How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Florida?
One of the most common — and most important — questions after an accident is how much time you have to file a claim. This page provides general information only. Florida's statute of limitations rules have changed in recent years and can vary depending on the type of case, so we deliberately do not state a specific number of years here as though it applies to everyone.
Why you shouldn't rely on a number you read online
Statutes of limitations can differ based on the type of claim (car accident, slip and fall, wrongful death, medical malpractice, and claims against a government entity can all have different rules), when the injury was discovered, and whether any exceptions apply to your situation. Legislative changes have also affected these timelines in recent years.
Why acting sooner is almost always better anyway
Even setting deadlines aside, evidence degrades over time — surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses' memories fade, and physical evidence at a scene can disappear. Documenting your situation and speaking with an attorney sooner rather than later protects your options regardless of the exact deadline.
Special situations that can affect your timeline
- Claims involving a government entity (a city, county, or state agency) often have shorter notice requirements than claims against a private party.
- Claims involving a minor may be handled differently.
- Some injuries aren't immediately apparent, which can affect when a claim's timeline is considered to begin.
What to do
Confirm your specific deadline with a licensed Florida attorney or by contacting The Florida Bar's lawyer referral resources. A free case review is a good first step to make sure you don't lose your options simply by waiting too long to ask.
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Call now: {{PPC_NUMBER}} Request a free case review →This article provides general legal information for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this page. Laws vary by state and change over time — confirm details with a licensed Florida attorney.