Quick Summary: Florida now gives many injured people only two years to file a negligence-based personal injury lawsuit under Section 95.11, Florida Statute (2023). Before 2023, the general deadline was four years. This change can affect claims arising from car accidents, slip-and-falls, negligent security, and other incidents caused by careless conduct.

What Changed?

Florida’s 2023 civil-justice reforms changed the statute of limitations for most negligence claims from four years to two years. The new deadline applies to causes of action that accrued after March 24, 2023.

In many cases, the clock begins on the date of the accident. For example, a person injured in a vehicle collision, a fall on unsafe property, or another negligence-related incident may need to file suit within two years of that event. The deadline can vary depending on the facts and type of claim, so it is important not to make assumptions.

Why the Shorter Deadline Matters

Two years can pass quickly after an injury. Medical treatment, recovery, insurance communications, and daily responsibilities can make it easy to postpone a legal review. However, waiting may make it harder to preserve evidence, locate witnesses, obtain surveillance footage, and fully investigate who may be responsible.

It is also important to understand that an insurance claim is not the same as a lawsuit. Negotiating with an insurer or waiting for a settlement offer does not automatically pause the statute of limitations. If the deadline expires before a lawsuit is filed, a court may dismiss the claim even if the injuries are serious.

Which Claims Are Affected?

The two-year rule generally applies to claims founded on negligence. Common examples may include:

• Car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents
• Slip-and-fall and other premises-liability incidents
• Negligent security claims
• Injuries caused by another person’s careless actions

Not every injury case follows the same deadline. Medical malpractice, wrongful death, claims involving government entities, and certain other matters may be governed by different statutes or notice requirements. A claim that accrued before March 24, 2023, may also be subject to the prior four-year negligence deadline.

Acting Early Protects Your Options

Contacting an attorney soon after an accident does not mean that a lawsuit must be filed immediately. It gives you time to understand the applicable deadline, preserve important evidence, document medical care and lost income, and evaluate insurance coverage.

The Law Office of Clinton Paris, P.A. recommends taking practical steps after an injury: seek medical attention, save photographs and records, retain incident reports, keep insurer correspondence, and avoid assuming there is plenty of time to act.

FAQ

When did Florida’s new two-year deadline take effect?

The change applies to most negligence claims that accrued after March 24, 2023.

Does every Florida personal injury case have a two-year deadline?

No. Some types of cases have different rules, deadlines, or required notices.

Will settlement talks extend my filing deadline?

Not automatically. Insurance negotiations generally do not stop the clock for filing a lawsuit.

What should I do after an accident?

Preserve evidence, obtain appropriate medical care, and call the Law Office of Clinton Paris as soon as possible.

This article provides general information only and is not legal advice. For guidance about a Florida personal injury matter, contact the Law Office of Clinton Paris, P.A.