Ever tried getting a police report in Florida? It’s like solving a puzzle. The state’s mix of public records laws and strict privacy protections turns a simple request into a bureaucratic challenge. While Florida claims transparency, privacy laws complicate the process, making it far from straightforward.
Getting police reports in Florida can be challenging. You might want a police incident report or law enforcement records. To succeed, you’ll need to know Florida’s public records law.
Requesting the Police Report
- Determine which law enforcement agency handled the case. This could be a local police department, sheriff’s office, or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) for state-level cases.
- Contact the records division of the relevant agency. Most agencies allow you to request reports in person, by mail, or online. Phone or email requests are typically not accepted.
- Provide as much information as possible about the report you’re requesting, including:
- Names of individuals involved
- Date and location of the incident
- Case or incident number (if known)
- Be prepared to show proper identification, especially if requesting your own records.
- Pay any required fees. Costs vary but are typically around $0.15-$0.20 per page for standard copies.
Considerations
- Public Records Law: Most police reports in Florida are considered public records under Chapter 119 of Florida Statutes, unless specifically exempted.
- Confidentiality Period: Crash reports are confidential for 60 days after filing, except for involved parties and certain authorized individuals.
- Active Investigations: Reports related to ongoing investigations may not be immediately available.
- Sealed or Expunged Records: These are not publicly accessible and require special procedures to obtain.
Florida State Statute 119 says police reports are public records. Most reports are open within 10 business days. But, some reports have rules. For example, traffic crash reports cost $10 and are found on the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Portal.
You can get police reports in Florida in a few ways. You can visit the local police department, use online portals, or send a mail request. Each way has its benefits and drawbacks, based on what you need and the report type.
Some police report details are private or not for the public eye. For example, personal info in crash reports is private for 60 days. Knowing this can help you avoid wasting time and effort.
Florida’s Public Records Law
Florida’s Public Records Law is in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. It covers how to manage public records in Florida. This law ensures that you can still access these documents, even with automation.
Florida State Statute 119 and Its Implications
This law covers all state and local government units in Florida. You can ask for public records in many ways, like fax, email, letter, in person, or by phone. Agencies must answer quickly, but there’s no exact time limit.
Time Frame for Report Availability
Usually, you can get Florida crime reports in about 10 business days. Traffic crash reports are private for 60 days, but you can get them if you’re involved. Body-worn camera footage takes up to 21 days to be released. 911 call recordings are yours after 60 days.
Confidentiality and Exemptions in Police Reports
Some reports or parts might not be shared or are private. You can get reports on robberies, burglaries, and car thefts. Agencies might charge for copying or putting together documents:
- Up to 15 cents for one-sided documents
- 20 cents for two-sided documents
- Extra charges for a lot of tech use or staff time
Check out the Government-in-the-Sunshine manual for help with Florida’s open government laws. It’s from the Attorney General’s Office. This guide can help you understand how to get police documents in Florida.
Methods to Receive Police Reports in Florida
Florida’s efforts to make police reports more accessible have made it easier for you to get them. You can now find these documents in different ways. Let’s look at your choices.
Visiting the local police department in person
You can go to your local police department’s records section to ask for a report. This is usually the fastest way to get one. Getting the report might take up to 10 business days.
Please bring a valid ID and be ready to pay a fee. The cost varies by department.
Requesting reports online through official portals
Now, many Florida police departments let you access reports online. You can use sites like the Police Public Records Center or the FLHSMV Crash Portal. These online options are part of making law enforcement more transparent.
Mailing in requests for police reports
If you prefer the old-school method, you can mail your request. This is good for specific reports, such as O/I Reports, FTC Reports, and Police Clearance Letters. Make sure to include the report number, payment, and the department’s address.
Send your request to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for traffic crash reports.
FAQ
What law governs public access to police reports in Florida?
In Florida, the Public Records Law, as stated in Florida State Statute 119, sets the rules for accessing police reports.
How long does it typically take for a police report to become available?
Florida law says police reports are usually ready for the public in up to 10 business days.
Are there any exemptions or confidentiality provisions for certain types of police reports?
Yes, some police reports or parts of them are not public. For instance, traffic crash reports are private for 60 days. This rule doesn’t apply to those directly involved or certain groups. Also, footage from body cameras and 911 calls might have special rules for sharing.
How can I obtain a copy of a police report in Florida?
You can get a police report in Florida through:
1. Visiting the local police department’s records section
2. Using online portals like the Police Public Records Center or FLHSMV Crash Portal
3. Sending a request by mail to the police department with the right payment and reference number
What are the fees associated with obtaining a copy of a police report in Florida?
Getting a police report in Florida costs $0.15 per single-sided page and $0.20 per double-sided page. Certified copies are $1 each, and Police Clearance Letters are $5. Traffic crash reports from the FLHSMV Crash Portal are $10 each.