Florida Highway Patrol's main phone number is 1-888-FL-HIGHWAY (1-888-354-4935)

That number connects you to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) dispatch center, which handles non-emergency calls across the state. If you are reporting an active emergency — a crash with injuries, a disabled vehicle blocking traffic, or a threat to safety — call 911 instead. The 1-888 number is for situations that need FHP attention but are not when ready dangerous: asking about a crash report, reporting a minor fender-bender, requesting a welfare check on a stranded driver, or following up on a traffic citation.

Wait times vary by time of day and region. Calling during business hours (roughly 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays) usually connects you faster than evenings or weekends, when fewer staff are answering phones. If you are calling about a specific incident — a crash you witnessed, a hit-and-run, or a traffic complaint — have the location, time, and vehicle details ready before you call.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 for active emergencies; call 1-888-354-4935 for non-emergency FHP matters like crash reports or traffic complaints.
  • FHP dispatch handles calls statewide, so you do not need to find a local post number — the main line routes you correctly.
  • Having the location, date, time, and vehicle information ready before you call speeds up the process.
  • If you need a crash report for insurance purposes, you can also request one online through the FHP website or in person at your local post.

When to call 911 versus the non-emergency line

Call 911 if someone is injured, a vehicle is blocking a lane of traffic and creating a hazard, a driver appears impaired or is driving recklessly, or there is an when ready threat to safety. Dispatchers will send FHP or local law enforcement right away. Do not worry about whether it is "bad enough" — that is the dispatcher's call to make.

Call 1-888-354-4935 if you are reporting a crash that happened hours or days ago, you witnessed a minor traffic violation and want to report it, you need a copy of a crash report for insurance, you want to dispute a traffic citation, or you are asking a general question about FHP procedures. These calls do not need emergency response, but FHP still needs the information.

What information to have ready

Before you call, write down the date and time of the incident, the location (street name, mile marker, or intersection), and a description of what happened. If it involves a vehicle, note the color, make, model, and license plate if you have it. If you witnessed a crash or traffic violation, describe what you saw — not what you think happened.

If you are calling about a crash report you need for insurance, have your name, the date of the crash, and the location. FHP can usually tell you over the phone whether a report exists and how to get a copy. If you are calling about a citation, have the ticket number and the date you received it.

Getting a crash report without calling

If you need a crash report for insurance purposes, you have options beyond calling. The FHP website has an online form where you can request a report; processing usually takes five to ten business days. You can also visit the FHP post in the county where the crash happened during business hours and request a copy in person — this is often faster if you are nearby.

Some insurance companies can request the report on your behalf, so ask your agent before you do it yourself. If the crash involved another vehicle and you have the other driver's information, your insurance company may already have the report or be able to get it from the other driver's insurer.

Contacting a specific FHP post

If you want to reach a particular FHP post directly — for example, to ask about a local traffic pattern or to speak with an officer who responded to an incident — you can find post phone numbers on the FHP website by county. However, the main dispatch line (1-888-354-4935) can also route you to the right post or take a message for an officer to call you back.

Calling a specific post directly may take longer because fewer staff answer those lines, and you may reach an answering machine during off-hours. The main dispatch line is usually faster for urgent non-emergency matters.

What to expect when you call

A dispatcher will answer and ask what you need. Be clear and direct: "I want to report a traffic violation I witnessed" or "I need a copy of a crash report from March 15th." The dispatcher will either handle your request, transfer you to someone who can, or take your information and have an officer call you back.

If you are reporting something that happened in the past, the dispatcher may ask follow-up questions to make sure they have the right information. Stay patient — they are gathering details to route your report correctly. If you do not know an answer, say so; guessing can create confusion later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call the post in my county or can I use the statewide number?

Use the statewide number (1-888-354-4935). It routes to the correct post automatically based on the location you provide. You do not need to find a local number first.

How long does it take to get a crash report?

Online requests usually take five to ten business days. In-person requests at the post are often same-day or next-day. Insurance companies sometimes have reports faster because they request them directly from FHP.

Can I dispute a traffic ticket by phone?

You can ask questions about a ticket by phone, but disputing it requires going to court or using the county's traffic citation system. The FHP dispatcher can explain your options and tell you which court handles your ticket.

What if I call and no one answers?

Leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of what you need. An officer or dispatcher will call you back, usually within a few hours during business hours. For urgent matters, call 911.

Is there a way to report something online instead of calling?

The FHP website has forms for crash report requests and some types of complaints. For most reports — traffic violations, welfare checks, or incidents you witnessed — calling dispatch is the fastest way to get your information into the system.