After A Crash
Fla. Stat. 316.027 — stop, stay, give your information, and report
In Florida, a driver in a crash on public or private property that injures someone stops at or as close to the scene as possible and stays until the duties to give information and render aid are met. Willfully leaving is a third degree felony where the injury is not serious, a second degree felony where it is serious bodily injury, and heavier still where someone dies.
- The driver gives name, address and the vehicle's registration number, and shows a license on request, to anyone injured and to the other driver or whoever is attending damaged property, and to any officer at the scene or investigating.
- The driver renders reasonable assistance to anyone injured.
- If no one is able to receive the information and no officer is there, the driver reports the crash to the nearest police authority.
After a crash damaging only a vehicle or property that someone is driving or attending, the driver stops at or near the scene, without blocking traffic more than necessary, and stays until the information duties are met. Leaving is a second degree misdemeanor.
| The report | When |
|---|---|
| The reportInjury, death, or apparent damage of at least $2,000 | WhenImmediately, by the quickest means, to the city police, or otherwise the sheriff or the Highway Patrol |
| The reportProperty damage that no officer reports | WhenA written report to the department within 10 days |
The duty to give information to an officer writing a crash report does not extend to information that would violate the privilege against self incrimination.
Sources for this section (5)
- Fla. Stat. 316.027 — Crash involving death or personal injuries
- Fla. Stat. 316.061 — Crashes involving damage to vehicle or property
- Fla. Stat. 316.062 — Duty to give information and render aid
- Fla. Stat. 316.065 — Crashes; reports; penalties
- Fla. Stat. 316.066 — Written reports of crashes
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Florida attorney.