents. In these situations, the crash must be reported immediately, not hours or days later.
A police report is required if the accident involves:
- Injury to any driver, passenger, pedestrian, or bicyclist
- The death of any person
- Apparent property damage of $500 or more
- A hit-and-run driver
- A suspected impaired driver
If any of these apply, you must notify law enforcement right away. This usually means calling 911 from the scene. An officer will respond, investigate the crash, and prepare an official report.
If no officer responds, you may still have reporting obligations.
What if the Accident Seems Minor?
Some accidents do not require an officer to be present at the scene. This usually applies when there are no injuries, and the damage appears minimal. Even then, drivers still have responsibilities.
If law enforcement does not respond, drivers should:
- Exchange names, addresses, and insurance information
- Take photos of the vehicle damage and the scene
- Document the time, location, and circumstances of the crash
In some cases, Florida allows drivers to file a crash report themselves. This is typically done through an online crash report system or by submitting paperwork to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
While a self-report may satisfy legal requirements, insurance companies often prefer official police reports.
How Long Do You Have to File a Police Report After the Accident?
If a police officer does not respond to the scene, Florida generally requires a crash report to be filed within ten days of the accident. This deadline applies to self-reported crashes that meet reporting thresholds but did not involve law enforcement at the scene.
Missing this deadline can lead to complications, including delays or disputes with insurance companies. Filing as soon as possible is always the safest approach.
Why Police Reports Matter for Insurance Claims
Police reports play a major role in insurance claims. They provide an official record of what happened and often include important details.
A police report may include:
- Statements from drivers and witnesses
- The officer’s observations
- Diagrams of the crash scene
- Citations or violations issued
Insurance adjusters rely heavily on these reports when deciding fault and coverage. Without a report, insurers may question what happened or reduce the value of a claim.
What Happens if You Fail to File a Police Report?
Failing to file a required police report can cause several problems. In some cases, it may result in fines or traffic penalties. More often, the issue appears later during an insurance or legal claim.
Problems that may arise include:
- Denial or delay of insurance benefits
- Difficulty proving how the accident occurred
- Disputes over fault
- Reduced compensation
Even if the accident seems small, injuries and damage can become worse over time. Having a report helps protect you if issues surface later.
How Police Reports Affect Florida’s No-Fault System
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system. This means drivers usually turn to their own personal injury protection coverage first, regardless of fault. However, police reports still matter.
Police reports help establish:
- That the accident occurred
- When and where it happened
- Whether injuries were reported at the scene
This information can be important if injuries worsen or if a claim goes beyond basic no-fault benefits.
Contact the Jacksonville Car Accident Attorneys at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
Understanding how long you have to file a police report in Florida can help you avoid unnecessary problems after an accident. Serious crashes must be reported immediately, while others must be reported within a short window if law enforcement does not respond.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Jacksonville, FL, Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will gather evidence and build a strong case for your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact the Jacksonville personal injury law firm of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers and schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL