To obtain a police report in Daytona Beach, Florida, you can submit a request online through the City of Daytona Beach’s official records portal or use third-party services like LexisNexis BuyCrash for traffic accidents. You may also visit the Daytona Beach Police Department Records Section in person at 129 Valor Boulevard or request copies by mail.
Daytona Beach, a hub for tourism and major events like Bike Week and the Daytona 500, maintains a robust public records system managed by the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD). Whether you are an individual involved in a minor traffic collision, a legal professional gathering evidence for a case, or an insurance adjuster processing a claim, navigating the bureaucracy of law enforcement records is a necessary step. In the State of Florida, public records access is governed by one of the most transparent sets of laws in the United States—the Florida Sunshine Law.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the procedures, legal requirements, and logistical steps necessary to secure police reports in Daytona Beach as of 2026.
Understanding Florida’s Public Records Framework
Before initiating a request, it is essential to understand the legal environment surrounding police records in Florida. Under Florida Statute Chapter 119, often referred to as the Sunshine Law, almost all documents, papers, letters, and maps made or received by a public agency in connection with official business are public records. This means that, with specific exceptions, the public has a right to inspect and copy these documents.
However, "public" does not always mean "immediately available to everyone." For instance, traffic crash reports are governed by additional statutes that restrict access for the first 60 days to protect the privacy of those involved. Furthermore, Marsy’s Law (Article I, Section 16 of the Florida Constitution) provides certain rights to crime victims, which may lead to the redaction of personal identifying information from public releases.
The Role of the Daytona Beach Police Department (DBPD)
The DBPD is the primary law enforcement agency for the city limits of Daytona Beach. It is important to distinguish them from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO), which handles incidents in unincorporated areas of the county, and the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety, which covers the adjacent municipality of Daytona Beach Shores. If your incident occurred on the beach itself or in an unincorporated pocket of the city, you may need to contact the VCSO instead of the DBPD.
Prerequisites for Finding a Police Report
To expedite your search and ensure the Records Section can locate your file, you should gather as much information as possible before making your request. The more specific the data, the faster the turnaround time.
- Case Number: This is the most critical piece of information. Officers usually provide a small card with the case number (e.g., 2026-000XXXX) at the scene of the incident.
- Date and Time: If you do not have a case number, provide the exact date and the approximate time the incident occurred.
- Location: The specific address or intersection where the police were dispatched.
- Involved Parties: Full names of the individuals involved, including victims, witnesses, or drivers.
- Type of Incident: Clearly state whether you are looking for a traffic crash report, an incident report (for crimes like theft or assault), or an arrest record.
Method 1: Requesting Reports Online
As of 2026, the most efficient way to access Daytona Beach police reports is through digital portals. The city has streamlined this process to reduce foot traffic at headquarters and provide 24/7 access to information.
Accident and Crash Reports
Traffic crash reports are handled differently than general incident reports due to state-mandated privacy periods. For the first 60 days following a crash, only "exempt parties" can access the report. These parties include the drivers, passengers, owners of the vehicles, insurance companies, and legal representatives.
- LexisNexis BuyCrash: The DBPD frequently partners with LexisNexis to host crash reports. You can visit the BuyCrash website and search by state (Florida) and agency (Daytona Beach Police Department).
- FloridaHSMV: The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles also provides an online portal for purchasing crash reports statewide.
- Costs: Expect to pay a convenience fee (typically between $10 and $15) when using these third-party platforms.
General Incident and Crime Reports
For non-crash reports, such as residential burglaries, property damage, or simple battery, the City of Daytona Beach maintains a public records portal.
- Navigate to the official City of Daytona Beach website.
- Search for the "Public Records Request" or "Police Records" section.
- Submit a request detailing the case number and your relationship to the case.
- Once the report is processed and any necessary redactions are made, you will receive a notification to download the document.
Method 2: In-Person Requests at DBPD Headquarters
For those who prefer a face-to-face interaction or need to pay in cash, visiting the Records Section in person is a reliable option.
Location: Daytona Beach Police Department 129 Valor Boulevard Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Business Hours: Typically, the Records Section is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding city holidays. It is advisable to call ahead at (386) 671-5100 to confirm that the specific report you are seeking is ready for release.
Procedure for In-Person Pickup
When you arrive, you will need to fill out a request form. If you are requesting a crash report within the 60-day restricted window, you must provide a valid photo ID and sign an affidavit stating you are an authorized party under Florida Statute 316.066.
The Records Section staff will search their database, pull the file, and review it for any legally required redactions. Depending on the complexity and volume of the report, you may be able to walk out with a copy, or they may require a follow-up visit.
Method 3: Requests via Mail or Email
If you are out of state or unable to visit the department, you can request records through the mail. This is common for law firms and insurance companies.
Mailing Address: Attn: Records Section Daytona Beach Police Department P.O. Box 2430 Daytona Beach, FL 32115
What to Include:
- A written request detailing the case information.
- A self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for the return of the documents.
- A check or money order for the estimated copy fees.
- A copy of your ID and a signed affidavit if requesting a restricted crash report.
Fees and Costs for Police Reports
While Florida law mandates public access, agencies are permitted to charge for the actual cost of duplication. In 2026, the fee structure for the Daytona Beach Police Department generally follows these guidelines:
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Incident Report | $0.15 per single-sided page | 3–7 Business Days |
| Certified Copy | $1.00 per certification + page fees | 5–10 Business Days |
| Crash Report (Online) | $10.00 – $15.00 | Instant (if available) |
| Background Check (Local) | $5.00 – $15.00 | 5–7 Business Days |
| Body Camera Footage | Variable (hourly labor rate) | 2–4 Weeks |
Note: Large or complex requests requiring extensive clerical or supervisory labor may incur additional "special service charges" based on the time spent redacting or searching for records.
Understanding Redactions and Exemptions
It is a common point of frustration for citizens to receive a police report that has "blacked out" sections. Under Florida law, certain information is exempt from public disclosure to protect privacy and the integrity of law enforcement operations.
- Active Investigations: If a criminal case is currently being investigated and has not yet reached a conclusion or arrest, certain details may be withheld to prevent tipping off suspects.
- Victim Information: Under Marsy’s Law, victims of crimes can request that their names and addresses be kept confidential.
- Sensitive Data: Social Security numbers, bank account information, and home addresses of law enforcement officers are almost always redacted.
- Juvenile Records: Records involving minors are subject to much stricter confidentiality rules and are rarely released to the general public without a court order or direct parental involvement.
Troubleshooting: What if Your Report is Missing?
If you have followed the steps above and still cannot find your report, consider the following potential issues:
- Reporting Delay: It typically takes 3 to 5 business days for an officer to complete a report and for a supervisor to approve it. During major events (like Race Week), this timeline can extend to 10 days.
- Jurisdictional Errors: Double-check that the incident actually occurred within Daytona Beach city limits. If it happened on I-95 or I-4, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) likely handled the report. If it happened in a nearby city like Ormond Beach or Holly Hill, you must contact their respective departments.
- Incomplete Information: If the case number provided at the scene is illegible, try searching by the "Officer Name" or "Location" through the Records Section phone line.
Summary of Methods for Obtaining Reports
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online (Portal) | Convenience and speed | Available 24/7; no travel required | Service fees apply; may require tech skills |
| In-Person | Immediate assistance; cash payments | Direct communication; can clarify needs | Limited to business hours; travel required |
| Legal/Insurance documentation | Formal paper trail; good for out-of-state | Slowest method; requires prepaying fees | |
| BuyCrash Site | Traffic accidents | Fast; specifically designed for crash data | Limited to traffic incidents only |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to wait after an accident to get a report in Daytona Beach?
Generally, you should wait at least 3 to 5 business days. While officers enter data electronically, every report must undergo a quality control review by a supervisor and then be processed by the Records Unit. For major accidents involving fatalities or reconstruction, the "long-form" report may take several weeks or even months to finalize.
Can I get a Daytona Beach police report for free?
While the Florida Sunshine Law allows you to inspect records for free at the department, there is almost always a charge for copies. If you visit the station and simply ask to read the report on a screen or in a folder without taking a copy, you should not be charged. However, for any physical or digital copy you take home, the standard duplication fees apply.
What is the difference between an incident report and a crash report?
An incident report (or offense report) documents a crime or a general call for service, such as a theft, domestic dispute, or lost property. A crash report is a specific document (Florida Form 90010S or 90010E) used exclusively for motor vehicle accidents. Crash reports have stricter privacy protections under Florida law compared to standard incident reports.
Will the report show who was at fault in a car accident?
In Florida, a crash report usually contains a section where the officer describes the sequence of events and may list "contributing factors" for each driver. While the officer may issue a citation, the police report itself is often considered "hearsay" in civil court and is not a final determination of legal liability. It is, however, the primary document used by insurance companies to start their liability investigations.
Can I request body camera or dash camera footage?
Yes, body-worn camera (BWC) footage is a public record in Florida. However, requesting it is significantly more complex than requesting a paper report. Video must be manually reviewed and redacted for privacy (e.g., blurring faces of bystanders or inside private residences). Because this is labor-intensive, the DBPD will likely provide a cost estimate that you must pay before they begin the redaction process.
Practical Recommendations
If you are involved in an incident in Daytona Beach, the best course of action is to secure your case number immediately from the responding officer. If you are an insurance claimant, utilize the online BuyCrash portal for the fastest results, as it is designed to integrate directly with most major insurers. For those seeking records for historical or personal reasons, a simple email or visit to the Valor Boulevard headquarters remains the most effective way to ensure you receive a complete, unredacted version of any document you are legally entitled to see.
Always keep a digital copy of your records, as obtaining secondary copies in the future may incur the same fees and processing times.
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Vivian Cho
Executive IT and Emerging Technologies Reporter
