Act Fast or Lose Your Rights: Statute of Limitations for Negligence Cases in Florida Cut in Half

If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida due to someone else’s negligence, time is no longer on your side—literally. As of March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations for filing a negligence lawsuit in Florida has been reduced from four years to just two years. This major change in the law affects everything from car accidents to slip-and-fall injuries and could drastically impact your right to seek compensation.

What Changed?

Previously, Florida law allowed injury victims four years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit for negligence-based claims. This window gave people ample time to recover, seek legal advice, and pursue damages. Under the new law, signed as part of House Bill 837, that time frame has been cut in half to two years.

This change aligns Florida more closely with many other states that already have two-year limits but marks a significant shift for Floridians who have long relied on the four-year buffer.

What Does “Negligence” Mean in This Context?

Negligence, under Florida law, is a legal theory used to hold someone responsible when their careless or reckless behavior causes harm to another person. It doesn’t require that the person intended to cause harm—only that they failed to act with reasonable care, and as a result, someone else was injured or suffered damages.

Negligence is the foundation for many personal injury cases in Florida, including car accidents, slip-and-falls, medical malpractice, and more.

Why It’s Crucial to Act Fast

The statute of limitations is a legal deadline. Once it expires, your right to file a lawsuit is almost always permanently lost—regardless of how strong your case may be or how serious your injuries are.

This shorter two-year period means:

• You must gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and consult an attorney sooner than before.

• Insurance companies may become even more aggressive in delaying claims, hoping the clock runs out on your ability to sue.

• Victims who “wait and see” how their injuries heal before contacting a lawyer could lose their legal recourse altogether.

  
  

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes—but they’re limited. The two-year limit applies to negligence cases that accrued on or after March 24, 2023. If your injury occurred before that date, the previous four-year limit might still apply. However, determining which statute applies can be complex, which is why speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney is now more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

Florida’s change to a two-year statute of limitations for negligence claims is a game-changer for injury victims. What once felt like a generous window to take legal action is now a much tighter timeline, increasing the risk of accidentally forfeiting your right to compensation.

If you or someone you love has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t wait. Time is now your enemy. Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure your case is filed within the new, shortened deadline.

Contact Dolezal Law, P.A., at (888) 411-7854 for a FREE consultation.