Guide
Car Accident With No Police Report in Florida
Sometimes police don’t come to a minor crash, or don’t write a report. That doesn’t always mean nothing needs to be filed. Here is what Florida requires and what you can do.
By Swift Accident Help Editorial Team · Last reviewed · General information, not legal advice
Key takeaways
- Crashes involving injury, death or apparent damage of $500 or more must be reported to law enforcement immediately.
- If no officer investigates, Florida provides a driver self-report form, HSMV 90011S.
- Some local agencies have their own online self-report — check the agency for where the crash happened.
- Your own records — photos, witness details, medical visits — matter even more without a police report.
When a crash must be reported
Under Florida law, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or apparent damage of at least $500 to any vehicle or property must report it immediately, by the quickest means, to the local police (inside a city) or otherwise to the sheriff or the Florida Highway Patrol.
Modern repair costs mean even a dented bumper can reach $500. If you are unsure, report it.
Filing a driver self-report
When a crash is reported but no officer investigates, drivers can complete FLHSMV’s Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report), form HSMV 90011S. Some agencies also offer their own self-report process — for example, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Orlando and Fort Lauderdale police departments have online options, listed on our Jacksonville, Orlando and Fort Lauderdale pages.
Check with the agency for where the crash happened about the process and any deadline that applies.
Protecting yourself without a police report
- Write down the other driver’s name, address, registration, licence and insurance details.
- Photograph the vehicles, plates, damage and scene.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers.
- Tell your insurer about the crash promptly.
- Get medical care within 14 days if you are hurt — Florida PIP generally requires it.
Frequently asked questions
The other driver asked me not to call the police. Is that OK?
If the crash involves injury, death or apparent damage of $500 or more, Florida law requires it to be reported to law enforcement. Agreeing to handle it privately doesn’t change that.
Can I still claim on my insurance without a police report?
Insurance claims don’t always require a police report, but one helps. Tell your insurer promptly and give them your own records.
Where do I get the self-report form?
FLHSMV publishes form HSMV 90011S online. Some local agencies have their own self-report process.
Sources
Official sources this page relies on. Laws and procedures change — check the source for the current version.
- Florida Statutes § 316.065 — Crashes; reports; penalties — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- Florida Statutes § 316.066 — Written reports of crashes — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
- HSMV 90011S — Driver Report of Traffic Crash (Self Report) — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Crash Records and Crash Reporting — Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
- Florida Statutes § 627.736 — Required personal injury protection benefits — The Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)
Related help
- How to get a Florida crash reportThe Florida Crash Portal, fees, and who can get a report in the first 60 days.Read more
- What to do after a car accident in FloridaA step-by-step checklist for the scene, the next few days and the weeks after.Read more
- When the insurance company callsRecorded statements, what to share and how to keep a record.Read more
- Florida car accident helpEverything in one place: the scene, insurance, reports, deadlines and getting help.Read more
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