Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

If you were injured in an accident in Florida, time is not on your side.
Under Florida law, personal injury claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file within this deadline, you will likely lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong your case may be.
Understanding these deadlines is critical to protecting your rights and your financial future.

What Is a Statute of Limitations?

A statute of limitations is the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Florida personal injury cases, this deadline typically begins running on the date the accident occurs.
This applies to cases involving:
  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Dog bites
  • Wrongful death claims
  • Other negligence-related injuries
If you attempt to file your claim after the deadline has passed, the court will likely dismiss your case.
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Are There Exceptions to the Two-Year Deadline?

Yes. While most personal injury cases in Florida must be filed within two years, certain circumstances can change the timeline.

For example:

  • Claims involving government entities often have shorter notice requirements and additional procedural rules.
  • Cases involving minors or individuals who are legally incapacitated may follow different timelines.
  • Situations where injuries are not immediately discovered may affect when the clock begins to run.

Because these exceptions are highly fact-specific, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to determine the exact deadline in your case.

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Why Acting Quickly Matters

Even if you believe you have plenty of time, delaying action can seriously harm your case.
Over time:
Evidence can disappear
Surveillance footage may be erased
Witnesses’ memories fade
Insurance companies build defenses
At Merricks Law Group, we act immediately to protect our clients. Our team will:
Promptly evaluate your case
Preserve critical evidence
Communicate with insurance companies
Ensure all legal deadlines are met
File your claim on time
Taking early action strengthens your case and positions you for the maximum compensation available.

Don’t Lose Your Right to Compensation

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs can place enormous strain on you and your family. Missing the statute of limitations deadline means forfeiting your opportunity to recover these damages.
For over 30 years, accident victims across Florida have relied on Attorney Howard Merricks and the team at Merricks Law Group to guide them through every step of the personal injury claims process.
We are prepared to do the same for you.
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Contact a Florida Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not wait to get legal guidance. Your future may depend on taking action now.
Contact Merricks Law Group today to schedule a consultation and protect your right to pursue compensation.

What Our Clients Have To Say

Working with Merricks Law Group was wonderful. They were extremely professional and kind. I just walked in a week after a car accident and they took care of everything. They keep you informed through the…
- Melinda N.
Great lawyers to work with. They will go to work for you and be the best lawyers you can get. They keep you informed and meet you on your schedule.
- Jeffrey P.
Absolutely the best! They continue to give you updates on your case and then explain the "why," which is very important to people like me because this is not my line of work. From the…
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I just wanted to take the time to recommend the Merricks Law Group. I hired them to represent me in an auto injury case. Mr. Todd Hingson was so caring and knowledgeable of the process.
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