Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you don’t have unlimited time to file a lawsuit. Florida law sets strict deadlines — called statutes of limitation — for bringing personal injury claims. Miss the deadline, and you could lose your right to recover compensation forever.

At The Bonderud Law Firm, we help clients act quickly and strategically to preserve their legal rights. Here’s what you need to know about personal injury time limits in Florida.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. Once that deadline passes, you may be barred from taking legal action, even if your claim is valid.

These time limits exist to ensure evidence is preserved and cases are brought within a reasonable timeframe.

Florida’s Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

As of March 24, 2023, Florida’s general statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims is:

Two (2) years from the date of the injury

This change reduced the previous four-year deadline and now applies to most negligence claims, including:

• Car accidents
• Slip and falls
• Premises liability
• General bodily injury claims

Exceptions and Special Time Limits

Some types of injury cases have different deadlines, including:

• Medical Malpractice: 2 years from the date of discovery, but no more than 4 years from the incident
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
• Claims Against Government Entities: You must provide notice within 3 years, and a lawsuit must be filed within 4 years (with pre-suit requirements)

There are also rare exceptions — like for minors or fraud — that may toll (pause) the statute, but these are complex and limited.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Even if you technically have time left:

• Evidence can disappear quickly
• Witness memories fade
• Insurance companies may delay, deny, or diminish your claim
• Strategic delays could work against you

The earlier you act, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.

The Clock Is Ticking — Let’s Get Started

If you’ve been injured, don’t delay. The legal deadline may be closer than you think. At The Bonderud Law Firm, we act quickly to preserve your rights, secure evidence, and build a strong case.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your right to compensation.