In March 2023, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 837 into law, reducing the statute of limitations for negligence-based personal injury claims from four years to two years. This is one of the most significant changes to Florida personal injury law in a generation, and it directly affects your ability to seek compensation after an accident.
What Changed
Under the old law, injury victims in Florida had four years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit. As of March 24, 2023, that window is now two years.
If your accident occurred on or after March 24, 2023, you have two years to file your claim. Miss that deadline and Florida courts will almost certainly dismiss your case — regardless of how strong it is.
Why This Matters
The insurance industry lobbied hard for this change. A shorter window benefits insurers because:
- Injury victims are less likely to find strong legal representation under time pressure
- Critical evidence — surveillance footage, witness memories, black box data — degrades faster than the deadline
- Medical documentation is harder to compile fully within two years for serious injuries
What You Should Do Right Now
If you or a family member were injured in a Florida accident, do not wait. The attorneys at Gonzalez Munoz Law recommend:
- Contact an attorney immediately — even if you think you have time
- Preserve all evidence — photos, police reports, witness contacts, medical records
- Seek medical attention — undiagnosed injuries will hurt your case later
- Do not speak to the other party's insurance company without counsel
We Can Help
Gonzalez Munoz Law has been recovering compensation for injured Floridians for over 25 years. If you were involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other injury event in North Miami Beach, Miami-Dade, or Broward County, call us now at 305-770-6666. The consultation is free. The advice is valuable.