Quick Summary:
- Pull over safely, switch on hazards, and keep passengers inside.
- Call 911 for injuries or road danger, otherwise report to FWC.
- Photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and get the incident reference number.
- Do not approach wildlife, and report the collision to your hire company.
Wildlife on Florida roads is common, from deer at dusk to turtles crossing after rain. Alligators are less frequent on major highways, but they can appear near canals, wetlands, golf-course water features, and on roads beside lakes. If you are driving a car hire vehicle, a wildlife collision is stressful because you are thinking about safety, the animal, and potential charges. The good news is that a calm, methodical response protects people first, reduces secondary crashes, and gives you the documentation you need for insurance and any rental claim.
This guide sets out a practical, step-by-step checklist for what to do if you hit an alligator or other wildlife in Florida, plus what not to do around injured animals. It is written for visitors and residents using car hire, including those collecting at major gateways such as Orlando Airport (MCO) or Tampa Airport (TPA), where many trips quickly move from urban roads to wildlife corridors.
Step 1: Secure the scene without creating a second crash
Your first job is to prevent further harm. Wildlife collisions often happen at night or at the edge of a carriageway, where visibility is poor and other drivers may swerve.
Do this immediately:
1) Ease off the accelerator, brake smoothly, and steer to a safe stopping place. Aim for the shoulder, a lay-by, or a nearby car park. Avoid stopping in a live lane unless you have no choice.
2) Switch on hazard lights, keep your headlights on, and set the parking brake. If you carry reflective triangles, use them only if it is safe to exit.
3) Keep everyone inside the vehicle with seatbelts fastened until you have assessed traffic. Exiting on a high-speed road can be more dangerous than the original impact.
4) If the animal is very large, such as an alligator or deer, assume it may still be moving or could be in the roadway. A second impact from another driver is common, so focus on warning traffic and moving out of danger.
What not to do: Do not stop in the middle of the road to “check quickly”, and do not reverse back towards the animal. Reversing can cause another collision and complicate fault or claim discussions later.
Step 2: Check people first, then hazards
Once stopped, check yourself and passengers for injuries. Even a low-speed strike can trigger airbags, belt tensioners, or sharp debris in the cabin.
Call 911 immediately if anyone is injured, if the vehicle is not drivable in a safe way, if the animal is blocking traffic, or if there is any immediate danger (for example, fluid leaking onto the roadway, smoke, or a multi-vehicle incident).
If there are no injuries and the car is secure off the road, take a moment to assess whether you can remain safely where you are. In rural areas, it may be safer to wait in the locked vehicle until help arrives, particularly if you suspect an alligator is nearby.
Step 3: Contact the right authority in Florida
In Florida, wildlife incidents can involve multiple authorities. The key is choosing the right one for the situation while keeping the report simple and factual.
Use 911 for emergencies, injuries, blocked lanes, or if you feel unsafe.
For non-emergency wildlife reporting, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is the specialist agency. They can advise on injured wildlife, remove hazards in some circumstances, and direct you to local resources. If you cannot find the correct non-emergency number quickly, call 911 and explain it is not an emergency, dispatchers can route you appropriately.
For road hazards on major routes, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) may be involved, but it is usually handled through law enforcement dispatch when a collision creates a hazard. Do not delay safety calls while trying to work out the perfect department.
When you speak to an operator, be ready with: your location (road number, nearest exit or mile marker), direction of travel, the animal involved (if known), whether it is in the roadway, and whether the vehicle is drivable.
Step 4: Do not approach or move the animal
This is the point where visitors often make a well-meaning mistake. Injured wildlife can be unpredictable, and alligators are powerful even when they appear still. You also risk bites, scratches, and zoonotic disease exposure.
Do not:
1) Touch, drag, or attempt to “help” an alligator, deer, raccoon, bobcat, or bird of prey.
2) Stand close for photos, or encourage passengers to get out for a look.
3) Try to load an animal into your vehicle or another car.
4) Assume it is dead. Reflex movement can happen, and some animals can suddenly lunge.
Do instead: Stay back, remain inside if possible, and let authorities or trained wildlife responders manage it. If the animal is still mobile near your car, keep doors closed and windows up.
Step 5: Document everything while staying safe
For a car hire claim, documentation matters. The goal is to capture enough information to explain what happened, show you acted responsibly, and support any insurance or damage waiver process.
Take photos (from a safe position) of:
1) The vehicle overall, including number plate, and close-ups of damage (bumper, grille, undertray, radiator area, windscreens, lights, wheel arches).
2) The road environment: lane position, shoulder, signage, lighting, and any skid marks or debris.
3) Any fluid leaks under the vehicle (do not touch).
4) If visible and safe, the animal’s position relative to the roadway. Do not get close for detail shots.
Write down the time, weather, approximate speed, and what you saw. “Animal ran out from right shoulder, impact front-left, no other vehicles involved” is better than vague descriptions later.
Collect witness details if someone stopped and offers help. Names and phone numbers are usually enough. Do not argue about blame at the roadside.
