Your deadline to file in Florida: the statute of limitations
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Under the Florida statute of limitations, you have two years to sue for a car accident injury caused by negligence. Florida cut this from four years in 2023, per section 95.11.
The deadline
| What | Time limit | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Injury lawsuit (negligence) | Two years | Fla. Stat. 95.11 |
| Claim against a state agency or city | Written claim within 3 years | Fla. Stat. 768.28 |
| PIP: first medical care | Within 14 days of the crash | Fla. Stat. 627.736 |
Count two years from your crash date: that day is your last day to sue for injury in Florida.
Newest change: PIP is still the law. A 2025 bill to repeal it, HB 1181, died in committee on June 16, 2025, so the 14-day rule still applies. Source: Florida House.
Exceptions
A state agency or city was at fault
Written notice of the claim goes to the agency within 3 years, under section 768.28, before suing.
You need your own PIP
Your own PIP pays only if you get care within 14 days, under section 627.736.
Florida bars recovery if you were more than 50 percent at fault, under section 768.81. See the at-fault page.
Claim deadline versus lawsuit deadline
Your own PIP benefits are overdue if not paid within 30 days of written notice. Once you settle with the other driver, Florida requires payment within 20 days. Neither changes the two-year lawsuit deadline. Source: section 627.4265.
Compare with the California deadline.
Florida statute of limitations questions
How long do you have to sue after a car accident in Florida?
Two years for injury from negligence, for crashes after March 24, 2023. It used to be four.
What if my crash happened before 2023?
The older four-year rule may apply. A lawyer can check your date on a free call.
Do I have to see a doctor within 14 days in Florida?
Yes, to use your PIP. Waiting longer can cost you those benefits.
Does talking to the insurer pause the clock?
No. Only filing a lawsuit stops the two-year clock.
What to do now
Call about my deadline(833) 716-6705
Our team picks up 24/7, reviews your case free, and pairs you with a car accident lawyer paid only if you win.
Insurers know the Florida clock well, so they may stall until your time to sue is gone. Your lawsuit must be filed by the same calendar date two years after your crash. Call before you sign a release or answer the adjuster, and have your crash date ready.