An accident typically stays on your driving record in Florida for three to five years, depending on the severity of the incident and whether it involved any traffic violations or criminal charges. More serious offenses, such as DUI-related crashes, can remain on your record for much longer.
Understanding the length of time an accident stays on your record in FL is important, especially when it comes to insurance rates, license points, and potential legal consequences. The state tracks your driving history to assess your risk level and enforce penalties for repeat offenses.
If you’re involved in a crash, knowing what information is recorded—and for how long—can help you make informed decisions moving forward. A Florida car accident lawyer can help you determine your best course of action and support you in every way they can.
What Information Appears on Your Driving Record?
In Florida, your driving record is maintained by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). It includes details such as:
- Traffic violations and citations
- Driver’s license points
- Reported accidents
- DUI offenses
- Suspensions or revocations
If you’re involved in an accident, whether you were at fault or not, the incident may appear on your record if law enforcement files a report or if the crash results in injuries, fatalities, or property damage above $500.
Insurance companies and potential employers can access parts of this record when making decisions about your premiums or job eligibility.
We frequently advise clients to review their records regularly to make sure the information is accurate. Mistakes can happen, and outdated or incorrect entries can affect your insurance costs or even your ability to maintain a clean license status.
How Long Do Accidents Stay on Your Florida Driving Record?
The typical timeframe is three to five years, but the exact duration depends on the nature of the accident:
- Minor accidents: These usually remain on your record for three years, especially if no citation was issued.
- Accidents involving citations: If you received a ticket for a moving violation, such as running a red light or failing to yield, the incident can stay on your record for five years.
- Serious violations or DUIs: Accidents involving criminal charges or impaired driving may remain on your record for 75 years under Florida law.
We help clients evaluate their records to determine how long specific incidents are likely to stay and what can be done to mitigate the impact. In some cases, attending traffic school or contesting citations can affect how long the incident stays visible.
How Do Points From Accidents Affect Your Record?
Florida uses a point system to penalize unsafe driving behavior. If you’re found at fault in an accident and receive a citation, points will be added to your record. The more points you accumulate, the higher your risk of license suspension:
- 12 points in 12 months: 30-day suspension
- 18 points in 18 months: 3-month suspension
- 24 points in 36 months: 1-year suspension
Not all accidents result in points. For example, if you’re involved in a minor crash and no one is cited, no points may be added. However, if you are ticketed for a moving violation, those points can stay on your record for three years, influencing both your insurance and driving privileges.
We often assist clients who are unaware of the point thresholds or who have accumulated more points than they realized. By reviewing your case, we can advise whether it makes sense to challenge a citation, request a hearing, or take a state-approved driver improvement course.
Can You Remove an Accident From Your Record?
Florida does not allow for the early removal or expungement of accident records in most cases. Once an incident is added to your driving history, it remains there for the full retention period. However, there are some steps you can take to lessen the impact:
- Complete a Basic Driver Improvement (BDI) course: If eligible, this can prevent points from being added to your record.
- Request a court hearing: In some cases, successfully contesting the citation can prevent the accident from being associated with your record.
- Maintain a clean record moving forward: Insurers often weigh recent history more heavily, so consistent safe driving can help improve your profile over time.
We understand how frustrating it can be to have a past accident continue to affect your insurance premiums or job prospects. Our team works with clients to explore all legal options that may help reduce those long-term consequences.
How Do Insurance Companies Use Your Record?
Most insurers in Florida review your driving history when setting or renewing your auto insurance policy. Even a single accident can lead to higher premiums, especially if you were found at fault or received a citation.
Insurance companies often look back three to five years, and multiple incidents can significantly increase your risk profile. In some cases, a serious accident may place you in a high-risk category, requiring you to obtain special coverage such as an SR-22 certificate.
We’ve helped clients manage this impact by coordinating legal responses, identifying documentation errors, and advising on when and how to challenge the findings that appear on their driving record.
We Help Drivers Understand and Protect Their Florida Records
At GED Lawyers, we know how confusing and stressful it can be to see a past accident continue to affect your driving record and insurance rates. That’s why we work directly with clients to clarify what’s on their record, explain how long it will stay, and take strategic steps to minimize the impact.
Whether you need help interpreting your driving history, dealing with a traffic citation, or navigating the aftermath of a serious crash, our legal team is here to support you. With decades of experience in Florida personal injury and traffic law, we offer straightforward advice and personalized representation every step of the way.
Contact GED Lawyers for Trusted Guidance After a Crash
If you’re wondering how long an accident stays on your record in FL, or you need help protecting your license and insurance profile, reach out to GED Lawyers today. We’re here to answer your questions, review your case, and take immediate action on your behalf.
Call us now to schedule a consultation. Let us help you take control of your driving record and move forward with peace of mind.
