How to Get Broward County Accident Reports
In the aftermath of a car accident, especially one involving severe injuries or significant property damage, getting an official police or accident report is one of the most important steps a victim can take. These reports serve as critical documentation, outlining key details such as the time, location, involved parties, witness statements, and the responding officer’s initial assessment. Insurance companies, legal teams, and the courts often rely heavily on these reports to determine fault and evaluate claims. Without official Broward County police incident reports, it becomes much harder for victims to prove what happened and pursue the compensation they’re entitled to.
As of July 2025, there have been 20,390 reported crashes in Broward County, and the numbers will only continue to climb, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Crash Dashboard. For each of these reported accidents in Broward County, a police report is generated, regardless of the severity of the collision. At Hollander Law Firm, we’re committed to supporting our local community, not just by offering legal support, but also by making it easier for crash victims to access this important information. We hope this information helps to explain how to obtain a Broward County accident report, whether you’re looking to request one online, in person, by mail, or over the phone, so you can take the next step toward securing the compensation you deserve as a car accident victim.
Table of Contents
How to Get a Broward County Police Report Online
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Broward County, getting official copies of Broward County police reports online is a convenient and straightforward process. Follow the steps below to access your accident report through the Broward County Sheriff’s Office online portal:
- Visit the Broward County Sheriff’s Office Website – Start by going to the official Broward County Sheriff’s Office website.
- Click on the “Records” Tab – At the top of the homepage, you’ll see a green navigation menu running across the screen at around eye level. Click on the last option labeled “Records.”
- Review the Records Request Information – You’ll be taken to a new page on their website that contains important information about the public records request process. Please read this section carefully to understand the available documents and the proper procedure for requesting them through the Broward County Sheriff’s Office.
- Access the Online Portal – After reading through the information, scroll down and click the green rectangle labeled “To access our online portal and request your records, CLICK HERE.” This will take you to the online records request page.
- Submit a Records Request – On the portal page, you’ll see several boxed options in a vertical line. Click the first one labeled “Submit a Records Request.“
- Choose “General Public Records Request” – On the next screen, click the first box titled “General Public Records Request.“
- Select “Crash/Accident Report” – This will take you to another page with more options in boxes. Click on the second box that says “Crash/Accident Report.”
- Choose to Submit Anonymously or Create an Account – At this point, you’ll be prompted to either log in to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website, create an account, or submit your request anonymously. If you’d like to proceed without creating an account, click the anonymous submission option, towards the bottom of the page, in a gray box.
- Follow the Prompts – After selecting your submission method, follow the prompts to provide the necessary information about your accident so that the system can identify your specific report. This typically includes the date of the crash, the location, and the names of involved parties (if known).
- Receive Your Report – Once your request is processed, you’ll be able to view, download, or print your Broward County accident report directly from the portal.
By following these simple steps, you can swiftly obtain Broward County police accident reports online, which can help you move forward with your insurance claim or legal case.
How to Get a Broward County Police Incident Report by Mail
If you prefer to request your Broward County police incident report by mail, you’ll need to complete an official request form, commonly referred to as a Sworn Statement. This step is required under Florida Statute § 316.066, which governs access to crash reports and other traffic-related records, as they are not all considered to be public record. The sworn statement verifies your legal eligibility to obtain Broward County accident reports that are related to your collision, such as being an involved party, a legal representative, or an insurer.
Be sure to fill in all required information to avoid delays, including the date and location of the crash, the names of individuals involved if they are known, and any relevant case or report numbers. Processing times may vary, so it’s recommended to allow for adequate mailing and handling time when requesting your report by mail.
How to Make a Broward County Police Report Request by Phone
In most cases, Broward County police accident reports are not available over the phone due to legal and privacy restrictions. Florida law requires that certain information, such as a sworn statement or proof of involvement in the collision, be submitted before a report can be released, which typically cannot be handled over the phone.
However, if you live out of state or have unique circumstances that make it difficult to request your report online or by mail, it may be worth calling to speak with someone directly. The Records Division can guide your options and clarify what documentation or steps may be required.
You can contact the Broward Sheriff’s Office Records Division at (954) 831-8700.
How to Get a Broward County Sheriff’s Office Police Accident Report in Person at a Location Near You
If you’d rather request your police accident report in person, you can visit your local Broward County Sheriff’s Office location during business hours. Upon arrival, a staff member from the Records Division will be available to assist you with the process. In most cases, you’ll be asked to fill out a request form before they begin searching for your report.
Make sure to bring a valid form of ID and any relevant details about the accident, such as the date, location, and names of individuals involved. Depending on your eligibility under Florida law, you may also be required to complete a Sworn Statement to access the report if it falls within the 60-day confidential period following the crash.
Visiting in person can be helpful if you have questions or need assistance managing the request process. It also allows you to clarify any missing information that might delay the release of your report.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Broward County Accident Report?
In Broward County, the cost to obtain a police accident report isn’t specified on the BCSO website. However, fees may apply when requesting records, depending on the type of record and the time required to process the request. These charges are set by Florida law. If your request involves a fee, you will receive a cost estimate before any work is completed.
Additional fees may apply for certified copies, expedited services, or obtaining them from third-party sites, especially if you are requesting the report by mail and require return postage. Payments can usually be made by credit card, money order, or check, depending on the method you choose, whether it is online, in person, or by mail. Always check the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website or contact the Records Division to confirm the most up-to-date fee schedule.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Broward County Accident Report Through the Broward County Police Report Lookup?
The time it takes to receive your Broward County accident report can vary depending on how you request it or how you filed your police report. If you use the online portal, reports are often accessible within a few business days after submission, provided the report is already available in the system.
According to information posted on the Broward County Sheriff’s Office website, their Records Unit is currently experiencing a backlog due to increased workload and limited staffing. They state that they are working diligently to process public records requests in the order they are received. Accident report requestors are advised not to submit duplicate requests, as doing so may further delay the processing time.
What Documentation Is Required to Get the Broward County Accident Report?
To request a Broward County accident report, you will need to provide documentation that proves you are legally entitled to access it—especially if the request is made within the 60-day confidentiality period set forth by Florida law (§ 316.066, Fla. Stat.). Acceptable documentation may include:
- A Sworn Statement accident request form confirming your involvement or legal interest in the case
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Information related to the accident, such as the date, location, and names of parties involved
- Any relevant case or report number, if available
If you are requesting the report online, the portal may prompt you to submit the sworn statement digitally or allow you to proceed anonymously if the 60-day period has passed.
What Does the Broward County Accident Report Include?
A Broward County accident report provides a detailed summary of the motor vehicle crash as documented by the responding law enforcement officer. Key information in these collision reports typically includes:
- Date, time, and location of the accident
- Names and contact information of involved drivers, passengers, and witnesses
- Vehicle descriptions, including make, model, and license plate numbers
- Insurance information for the involved parties
- A description of the accident from the responding officer on how the crash occurred
- Any citations issued or suspected violations of traffic laws
- Weather and road conditions at the time of the incident
- Diagrams or sketches of the crash scene
Broward County Sheriff’s Office accident reports serve as vital documentation when filing insurance claims or pursuing legal action for injuries or damages.
Need Help Getting Broward County Police Accident Reports After a Crash?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Broward County, getting an official copy of your accident report is a very important step toward protecting your rights. At Hollander Law Firm, we’re here to help you understand the process and take the next steps to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with serious injuries, property damage, or complex insurance claim issues, our experienced team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers is ready to support you. Contact us today for a free case consultation and let us help guide you through your accident claim, starting with getting your Broward County police report.
Free no-obligation consultation!