Florida spent decades giving injured people four years to file a lawsuit. That changed in 2023, and many people still assume the old, longer deadline applies to their situation, sometimes with costly consequences.
The Law That Cut Florida’s Deadline In Half
Under Florida Statute 95.11, House Bill 837, signed into law on March 24, 2023, reduced the statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims from four years to two years.
Why This Change Catches So Many People Off Guard
Because the four-year deadline was Florida law for so long, many injured people, and even some who researched their rights years ago, still assume they have four years to file. Relying on outdated information can mean missing the actual two-year deadline before ever realizing it had changed.
Which Injuries Does This Shorter Deadline Actually Cover
This two-year deadline applies broadly to negligence-based claims, including car accidents, slip and falls, premises liability, and most product liability claims grounded in negligence. It represents one of the most significant changes in Florida’s broader 2023 tort reform package.
Does This Change Apply To Every Accident Going Forward
No. The shortened deadline applies specifically to causes of action accruing on or after March 24, 2023. Loshak Law PLLC checks this effective date first in every case where timing is close. An injury that occurred before that date generally remains governed by the prior four-year deadline, even if the claim is being evaluated or settled well after the law changed.
Why The Exact Date Of Injury Matters So Much Now
Because the applicable deadline depends entirely on when the underlying injury occurred relative to this effective date, confirming the precise date of an accident has become more important than ever. A claim that looks expired under the new rule might still be viable if the injury actually predates the change.
What Documentation Helps Confirm Which Deadline Applies
Because this transition creates real confusion about which rule controls, gathering the right information matters considerably:
- The exact date of the accident or injury
- Any prior correspondence with insurers referencing an assumed deadline
- Records showing when an injury was actually discovered, if not immediately apparent
- Documentation of the injured person’s age, in case tolling for minors applies
Applying This Rule To A Pembroke Pines Injury Claim
Because this deadline recently changed and depends on the precise date of injury, confirming which rule applies to a specific situation matters considerably. A Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyer can review the exact timeline of an injury to identify the correct filing deadline.
What If A Claim Looks Time Barred Under The New Rule
A claim that appears expired under the current two-year deadline should still be reviewed carefully, since the actual date of injury and any applicable tolling exceptions can change that outcome. A Pembroke Pines personal injury lawyer can evaluate whether a claim that looks time barred may still be viable.
This recent change to Florida’s filing deadline has caught many people by surprise, which is exactly why confirming which rule applies to a specific injury matters before assuming a claim has expired. If you are unsure whether your deadline has passed on a personal injury claim in Pembroke Pines, reach out to our office to go over the timeline of what happened.
