After a car accident in Fort Lauderdale, one of the first documents you’ll need is the official police accident report. Insurance companies, medical providers, and sometimes even repair shops rely on this record to verify what happened and determine liability. You can request a Fort Lauderdale police accident report online through the Florida Crash Portal, or in person from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Records Division. Each method has its own requirements and processing times.
If you have trouble locating your report—or if the details don’t seem accurate—a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help track down the correct file, request corrections, and ensure your report fully reflects the facts of the crash.
How to Get Your Fort Lauderdale Police Accident Report Online
Most Fort Lauderdale crash reports are available online through the Florida Crash Portal, a service managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). This is the fastest and most convenient way to access your report.
Requesting Through The Florida Crash Portal
You can get your accident report online in a few simple steps:
- Visit the Florida Crash Portal.
- Select “Request Your Crash Report Online.”
- Enter the required details, such as the crash date, the county (Broward), and the name of an involved driver.
- Pay the $10 fee per report using a debit or credit card.
- Download the report once it’s available—typically within 10 business days of the crash.
Crash reports are confidential for the first 60 days after the accident. During that time, only certain parties can access them, including:
- Individuals involved in the crash
- Attorneys and insurance companies representing those parties
- Law enforcement agencies
After 60 days, the report becomes part of the public record. If you experience technical issues with the Florida Crash Portal or can’t locate your report, you can also request it directly from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Records Division.
How to Get a Fort Lauderdale Police Accident Report in Person
If you prefer to pick up your report directly, or if you’re unable to locate it online, you can request a copy from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Records Division. In-person requests are often helpful when you need a certified report or when the crash is still under review.
Fort Lauderdale Police Department – Records Division
1515 West Cypress Creek Road
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (excluding holidays)
Note: The address on Cypress Creek Road is a temporary location while the main office undergoes construction. Please make sure you check the office location before going in person.
Make sure to bring:
- A valid photo ID (driver’s license or state-issued ID)
- The crash report number, or the date, time, and location of the accident
- $0.15 per page for standard copies (fees may vary slightly for certified versions)
You may need to fill out a short records request form at the counter. Reports are usually available within 10 days of the crash, but ongoing investigations can delay release.
You can also make your request by:
- Phone: 954-828-5465
- Email: PublicRecords@flpd.gov
- Online: The City of Fort Lauderdale Police Public Records Request
If you’re unsure whether the police report has been filed or which agency handled it, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can help determine the right point of contact and request the records on your behalf.
Understanding Your Police Accident Report
Every crash in Fort Lauderdale that involves injuries, serious property damage, or traffic disruption is documented in an official police accident report. This record provides an objective account of the incident and serves as one of the most important pieces of evidence for insurance and injury claims. Understanding who files your report—and what information it includes—can help you confirm that every detail is accurate before relying on it for your case.
Which Agency Files the Report
The agency responsible for creating your accident report depends on where the crash occurred:
- Fort Lauderdale Police Department (FLPD): Handles most crashes within city limits.
- Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO): Covers unincorporated areas and certain county roads.
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP): Responds to accidents on major highways, including I-95, I-595, and U.S. 1.
Police accident reports are designed to capture the key facts of a collision. Most include:
- Driver and vehicle details: Names, contact information, and insurance coverage.
- Officer’s narrative and crash diagram: A summary of how and where the collision occurred.
- Road and weather conditions: Lighting, surface type, and nearby traffic controls.
- Witness statements and citations: Observations from those involved and any tickets issued at the scene.
Reviewing your report soon after it’s available helps ensure accuracy and gives you the opportunity to address any errors or missing information before it affects your insurance claim or case.
Correcting or Clarifying Information in a Report
It’s not uncommon to find small mistakes or missing details in a police accident report. Officers complete these documents quickly, often at chaotic crash scenes, so errors in vehicle information, contact details, or even how the collision occurred can happen. Correcting those issues early helps ensure your insurance claim or injury case is based on accurate information.
If you notice an error, contact the Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s Records Division as soon as possible. You can:
- Visit the Records Division in person or email their office with your report number and a short written explanation of the correction needed.
- Provide any documentation that supports your request—such as photos, repair estimates, or witness statements.
- Ask whether the officer who filed the report can issue a supplemental report to clarify or amend the original entry.
Even a minor mistake—like the wrong lane position or vehicle make—can affect how insurers or investigators interpret the crash. Reviewing your report carefully ensures that key facts align with the evidence.
If you’re unsure how to request a correction or believe the report doesn’t accurately reflect what happened, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can review it for inconsistencies, gather supporting documentation, and communicate with law enforcement on your behalf.
Get Help Reviewing Your Fort Lauderdale Police Accident Report
Obtaining your accident report is a vital step toward resolving your insurance claim and understanding what happened after a crash. Whether you request it online or in person, this document contains the key details insurers and investigators rely on to determine fault and responsibility.
If you find errors, have trouble locating the right report, or simply want to be sure it reflects the full story, Anidjar & Levine can help. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer from our team can review your report, request corrections when needed, and use the information to strengthen your claim for compensation. Call today for a free consultation with a member of our team.
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