Hit and Run in Florida: Laws, Penalties, and What to Do (2026)

# Hit and Run in Florida: What You Need to Know

> **KEY FACTS:**
> – Hit and run is a **serious criminal offense** in Florida — up to 30 years for fatal cases
> – PIP covers only $10,000 — UM/UIM coverage provides additional protection
> – Report to FLHSMV within **10 days** if $500+ damage
> – Statute of limitations: **2 years PI**, **4 years PD**

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## Florida Hit-and-Run Laws

Florida law (Fla. Stat. §§ 316.027, 316.061, 316.062) requires every driver to stop, provide information, and render aid. Florida has some of the **strongest hit-and-run penalties** in the country.

### Criminal Penalties

| Scenario | Classification | Penalty |
|———-|—————|———|
| Property damage only (§ 316.061) | 2nd degree misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine + 60 days jail |
| Injury (§ 316.027(2)(a)) | 3rd degree felony | Up to $5,000 fine + 5 years prison |
| Serious bodily injury (§ 316.027(2)(b)) | 2nd degree felony | Up to $10,000 fine + 15 years prison |
| Death (§ 316.027(2)(c)) | 1st degree felony | Up to $10,000 fine + **30 years prison** |

Florida’s penalty for fatal hit and run (**up to 30 years**) is among the harshest in the nation.

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## What Changed for Hit-and-Run Victims Under HB 837

| Before HB 837 | After HB 837 |
|—————-|————–|
| PIP covered $10K medical automatically | **Limited PIP ($10,000)** |
| UM coverage supplemented PIP | **UM is now your primary coverage** |
| 4-year PI deadline | **2-year PI deadline** |

Because PIP only covers $10,000, hit-and-run victims have PIP covers only $10,000 in medical expenses (at 80%). UM/UIM coverage is now the most important protection for Florida drivers.

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## What to Do If You Are a Hit-and-Run Victim

### At the Scene

1. **Stay at the scene** — do not chase the fleeing driver
2. **Call 911** — report immediately
3. **Note the vehicle:** plate (even partial), make, model, color, direction
4. **Get witness information**
5. **Photograph the scene** — damage, debris, road conditions
6. **Check for cameras** — especially in Florida’s many monitored intersections

### After the Scene

7. **Get the police report** — required for most UM claims
8. **Report to FLHSMV** within 10 days if $500+ damage
9. **Contact your insurer**
10. **Seek medical attention** — document injuries with PIP covering only $10,000 delay

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## Filing a Claim After a Hit and Run

### Because PIP only covers $10,000, UM Coverage Is Everything

Under the old system, PIP automatically covered $10,000 in medical bills. Now:

**1. UM/UIM Coverage (Primary):**
– Treats the unidentified driver as uninsured
– Covers medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
– File with your own insurer
– Police report typically required

**2. Collision Coverage:**
– Covers vehicle damage (minus deductible)
– No need to identify the other driver

**3. MedPay (if you have it):**
– Covers medical expenses regardless of fault
– Increasingly important post-PIP

**4. Health Insurance:**
– Covers medical treatment
– May seek subrogation if the driver is later found

### If You Do Not Have UM Coverage

Without UM or PIP:
– **Collision** covers vehicle damage only
– **Health insurance** covers medical bills
– **Lawsuit** if the driver is identified
– **Florida Bureau of Victim Compensation** may provide assistance for crime victims

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## If the Driver Is Found

– File a **third-party claim** against their insurance
– File a **lawsuit** — the hit-and-run strengthens your case
– Florida’s **51% fault bar** applies (but as the victim of a hit-and-run, fault is rarely disputed)
– **Criminal penalties** are separate from civil recovery

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## Frequently Asked Questions

### Is hit and run a felony in Florida?
Any hit and run involving **injury** is a felony. Fatal hit and run is a 1st degree felony with up to 30 years in prison.

### How does this work with PIP covering only $10,000?
You file under your **UM/UIM coverage** for medical bills and lost wages. Because PIP only covers $10,000 as a safety net, UM coverage is more critical than ever.

### What if I do not have UM coverage?
Your options are limited to collision (vehicle damage), health insurance (medical), and suing the driver if identified. Check your policy — you may have UM without realizing it.

### How long do I have to file?
**2 years** for personal injury. 4 years for property damage.

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## Related Guides

– [What to Do After a Car Accident in Florida](/florida/car-accident-guide/)
– [Florida Car Accident Laws](/florida/car-accident-laws/)
– [How to File an Insurance Claim in Florida](/florida/insurance-claim/)

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**DISCLAIMER:** This website is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This page provides general educational information only. Always consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation. This is not medical advice. If you have been injured, seek immediate medical attention. Last updated: March 2026.