Accidents
In 1915 the town of Fellsmere, Florida was the first locality south of the Mason-Dixon line to grant women the right to vote — a full 5 years before the passage of the 19th Amendment! This event would prove to be just the start of a long list of ‘open government’ benchmarks set by the state.
In 1967, Florida was the first state to adopt the Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, an extension of the Public Records Law of 1909. Former Florida attorney general, Pam Bondi, made an oft-repeated statement that “in Florida, transparency is not up to the whim or grace of public officials. Instead, it is an enforceable right.” Florida’s police report regulations demonstrate the willing transparency of its government — by giving privacy rights to involved parties for 60 days, thereafter allowing the documents to become public record.
Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is one of the oldest Treasure Coast personal injury law firms, with multiple local offices for easy client access. We welcome your questions and have adopted a free traffic accident case evaluation for victims. Allowing us to put our 35 years of experience to work for you could be a priceless call to make.
As a public service for our citizenry and visitors alike, Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd is pleased to share this resource page with you. Each location page is structured to provide you with specific instructions obtained from the local law enforcement records divisions; in this case from the City of Fellsmere Police Department. Florida rule of law is also referenced as it pertains to our content.
Section 316.066 of the Florida Statutes define the regulations for the supervision, control, and lawful release of traffic accident reports throughout the state. The following outline describes the two-step path of these official documents, as they move from confidential status to open public record.
Confidential Period – First 60 Days
Once the traffic crash report has been submitted to the Fellsmere Police Department, the 60-day confidentiality timeline begins. This custodial measure protects the privacy rights of those with ‘exemption’ (involved parties, their attorneys and the insurance carrier) time to assess the facts and implications of the officer’s narrative.
During this timeline, a request for a copy of the police report requires a valid photo ID from a party who is named within the report. The records administrator may, at their discretion, require additional proof in the form of a ‘sworn statement’ witnessed by a notary or law officer. This affidavit is available to download from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Public Record – After 60 Days
Once the confidentiality period has passed, the police reports are now deemed to be ‘public record.’ Requests for these traffic accident police reports do not require signatures, nor identification or sworn statements. You may also request a public record 60 days after the accident for $12.00 on the new Florida Crash Portal.
Your Fellsmere police report may be requested in person, by mail, or email. During the first 60-day confidential period all requests must provide a valid ID, and be named in the report. If your request is by mail or email you may download and enclose this sworn statement from the Florida HSMV as proof of your eligibility. After 60 days there is no signature or identification required — only the date of the accident and your contact information.
Hard copies of the police report are 15-20 cents per page, however, there is no charge to receive it by email. Fees may be paid with cash in person, or by check or money order through the mail.
Fellsmere Police Department
Records Administrator
21 South Cypress Street
Fellsmere, FL 32948
Phone: (772) 571-1360, ask for traffic records
Email: [email protected]
Days: Monday – Friday
Hours: 8:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Closed: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm for lunch
If a traffic accident happens on the Interstate or a state highway, the Florida Highway Patrol has jurisdiction. These law enforcement officers often respond to emergencies on surface streets along the Treasure Coast due to the proximity many cities have to the freeways.
Within the confidential timeline (first 60 days), you may obtain a police report copy in person at the following FHP office which is the closest one to Indian River County. After 60 days, the FHP accident police report is now public record and may be purchased online at the Florida Crash Portal.
Florida Highway Patrol
2929 N 25th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
Phone: (850) 617-3416, option #1
When you suddenly find yourself the victim of a traffic accident in Fellsmere, your whole world stops. You worry about your injuries, the damage to your transportation, your loss of income and the impact this is going to have on your family. We understand.
One thing you can take right off your stressful list of concerns is lawyer fees. Not only does Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd provide a free attorney consultation, but there are not any payments required throughout our pursuit of your claim. When we win, you win. When you get paid, we get paid.
Call us for a free case evaluation at (772) 794-7774!
Complete our confidential evaluation form to have your case reviewed for free by our attorneys and staff.
An attorney or intake specialist will contact you directly to discuss your case at no cost to you.
From the moment you hire us, we will stand behind you, fighting to get the results you deserve.
As the law firm Florida has trusted for over 40 years to fight on their behalf, we are more than ready to represent you. Put our experience and reputation to work. If you need help with any legal matter, whether it’s a personal injury, workers’ compensation, disability or bankruptcy case, contact us now. The consultation is absolutely free.
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