Accidents
Considered an optimal retirement community, Palm City’s suburban environment is comprised of nearly 60 subdivisions amongst yacht clubs, golf courses, and country clubs. Over 84% of Palm City’s 24,537 residents (Est 2017) are owner-occupants, populating the spacious 9,344 acres ideally tucked in between the St. Lucie River and the Florida Turnpike.
Palm City is an unincorporated town that is classified as a CDP (census-designated place) by the U.S. Census Bureau. Its governmental functions are carried out by Martin County offices, and traffic accidents are within the purview of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
The standard no-fault insurance required of all Florida drivers may give the mistaken impression that they possess a Get Out of Jail Free card, no matter who caused the accident. Not so fast. Without legal guidance, a victim’s unintentional omissions or incomplete knowledge of their rights might trigger their justifiable claim to ‘fall off the radar.’
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has been locally established for nearly 40 years. We are committed to excellence as we consistently strive to achieve the best outcomes for our neighbors and Treasure Coast visitors. Our free case review and zero out-of-pocket payment policies are designed to diminish the financial burden you shouldn’t have to deal with now.
As a gesture of public service, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is proud to share our Palm City police reports resource page with our community residents and visitors. Our content includes relevant Florida statutes and personal research derived from each referenced law enforcement agency. It is our intention to provide a clear path for victims of Treasure Coast traffic crashes who are searching for their police reports.
In 1967, Florida became a benchmark for the openness it demands in government and business regulations by adopting the first U.S. Sunshine Law. The custody and release regulations for Palm City police reports demonstrate the Sunshine Law in action, as it protects the rights of Floridians while improving public trust ‘through willing transparency.’
Florida Statute Section 316.066 defines the circumstances and parameters for law enforcement crash reports; including a timeline for submission, supervision, and control and protection of personal information. The following 2 steps describe the flow of these documents as they move from confidential status to open public record.
Confidential Period – First 60 Days
Following a traffic accident, the investigating officer has up to 10 shift days to submit a completed crash report to their agency. Once reviewed and approved by their superiors, the report is turned over to the records custodian. And so, the 60-day confidentiality timeline begins — protecting the rights of ‘exempt parties,’ allowing time to assess the facts and implications of the data.
‘Exempt parties’ are defined in the statute as ‘individuals directly involved in a traffic crash.’ Their legal representatives and insurance carrier are also allowed access on their behalf, as is the certified media. During the confidential period, you must present a valid photo ID and be named in the document.
A witnessed sworn statement may also be required for additional proof of exemption. This affidavit must include a promise that the requested documents will not be used to solicit accident victims, nor be disclosed to any 3rd-party with this intention.
Public Record – After 60 Days
Once the 60-day confidentiality period has passed, all Florida traffic accident police reports become ‘public record.’ As such, they are now accessible by any party upon payment of the statutorily required fee of up to $10.00 each and may be purchased online at the new Florida Crash Portal for an added $2.00 transaction fee per report. Requests for public records do not require photo ID or sworn statements.
During the 60-day privacy period, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office requests that you obtain your police report in person, or through your attorney or insurance carrier. There are sworn statement forms available from the records clerk, or you may download and use Form #94010 on the website of the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Department.
If you were personally involved in the accident, your copy of the basic police report is free, however, there may be a charge for extensive research or inclusion of videos, etc. After 60 days of privacy, requests from uninvolved parties may be purchased for 15-20 cents per page; payable with cash, money order or check.
Contact details for obtaining your records are provided as follows:
Martin County Sheriff’s Office
Records Custodian
800 SE Monterey Road
Stuart, FL 34994
Hours: Monday – Friday
Days: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed: Holidays
Phone: (772) 220-7050, ask for traffic records
Email: [email protected] (inquiries only)
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
If your traffic accident should occur on the I-95 or the Turnpike, the Florida Highway Patrol has jurisdiction. At times, the FHP will respond to surface street emergencies along the Treasure Coast due to the resident’s proximity to the freeways.
Within the confidential timeline (first 60 days), you may acquire a police report copy in person at the jurisdictional FHP office closest to your accident location. After 60 days the document is deemed ‘public record’ and may be purchased online at the Florida Crash Portal. Palm City’s nearest FHP office is noted below for your convenience:
Florida Highway Patrol
2929 N 25th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Phone: (850) 617-3416, option #1
With multiple full-service offices along the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee, the law firm of Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd has you covered! For nearly 40 years we have dedicated our full attention to each and every accident victim’s claim that comes our way.
We’re in the neighborhood! Our team has lived here for generations, and our Port St. Lucie branch office is just a 20-minute drive up US-1 N from Palm City. Please don’t hesitate to connect with us at (772) 344-7770 for a free case review with our traffic accident attorney.
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