Statue of Limitations
⏳ Understanding Florida’s Updated Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims (2025)
When you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, time is not always on your side. One of the most important legal deadlines to know is the statute of limitations, which determines how long you have to file a lawsuit. In Florida, recent legal changes have shortened this window, making it even more critical for victims to act quickly.
Here’s what you need to know in 2025.
🚨 What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in Florida?
As of March 24, 2023, Florida law changed the statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims.
You now have only two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit—a major change from the previous four-year limit.
This applies to most common personal injury claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Premises liability
- Other negligence-based injuries
If your injury happened before March 24, 2023, the old four-year limit may still apply. But if it occurred on or after that date, the two-year deadline is now in effect.
🏥 Medical Malpractice Claims: Still Two Years
Medical malpractice cases follow different rules. In Florida, you generally have two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury caused by a medical provider’s negligence. However, there is also a four-year “statute of repose,” which sets the outer limit for when you can file, no matter when the injury was discovered.
This means you must file your claim within:
- 2 years from the discovery of the injury,
- But no more than 4 years from the actual date the malpractice occurred (unless there was fraud, concealment, or intentional misrepresentation).
⚖️ Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful death lawsuits in Florida must also be filed within two years of the date of death. These cases are often brought by surviving spouses, children, or parents of the deceased to recover damages such as funeral expenses, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
🏛️ Claims Against Government Entities in Florida
If your injury was caused by a state or local government agency, including public schools or cities, the timeline is the same, but the process is different. You still only have two years to file a claim, but:
- You must first submit a formal notice of claim to the appropriate government agency, and
- Wait at least 180 days before you can file a lawsuit (unless the claim is denied earlier).
Make sure to follow these steps exactly, as missing one could cause your entire case to be dismissed.
⏰ Don’t Wait — Deadlines Matter
Whether it’s a car accident, a fall, or a case of medical malpractice, the clock starts ticking the moment the accident happens. Missing your filing deadline can result in your case being thrown out, no matter how strong your evidence is.
At Graver Law Personal Injury Attorneys, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal rights and timelines.
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait—contact our team today to get your case started before it’s too late.
📞 Call (561) 228-7820 or visit GraverLaw.com to schedule a free case review.