Get an incident or case number from police, highway patrol, or FWC if they attend or take a report. That reference can be crucial if damage is discovered later or if the rental company requires official documentation.
Step 6: Assess drivability cautiously, then move to a safer place
After a wildlife strike, a vehicle may look fine but have hidden issues. Impacts can crack radiators, break plastic undertrays, damage sensors, or knock wheel alignment out.
Before driving away:
1) Check warning lights on the dashboard.
2) Look for coolant, oil, or other fluid leaks. A sweet smell or steam from the bonnet can indicate coolant loss.
3) Listen for rubbing noises when you roll forward slowly, which could suggest a loose splash guard or damaged wheel arch liner.
4) If the windscreen is damaged or the bonnet is obstructing your view, do not drive.
If you can drive, move to a well-lit, safe location off the roadway before making longer calls or completing paperwork. For families travelling with luggage, a larger vehicle can be helpful, and travellers sometimes opt for options like a Florida minivan rental in Miami to keep passengers comfortable while dealing with disruptions. Regardless of vehicle type, safety comes first.
Step 7: Notify your car hire provider the right way
Once everyone is safe and authorities have been contacted as needed, inform your car hire company. Use the emergency number provided in your rental agreement or the contact details in the app or confirmation email.
Be ready to provide:
1) Your rental agreement number and vehicle details.
2) Current location and whether the car is drivable.
3) A brief factual description, including whether police or FWC attended and the reference number.
4) Photos, if they request them, and where you can email or upload them.
Ask about next steps: whether you should bring the vehicle to a specific location, whether roadside assistance will tow it, and how to handle a replacement car if needed. If you hired through a brand location such as National car rental at Fort Lauderdale (FLL) or collected near the coast with Enterprise car rental in Miami Beach, procedures may vary slightly by partner and area, but the fundamentals are consistent: report promptly and follow their instructions.
Step 8: Protect your claim with a simple, consistent record
Wildlife collisions are generally treated differently from at-fault vehicle-on-vehicle crashes, but your responsibilities under a car hire contract still apply. Protect yourself by being organised and consistent.
Checklist for claim protection:
1) Keep all incident numbers, tow receipts, and repair shop notes (if you were directed to a facility).
2) Save screenshots of call times to the hire company and authorities.
3) Do not admit fault or speculate. Stick to what happened and what you observed.
4) Report any delayed issues immediately, for example overheating, warning lights, steering pull, or unusual noises. Mention that the problems began after the wildlife impact.
5) If your personal travel insurance, credit card cover, or separate damage waiver is involved, notify them promptly and provide the same facts and documentation.
Remember that driving a damaged vehicle can worsen the damage and complicate costs, so if you suspect radiator or steering damage, stop and seek help rather than “limping” to your destination.
What if the alligator is still alive near the car?
Stay in the vehicle if you can do so safely, keep doors locked, and wait for authorities. Alligators can move quickly over short distances. Do not shine a torch directly at it from close range, and do not try to herd it away. If you must exit due to an immediate hazard, move to a protected area with distance, such as behind a guardrail, and keep passengers together.
What if I only clipped a small animal?
Even minor contact can crack bumper mounts or damage air intakes and sensors. If it is safe, pull over and inspect for obvious issues, then document and report according to your rental agreement. Avoid chasing or handling small animals. Many bites and scratches happen when people try to pick up “harmless” wildlife.
How to reduce the risk of wildlife collisions in Florida
You cannot eliminate the risk, but you can reduce it:
Drive slower at dawn and dusk, when many animals are active.
Scan verges and water edges near canals, marshes, and retention ponds, where alligators may cross during wet periods.
Use high beams when appropriate, but dip for oncoming traffic.
Do not swerve aggressively. Braking in a straight line is usually safer than swerving into another lane or off the road.
Watch for wildlife crossing signs. They are placed where incidents are common, not as decoration.
FAQ
Do I have to call the police if I hit wildlife in Florida? If there are injuries, a road hazard, major vehicle damage, or the animal is blocking traffic, call 911. For non-emergency situations, reporting via FWC or local non-emergency channels may be appropriate, but always follow your car hire agreement’s reporting rules.
Will I be charged by the car hire company for wildlife damage? Potentially, yes, depending on your contract and the cover you selected. Wildlife impacts can cause expensive hidden damage, so prompt reporting, photos, and an official incident number help support a fair assessment.
Is it legal to move an alligator off the road myself? You should not attempt it. Handling or approaching an alligator is dangerous and may violate wildlife protection rules. Keep your distance, stay safe, and let trained authorities manage the situation.
What information should I give when reporting the incident? Share your exact location, time, what you hit (if known), whether the animal is in the roadway, whether anyone is injured, vehicle condition, and any reference numbers from police or FWC. Provide photos when requested.
Can I keep driving if the car seems fine? Only if it is safe and the vehicle is truly roadworthy. If you see leaks, smell coolant, notice steering issues, or get warning lights, stop and call your hire company’s roadside assistance to avoid further damage.
