Yes, car accident reports are public records in Florida and are available to anyone who requests them after a 60-day confidentiality period.
However, there are certain exceptions and limitations to what information is released. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of accessing car accident reports in the Sunshine State.
60-Day Confidentiality Period
Under Florida Statute 316.066, car accident reports are confidential and exempt from public record for 60 days after the date the report was filed.
During this 60-day period, the report can only be released to the parties involved in the accident, their legal representatives, insurance companies, prosecutors, and certain other individuals or entities outlined in the statute.
After the 60-day confidentiality period has expired, the car accident report becomes a public record and is available to anyone who requests it, subject to the redaction of certain personal information as mentioned earlier.
The 60-day confidentiality period is designed to protect the integrity of any ongoing investigation or legal proceedings related to the accident. It gives law enforcement agencies and other parties involved time to gather and analyze information without the risk of premature public disclosure.
Obtaining Reports During the Confidentiality Period
If you need to obtain a car accident report during the 60-day confidentiality period, you’ll need to fall under one of the eligible categories outlined in Florida Statute 316.066(2)(b). These include:
- Parties involved in the accident
- Legal representatives of the parties involved
- Insurance companies insuring the parties involved
- Prosecutors or law enforcement agencies
- Victim services programs, under certain conditions
- Certain government agencies, such as the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
If you don’t fall into one of these categories, you’ll need to wait until the 60-day confidentiality period has expired before requesting the report from the appropriate law enforcement agency.
It’s important to note that the 60-day confidentiality period applies specifically to car accident reports filed by law enforcement agencies in Florida. Other types of records or documents related to the accident may have different confidentiality rules or exemptions under Florida’s public records law.
What Information is Included in a Car Accident Report?
Car accident reports in Florida typically contain the following information:
- Names and contact details of the parties involved
- Details of the vehicles involved (make, model, license plate number)
- Location, date, and time of the accident
- Descriptions of the accident scene and any contributing factors
- Witness statements
- Diagram of the accident scene
- Police officer’s narrative and assessment of fault
Accessing Car Accident Reports
To obtain a copy of a car accident report in Florida, you’ll need to contact the law enforcement agency that investigated the accident. This could be the Florida Highway Patrol, a county sheriff’s office, or a municipal police department.
Most agencies allow you to request reports in person, by mail, or online. Be prepared to provide specific details about the accident, such as the date, location, and names of the parties involved. You may also need to pay a small fee to cover the cost of processing and copying the report.
Redacted Information
While car accident reports are generally public records, certain information may be redacted (blacked out) to protect the privacy of the individuals involved. This includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Home addresses and telephone numbers
- Information related to minors involved in the accident
Exceptions to Public Records Law
There are a few exceptions to Florida’s public records law that may affect the availability of car accident reports. For example, reports related to ongoing criminal investigations or active criminal intelligence information may be exempt from public disclosure.
Additionally, if a car accident report contains information that could jeopardize the safety of a witness or victim, that information may be redacted or withheld from the public record.
Practical Advice and Tips
- Act quickly: Car accident reports are only maintained for a limited time, so it’s best to request them as soon as possible after the accident.
- Be specific: Provide as much detail as possible about the accident when making your request to ensure you receive the correct report.
- Consider hiring an attorney: If you’re involved in a personal injury or insurance claim related to the accident, an attorney can help you navigate the process of obtaining and interpreting the report.
- Understand the limitations: While car accident reports can provide valuable information, they may not tell the full story or assign fault definitively.
In conclusion, car accident reports in Florida are generally considered public records and are accessible to anyone who requests them. However, there are certain exceptions and limitations to what information is released.
If you were involved in an accident and need help getting the report, contact a car accident lawyer for a free consultation.
