How to Obtain a Car Accident Report in Washington County, FL

If you were recently involved in a traffic accident in Washington County, Florida, securing a copy of the official crash report is a vital step for resolving insurance matters, legal issues, or personal recordkeeping. In Florida, crash reports are managed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and local municipal police departments.

Who Can Access a Crash Report?

For the first 60 days following a crash, access to the crash report is restricted under Florida Statute §316.066. During this period, reports are only available to:

• Persons involved in the crash
• Registered vehicle owners
• Attorneys representing a party in the crash
• Licensed insurance companies and agents
• Law enforcement personnel
• Prosecutors and state attorneys
• Victim services organizations

After 60 days, crash reports become public record and are accessible to anyone.

How to Obtain a Crash Report in Washington County

You can obtain a crash report through any of the following methods:

1. Online via the FLHSMV Crash Report Portal

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides an online portal for convenient access to crash reports.

1. Visit the FLHSMV Crash Report Purchasing Portal .
2. Provide the required information:
   • Crash report number (if known)
   • Last name of an involved party
   • Date of the crash
   • County: Washington
3. Pay applicable fees:
   • $10.00 per report
   • $2.00 convenience fee

You will receive an email with a download link valid for 48 hours.

2. In Person at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office

If the crash was handled by the Sheriff’s Office, you may request the report directly at their headquarters.

Please bring the following:

• Valid photo ID
• Crash details (date, location, parties involved)
• Payment (usually $10.00)

3. Municipal Police Departments

If the crash occurred within a city jurisdiction, such as Chipley, you may also contact the local police department.

4. Request by Mail via FLHSMV

Crash reports may be requested by mail from the FLHSMV Crash Records Section.

Include the following in your request:

• A written letter with the date, location, and names involved in the crash
• Crash report number (if available)
• A self-addressed stamped envelope
• A check or money order for $10.00 made payable to FLHSMV

Allow 4–6 weeks for processing and delivery.

What’s Included in a Crash Report?

A Florida crash report typically contains the following:

• Date, time, and location of the crash
• Driver and vehicle details
• Insurance information
• Crash diagram and law enforcement narrative
• Road and weather conditions
• Witness statements (if available)
• Any citations issued

Additional Washington County Resources

• Florida Highway Patrol – Washington County Locations
• Washington County Clerk of Court

Reminder: Accessing crash reports during the 60-day confidentiality period without proper authorization is illegal under Florida law and may result in civil penalties.