How to Obtain a Town ‘n’ Country Florida Police Report
Traffic accidents in the Town ‘n’ Country area of Florida fall under the jurisdiction of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) — the law enforcement agency responsible for 888 square miles of unincorporated areas within our state. Surprisingly, the summer months of June and July tend to have the fewest traffic accidents in the state of Florida, with Hillsborough accounting for an average of 7% of the total.
It can be very difficult for an injured victim to keep track of everything that is happening. Your main focus is going to be getting medical attention for you and your family. Our firm is local and available to discuss the accident and investigate the Town ‘n’ Country scene on your behalf. Call Darrigo & Diaz now at (813) 774-3341 for a free consultation.
As the first responders care for the injured and tow trucks work on clearing the road, the Investigating Officer is focused on compiling information from involved parties and witnesses; after which they will write up the incident for the evidence record. You will usually receive the officer’s business card and case number, although the full Town ‘n’ Country Police Report won’t be available for another 3-5 business days.
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 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 the 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 Town ‘n’ Country 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 Town ‘n’ Country Police Report
The Public Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office coordinates all requests for Town ‘n’ Country Police Reports, which are processed and released according to Florida Public Records Statute §119.00.
There is no fee for a copy of your Town ‘n’ Country Police Report, whether or not you are an involved party. However, should your inquiry require extensive research or filmed recordings, you will be notified that a deposit is necessary prior to file your request.
Online
The Public Records Section of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office coordinates all requests for Town ‘n’ Country 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 Town ‘n’ Country 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 Town ‘n’ Country 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.
Darrigo & Diaz are in YOUR Corner!
In Hillsborough County alone, injuries from traffic accidents increased by 523 from 2017 to 2018. It is our firm’s deep commitment to giving our clients the strongest legal advantage they can find. Please reach out to Darrigo & Diaz at (813) 774-3341 to discuss your Town ‘n’ Country accident and to schedule a free case evaluation!
Not unexpectedly, Florida’s traffic accidents reach their highest numbers in the months of March, August, and December, again with Hillsborough averaging 7% of the state’s total. And the numbers keep rising every year. As disheartening as this may be, it only strengthens our firm’s dedication to provide our clients with the strongest legal advantage available. Please reach out to Darrigo & Diaz at (813) 774-3341 to discuss your Town ‘n’ Country accident and to schedule a free case evaluation!
