How to Get a Copy of a Police Report After Domestic Violence in Florida

This article provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different. Talk to a lawyer in Florida for advice about your specific situation.

Experiencing domestic violence is overwhelming, and dealing with police and paperwork afterward can feel confusing or even scary. If law enforcement came to a domestic violence incident in Florida, they usually create a police report. That report can be an important record for your safety, court cases, immigration, housing, and more.

This guide explains, in plain language, how to get a copy of a police report after domestic violence in Florida, what parts may be confidential, and how to think about safety while requesting and using these records.

Why a Police Report Matters in Florida Domestic Violence Cases

You did not cause the abuse, and you are not responsible for what the other person chose to do. A police report is simply one tool that may help you move forward.

A Florida domestic violence police report can:

• Document what happened in writing, including date, time, and location

• Record injuries or damage that officers observed

• List witnesses and their contact information (if any)

• Show the officer’s decision about arrest or charges

• Support a petition for an injunction for protection (Florida’s term for a restraining order)

• Help with family court (custody, visitation, divorce)

• Support immigration applications (such as VAWA self-petitions or U visas, with legal help)

• Help with housing or employment issues, such as explaining why you had to move suddenly

You can usually request a copy of the report even if:

• You did not want the person arrested

• You did not press charges

• You were also arrested

• You have since moved or left the relationship

There are some limits and privacy rules, which this article explains.

Basic Florida Law on Access to Police Reports

Florida has strong public records laws, often called the Sunshine Law. In general, police reports are public records. But domestic violence cases have special protections to help keep survivors safer.

In Florida:

• Most police reports can be requested by the public, including survivors

• Certain information is confidential, especially identifying information about victims of domestic violence and other sensitive crimes

• Active criminal investigations may limit what can be released until the case is closed or charges are filed

• Some information may be redacted (blacked out) before you receive the report

Even though much is public, you still have rights as a victim under Florida’s Marsy’s Law and other victim rights laws. Those rights can affect how your information is shared.

Step 1: Identify Which Law Enforcement Agency Responded

To request a copy of a police report, you first need to know which agency handled the incident. In Florida, this might be:

• A city police department (e.g., Orlando Police Department, Miami Police Department)

• A county sheriff’s office (e.g., Broward Sheriff’s Office, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office)

• The Florida Highway Patrol (if the incident involved a vehicle or happened on a highway)

Look at any paperwork you already have:

• Officer business card

• Victim information pamphlet

• Case or incident number

If you’re not sure which agency responded, you can:

• Call the local non-emergency line

• Check old texts/emails from advocates or officers

• Search: "[City] police public records" or "[County] sheriff public records"

Step 2: Gather Basic Information About the Incident

Helpful details include:

• Date (or approximate date)

• Location

• Your name (and any former names)

• Name of the abusive person (if safe to share)

• Case number, if you have it

If you don’t have a case number, most agencies can search by name and date.

Step 3: Decide How You Want to Request the Report

Florida agencies typically accept requests:

• Online

• In person

• By email

• By phone (for instructions)

• By mail or fax

Search for:

"[City] Public Records Request"
"[County Sheriff] Records Unit"

Safety considerations

If the abusive person monitors your:

• Phone

• Email

• Mail

• Devices

…then consider:

• Using a safe email address

• Picking up the report in person

• Using a trusted friend’s address

• Having a lawyer or advocate request it for you

Step 4: Make the Request (What to Say or Write)

You do not need to explain why you want it.

Sample request

I am requesting a copy of the police report for a domestic violence incident involving me as the victim.
The incident occurred on or about [date] at [location].
My name is [your full name].
Case number: [number, if available].
For safety reasons, I prefer to receive the report by [email / in-person pickup / mail].
Please let me know the cost and next steps.

Step 5: Understand Possible Fees and Timelines

Fees

Agencies may charge:

• Small per-page fees

• Extra for certified copies

• Additional labor fees for large or complex searches

Timelines

Reports may be available:

• Within a few days, or

• Longer if the case is under investigation

If the case is active, expect:

• Delays

• Heavier redaction

What Parts of a Florida Domestic Violence Report May Be Confidential?

Common redactions include:

• Your home address

• Your phone number

• Your email

• Identifying information of children

• Information that identifies a domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim

These protections reduce risk of harassment or tracking.

Can victims get more details?

Possibly. You can:

• Ask for a less-redacted copy

• Have a lawyer request additional records

• Speak with a State Attorney victim advocate

What If the Abusive Person Tries to Get the Report?

Florida’s public records laws mean they may be able to request it.

However, they usually receive:

• A redacted version

• With your protected information removed

If you’re worried:

• Make a safety plan with an advocate

• Inform your lawyer or SAO victim advocate

• Document any new threats

Call 911 if you’re in danger.

Using a Police Report in Florida Court or Other Processes

Injunctions for protection

A police report can:

• Support your petition

• Help the judge understand the incident

You can:

• Attach it to your petition

• Bring it to your hearing

But you do not need a police report to file for an injunction.

Criminal cases

The State Attorney’s Office uses the police report in prosecution. Victim advocates can help you understand your rights and what’s in the report.

Other uses

Police reports may help in:

• Custody and divorce

• Immigration

• Housing

• Employment

Ask a lawyer for guidance.

What If You Were Also Arrested or Labeled the “Primary Aggressor”?

This happens to survivors more often than people realize.

You still have the right to:

• Request the report

• Get legal representation

• Receive support from DV advocates

A defense lawyer can explain how the report affects your case.

What If There Is No Police Report?

This can happen if:

• Officers left quickly

• The call was classified differently

• The agency wrote minimal documentation

You can still document your experience with:

• Photos

• Text messages

• Emails

• Journals

• Witness statements

Safety Planning Around Police Reports

A Florida DV advocate can help you consider:

• Whether requesting the report now is safe

• Where to store it

• Who to share it with

• What to do if the abusive person reacts

You deserve support.

Getting Help in Florida

You can:

• Contact a certified Florida domestic violence center

• Reach a State Attorney victim advocate

• Speak with a DV, family law, or criminal defense lawyer

Hotlines and local DV programs can guide you to the right services.

Key Takeaways

• Florida police reports are generally public, but DV victims get added confidentiality.

• You can usually request the report from the responding agency.

• You do not have to explain why you want it.

• Some information will be redacted.

• The report can support injunctions, criminal cases, custody, immigration, and more.

• Safety planning is important when requesting and storing the report.

You deserve clear information, support, and protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a copy if I didn’t press charges?

Yes. The right to request the report is separate from the decision to prosecute.

How much does it cost?

Usually small per-page fees; sometimes more for certified or large requests.

Will my address be visible?

Often no — it is frequently redacted.

Can the abusive person get a copy?

Possibly, but usually only a redacted version.

How long does it take?

A few days to several weeks, depending on the investigation status.

Do I need a police report for an injunction?

No — but having one can help.

What if I was also arrested?

You can still request the report and should talk to a defense lawyer.

Can I request a report without giving my name?

Yes, under public records law you generally can — but providing your name can help staff identify the correct report.