The statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Miss it, and the court will almost certainly dismiss your case — regardless of how badly you were injured or how clearly someone else was at fault. Here's what Florida residents need to know.
The General Deadline for Injury Claims
Florida law sets a deadline for most negligence-based personal injury claims, including car accidents and slip-and-fall cases. The clock generally starts on the date of the injury. Because Florida has updated these timeframes in recent years, it's important to confirm the current deadline that applies to your specific case with an attorney as soon as possible.
Why You Shouldn't Wait
Even though the deadline may feel far away, waiting hurts your case:
- Evidence disappears. Skid marks fade, surveillance footage is overwritten, and vehicles are repaired.
- Witnesses forget. Memories fade and people move away.
- Insurers stall. Delay is a tactic; the closer you get to the deadline, the less leverage you have.
Exceptions That Can Change the Deadline
Certain situations can shorten or extend the timeframe, including claims against government entities (which have much shorter notice requirements), cases involving minors, and injuries that weren't discovered right away. These exceptions are complex and fact-specific.
Protect Your Rights — Act Early
The safest approach is simple: speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after an injury. An early start means stronger evidence, more negotiating leverage, and no risk of missing a deadline.
At Rhoads Law Group, we help injured Floridians understand their deadlines and build the strongest possible case. Contact us today for a free, confidential review.