Florida's personal injury statute of limitations is now 2 years from the date of injury — but if you've read anything about Florida deadlines from before 2023, it's likely outdated. This is one of the most significant recent legal changes affecting personal injury claimants in the country.

A Major 2023 Law Change: 4 Years Down to 2

On March 24, 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 837 into law, cutting the general negligence statute of limitations for personal injury claims from four years down to two years. The new two-year deadline applies to any cause of action accruing on or after March 24, 2023. Injuries that occurred before that date generally remain subject to the prior four-year deadline.

⚠️ Many articles, forum posts, and even some older attorney websites online still cite Florida's "4-year" statute of limitations — that information is now outdated for injuries occurring after March 24, 2023. Always confirm which deadline applies to your specific accident date.

Modified Comparative Fault: Also Changed in 2023

HB 837 didn't stop at the filing deadline — it also moved Florida from pure comparative fault to modified comparative fault with a 51% bar. If you're found 51% or more at fault for your own injury under the new rule, you cannot recover damages at all, a meaningful change from Florida's prior, more claimant-friendly system.

Why This Change Matters So Much

Because the 2023 reform cut the standard deadline in half, claimants who assumed they had years to decide whether to pursue a claim may find their window has already closed much sooner than they expected. Confirming your accident date against the March 24, 2023 cutoff is one of the first things worth checking in any Florida personal injury matter.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?

2 years from the date of injury for causes of action accruing on or after March 24, 2023 (HB 837). Older injuries may still fall under the prior 4-year deadline.

Did Florida's statute of limitations change recently?

Yes — HB 837, signed March 24, 2023, cut the deadline from 4 years to 2 years and changed the fault rule to modified comparative with a 51% bar.

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