Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Florida? The New $2,000 Rule

If you need to report a car accident in Florida, the rules changed on October 1, 2026. A new state law raised the property damage amount that requires drivers to notify police from $500 to $2,000. Crashes with any injury or death must still be reported right away. Below we explain what the law requires, the duties every driver has at the scene, and how a police report can protect an injury or insurance claim. This article is general information, not legal advice.

Do You Have to Report a Car Accident in Florida? The Short Answer

Under section 316.065, Florida Statutes, the driver of a vehicle involved in a crash must immediately, by the quickest means available, notify law enforcement when the crash causes injury to or death of any person, or damage to any vehicle or other property in an apparent amount of at least $2,000.

Who you call depends on where the crash happened: the local police department if it happened inside a city, or otherwise the county sheriff's office or the nearest Florida Highway Patrol station. In an emergency, calling 911 is the fastest way to reach help. Not giving the required notice is a noncriminal traffic infraction under the statute.

• Anyone hurt or killedReport the crash to law enforcement right away, no matter how small the damage looks.
• Apparent damage of $2,000 or moreReport the crash to law enforcement right away, even if no one seems hurt.
• No injuries and damage clearly under $2,000The police notice rule does not apply, but your other duties at the scene still do (see below).
• Not sure?Damage is hard to judge by eye. When in doubt, call.

What Changed on October 1, 2026

The change comes from Senate Bill 488, which the Legislature passed and the Governor approved in April 2026 (Chapter 2026-39, Laws of Florida). It took effect on October 1, 2026. The only change to this reporting rule is the dollar amount: the old law required notice for apparent property damage of at least $500, and the new law sets that amount at $2,000.

What did not change: any crash that injures or kills someone must still be reported immediately, and the duties to stop, help the injured and exchange information are the same as before.

Why You Should Still Call Police After Many Smaller Crashes

The new rule means you are not legally required to call police for every fender bender. But not having to call is different from it being a good idea not to. Calling is often the better choice because:

• Damage is hard to estimate at the scene. Bumpers, sensors and cameras on newer cars can make a minor-looking dent expensive to repair. If the damage turns out to be $2,000 or more, the notice was required.
• Injuries can show up later. Neck, back and head injuries are not always obvious in the first hours after a crash.
• A report records the facts while they are fresh. It can include the drivers, vehicles, insurance, witnesses and what each person said, which helps when the other driver later tells a different story.

When an officer investigates, Florida law (section 316.066, Florida Statutes) requires a long-form crash report if the crash caused death, injury or any complaint of pain or discomfort, involved leaving the scene or DUI, left a vehicle needing a tow truck, or involved a commercial motor vehicle. For other crashes, the officer completes a short-form report or gives the drivers an exchange-of-information form.

Your Duties at the Scene of a Florida Crash

These duties apply to every crash, whether or not police must be called:

1. Stop and stay. Under section 316.061, Florida Statutes, a driver in a crash that damages a vehicle or property must stop at or as close as possible to the scene and remain there until the information exchange is done. Leaving can be a crime.
2. Help anyone who is hurt. Section 316.062 requires reasonable assistance to injured people, including arranging medical care when it is needed or requested. Call 911.
3. Exchange information. Give your name, address and vehicle registration number, and show your driver license if asked, to the other driver, injured people and any officer.
4. Show proof of insurance. Each driver must give the investigating officer proof of insurance.
5. Document everything. Take photos of all vehicles, the road, traffic signs and any injuries, and get the names and phone numbers of witnesses.
6. Get checked by a doctor. To use your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) medical benefits, you generally must receive initial medical care within 14 days after the crash. Every case is different, so speak with an attorney to confirm the deadline that applies to you.

For a fuller checklist, see our guide on what to do after a car accident in Florida.

If Police Do Not Write a Report: The Driver Report

Florida law also covers crashes where no law enforcement report is required. Under section 316.066, Florida Statutes, the driver of a vehicle in a crash that damages a vehicle or other property, when no law enforcement report is required, generally must submit a written report of the crash to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) within 10 days after the crash. Every case is different, so speak with an attorney to confirm the deadline that applies to you.

Keep a copy of anything you file, along with your photos and the other driver's information.

How Reporting a Car Accident in Florida Protects Your Claim

Florida is a no-fault state, so your own PIP coverage usually pays first for medical bills and lost wages, up to its limits. If your injuries are serious enough, you may also have a claim against the at-fault driver. Learn more in Is Florida a no-fault state?

In both situations, insurers look closely at how the crash happened. A police report, photos and witness names made at the time are often the strongest early evidence. Without them, it can come down to your word against the other driver's.

For most negligence claims, Florida generally allows two years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit. Every case is different, so speak with an attorney to confirm the deadline that applies to you.

If you were hurt, our Miami car accident lawyer can review the report, deal with the insurance companies and explain your options. The consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we recover. Hablamos español.

Frequently Asked Questions