Florida Injury Deadlines: Why One Date Is Not Enough

Start with the legal basis of the claim

For many Florida negligence claims accruing after March 24, 2023, the general filing period is two years from accrual. Accrual generally means the last element of the claim has occurred. That is not a universal deadline for every injury matter. Earlier claims, different claim types, parties, governing law, and exceptions require individual review.

Identify anything that may change the analysis

These are prompts for individual review, not a checklist that calculates an extension. Do not assume a minor’s claim, an unresolved investigation, or ongoing treatment stops a clock.

• The incident date, location, and when the injury or relevant facts became known.
• Every potentially responsible person or entity, including any government connection.
• Any death, treatment-related injury, cruise or vessel involvement, or contractual ticket terms.
• Insurance policies, prior notices, claims, lawsuits, and any signed agreements.
• Any earlier lawyer involvement, settlement discussions, or written deadline mentioned by another party.

A conversation does not file a lawsuit

Contacting a firm, negotiating with an insurer, or submitting a website inquiry does not itself file your claim in court. Confirm whether a lawyer has accepted representation and who is responsible for each approaching deadline.

Preserve letters, envelopes, electronic timestamps, contracts, and prior filings. If a date may be close, call directly and explain the urgency rather than relying solely on an online form.

Evidence can disappear before the filing deadline

Video may be overwritten, vehicles repaired, and witnesses become harder to locate. Early preservation can matter even when a lawsuit is not immediately appropriate. Bring what you have; do not postpone an initial review while trying to assemble a perfect file.