Injuries occur quickly, but legal deadlines come just as fast. Time is not on your side after an accident. If you’re hurt in a car crash, fall, or other accident, you need to know how long you have to take legal action.
In 2023, Florida cut the time to file a personal injury lawsuit in half. So now, many victims have just two years—not four—to pursue compensation for injuries.
This change might seem straightforward, but it alters the result of numerous cases. Wait too long, and even with unparalleled proof, your case can be dismissed. The clock starts when you’re injured, and missing the deadline usually means losing your chance to recover compensation.
At Justin C. Johnson & Associates, we’ve represented injured clients throughout Florida for more than 25 years. We’ve obtained settlements ranging from $50,000 to $750,000 for 95% of our clients. If you have any questions regarding the amendment to Florida statute of limitations, we’re here to assist you.
A statute of limitations is a legal time limit. It sets how long a person has to file a lawsuit after a particular event, such as a personal injury. Once the deadline passes, courts will usually dismiss the case, even if the claim is valid.
These time limits apply across various areas of law, including:
The purpose is to keep cases timely and fair. Over time, evidence fades, memories weaken, and records can be lost. By limiting how long someone can wait to file, the law encourages quicker resolutions.
Before 2023, Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations gave victims four years to file a lawsuit. This gave someone hurt in a car crash or a fall up to four years to file a claim.
Now, the general rule is two years for most personal injury cases. This applies to:
This change does not affect medical malpractice, wrongful death, or property damage cases, which still follow different rules. However, the new two-year limit significantly changes the timeline for thousands of injury victims.
On March 24, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed into law House Bill 837. One major change in the bill was cutting the time to file negligence claims from four years to two.
Negligence forms the basis of most personal injury lawsuits. It encompasses any scenario in which a person neglects to act with reasonable care and injures another individual. When negligence results in injury, the victim has a right to sue—but only within the timeframe provided by law.
This change gives injury victims only 24 months to gather evidence, find a lawyer, and file their case. Failing to meet the deadline usually means a total loss of legal rights.
Florida’s 2023 personal injury law made several changes, but cutting the time to file claims was one of the most important. Here’s what it means for injury victims:
Shortened Timeline
If you are injured after March 24, 2023, you now have only two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.
Applies to New Cases Only
The change does not apply retroactively. If your injury occurred before March 24, 2023, you may still have four years to file.
Filing Late Bars Recovery
If you file your case even one day after the deadline, it may be dismissed, and you won’t be able to collect compensation.
More Pressure to Act Quickly
The change places more responsibility on victims to act fast. Delays in medical treatment, investigation, or legal help can harm your case.
A Florida personal injury attorney can help you meet the new deadline and build your case the right way from the beginning.
Lawmakers supporting the bill said the shorter deadline would reduce unnecessary litigation and help resolve cases more efficiently. They also argued it would help control insurance costs and create a more predictable legal process.
Critics say the change harms victims by giving them less time to notice injuries, gather proof, and hire a lawyer. Some injuries may take months to fully develop, and rushed decisions can lead to unfair outcomes.
No matter your view on the policy, the law is now in effect. Waiting too long could mean losing your chance to get money for medical bills, lost pay, and pain and suffering.
Yes, while the new law applies broadly, there are some exceptions that may allow you more time to file a claim:
Delayed Discovery
If you didn’t know right away you were hurt, the time limit may start when you found out about the injury.
Incapacitation
If the victim is mentally incapacitated or a minor, the time limit may be extended.
Fraud or Concealment
If the person responsible hid information or misled you, the court may allow more time.
Out-of-State Defendant
If the person you are suing is not in Florida, the deadline may pause while they are unavailable.
These exceptions are rare and must be proven with evidence. It’s best not to rely on them unless you’ve spoken directly with a Florida personal injury attorney.
Yes. Florida cut the time to file negligence-based injury claims from four years to two, starting March 24, 2023.
This alteration impacts everybody hurt after that date and covers the majority of personal injury claims. Claims made after the timeframe is up are probably going to be rejected, no matter how solid the evidence is.
This change was part of a bigger legal update and now applies in all Florida courts.
The change took effect on March 24, 2023. This is the key date for determining which statute of limitations applies to your case.
If you were injured on or after March 24, 2023, the new two-year limit applies. If you were injured before that date, the older four-year limit may still be valid, depending on the specific facts of your case.
To avoid missing your deadline, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after any injury. Early legal action allows for proper investigation and timely filing, which increases your chances of success.
Florida’s new statute of limitations leaves less time to act. Delaying legal help could cost you the chance to get money for medical bills, lost wages, or lasting injuries.
At Justin C. Johnson & Associates, we have represented injury victims across Florida for more than 25 years. Our team is here to make the legal process easier and more effective. We’ll evaluate your claim, explain the current laws, and help file your case before the deadline passes.
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s carelessness, don’t wait. Call now to speak with a Florida personal injury attorney. Your time may be limited, but your right to justice doesn’t have to be.
Florida Bar Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is evaluated on its own facts and legal merits.
As of March 24, 2023, Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury.
No. It applies to negligence-based cases. Medical malpractice, wrongful death, and property damage still follow different rules.
If you file after the deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you will not be able to recover compensation.
Yes. Certain conditions like delayed discovery or fraud may allow extra time, but these exceptions are rare and require proof.
Immediately. The new law gives less time to investigate and file, so contacting a Florida personal injury attorney right away helps protect your claim.
