Florida Statute of Limitations (2026)
All civil filing deadlines for Florida — official statute citations, plain-English explanations, and key exceptions.
✓ Last verified: Sep 2026
Common Questions About Florida Deadlines
What is the statute of limitations in Florida?
It depends on the type of claim. Florida filing deadlines range from 2 years to 5 years — for example, personal injury 2 years, breach of a written contract 5 years, medical malpractice 2 years, defamation 2 years.
How long do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida?
2 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a). General negligence actions are listed in the two-year category. Full personal injury rules →
What is the statute of limitations for wrongful death in Florida?
2 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(e). Two years, under the two-year category in § 95.11(5). Full wrongful death rules →
What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Florida?
2 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(c). Generally two years from the incident or discovery / when it should have been discovered, subject to statutory outer limits. Full medical malpractice rules →
What is the statute of limitations for breach of contract in Florida?
5 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b). Generally measured from accrual of the contract cause of action. Full breach of a written contract rules →
How long do you have to sue for defamation in Florida?
2 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(h). Libel and slander are listed in the two-year category. Full defamation rules →
What is the statute of limitations for property damage in Florida?
4 years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(g). Applies to an action for taking, detaining, or injuring personal property. Full property damage rules →
Do you have to notify the government before suing in Florida?
Often, yes. Written claim generally presented within 3 years under Fla. Stat. § 768.28(6)(a). This is usually much shorter than the ordinary deadline.