Florida small crash paperwork starts before the report

After a Florida crash, stop and check for injuries. If there is only property damage, move the vehicle out of traffic when you can do so safely. Call 911 for an emergency. Call law enforcement for an injury or death, a hit-and-run, a driver who may be impaired, a vehicle that needs a tow, or a commercial vehicle. You should also call when the damage seems to reach the state reporting amount.

Through September 30, 2026, that amount is $500 under section 316.065. Chapter 2026-39 raises it to $2,000 on October 1, 2026. If you cannot tell how much the damage may cost, call local law enforcement instead of guessing beside the road.

Exchange names, addresses, license details, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Take photos of the vehicles, plates, road, location, and visible damage. These records preserve the scene without asking either driver to settle fault there.

If police do not make a report for a crash that damaged a vehicle or other property, the driver must send Florida a written self-report within 10 days. A police report can take up to 10 days to appear in the system. For the first 60 days, identifying details are limited to approved people, including the drivers and their insurers.

Keep the exchange form, report or self-report, claim number, photos, repair estimate, and messages in one file. As time passes, that paper trail will be clearer than memory.