How to Obtain a Dover Florida Police Report
When it comes to traffic accidents in the Dover area of Florida, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is in charge. The HCSO is the law enforcement agency responsible for 888 square miles of unincorporated areas within the state — a category which includes the census-designated place (CDP) of Dover. Unfortunately, Hillsborough crash statistics continue to rise each year. In the first 4 months of 2019, there were 65 more crashes than the same time period of 2018.
At the scene of the crash, law enforcement concentrates on pulling in the necessary first responders, obtaining information from involved parties and witnesses, and writing up the incident for the evidence record. You will want to obtain the officer’s business card and case number before leaving the location, although the official police report won’t be available for another 3-5 business days.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a collision it can be very disconcerting and stressful. Here at Darrigo & Diaz, our local personal injury law firm is highly experienced and prepared to discuss your accident and investigate the scene on your behalf. Call us now at (813) 774-3341 for a free consultation.
This resource page is provided as a public service to guide you through pertinent Florida statutes while offering the most expeditious methods for obtaining your Dover Police Report.
Florida Laws for the Custody and Release of Police Reports
Florida Traffic Control Statute § Section 316.066 (Written Reports of Crashes) mandates that all accident Police Reports requests less than 60 days old must be accompanied by a Sworn Statement, a copy of your current photo identification and proof of your exemption which allows you access.
Florida mandates that Police Reports are confidential documents for the first 60 days after the accident. As such, they are only available within this confidential timeframe to exempt parties; defined as involved parties, their representatives, attorneys, and insurance carriers as well as qualified media members.
After 60 days have passed the Police Reports become public records, and no sworn statement or identification is required for copies; although additional approval may be necessary for criminal incidents.
WARNING Any person, knowing that he or she is not entitled to obtain information made confidential by the above law, who obtains or attempts to obtain such information, is guilty of a felony of the third degree.
Requesting a Copy of Your Dover Police Report
The Public Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office coordinates all requests for Dover Police Reports, which are processed and released according to Florida Public Records Statute §119.00.
There is no fee for a copy of your Dover Police Report, whether or not you are an involved party. However, should your inquiry require extensive research, statements, or filmed recordings, you will be notified that a deposit is necessary prior to fill your request.
Online
The Public Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office coordinates all requests for Balm records, which are processed and released according to Florida Public Records Statute §119.00.
HCSO Public Records Request Center
Please note that under Florida law, email addresses are a public record in which law enforcement agencies, as custodians, are required to release if discovered in response to another’s public records request.
Sworn Statement This fillable form from the FLHSMV department is for use by exempt parties, as described at the beginning of this section, during the first 60 days after the accident (aka the confidentiality period).
By Phone
HCSO Records Section
Phone: (813) 247-0960
In-Person
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Florida has jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas within the county, including yours. All Police Reports for Dover are maintained at the location below in Ybor City:
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Freddie Solomon Annex
Records Section
1900 East 9th Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33605
Hours: 7:00 am – 4:00 pm
Days: Monday – Friday
Closed Holidays
By Mail
A letter of request for your Dover Police Accident Report may be mailed to the following address:
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
Records Section
P. O. Box 3371
Tampa, Florida 33601
If it is within 60 days of the accident date, these records are confidential and only exempt parties and their representatives are allowed to access them. You must include a copy of your driver’s license to verify your identity and involvement in the accident, your case number, and your notarized Sworn Statement.
Once the Police Reports have become public records, no sworn statement or identification is required for non-criminal accident report copies.
Local Personal Injury Attorneys Available Now
Within the first 4.5 months of 2019, Hillsborough County traffic accidents resulted in 74 fatalities– already 42.53% of the prior year’s 12 month total. As disheartening as that statistic may be, it only strengthens our firm’s deep commitment to providing our clients with the strongest legal advantage available.
Please reach out to Darrigo & Diaz at (813) 774-3341 to discuss your Dover accident and to schedule a free case evaluation!
