Accident Report in Florida

Rendering assistance

In case of a collision or accident, the operator of a vessel shall render assistance as is practicable and necessary, so long as this action does not gravely endanger the operator’s own vessel, crew and passengers. The vessel operator is also required to provide in writing their name, address, ID of vessel to other vessel in case of accident.

In some circumstances, the boater operating the vessel must submit a written accident report as detailed below. It is unlawful for any person operating a vessel involved in a boating accident to leave the scene without giving all possible aid to the involved persons and without reporting the accident to the proper authorities. Leaving the accident scene that results in a personal injury commits a third-degree felony while leaving the scene which results in property damage commits a second-degree Misdemeanor.

In the event of an emergency, any person who renders aid in good faith shall not be held liable assuming the injured victims do not object to aid and that you act as any other reasonable and prudent citizen would have acted under the same circumstances per 786.13, Florida Statutes 

When would a boating accident report be required in Florida?

An accident report must be made to one of the following authorities: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the sheriff of the county in which the accident occurred, or the police chief of the municipality in which the accident occurred, by the quickest means possible:

• If the accident results in injury beyond immediate first-aid, and in case of death or disappearance.
• When total damage to the boat and property is of at least $2000.00.
• When the boat is total loss.