{"id":51712,"date":"2026-09-20T20:48:32","date_gmt":"2026-09-20T20:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/slip-and-fall\/how-much-time-do-you-have-to-sue-after-a-slip-and-fall\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T14:26:33","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T14:26:33","slug":"how-much-time-do-you-have-to-sue-after-a-slip-and-fall","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chglawyers.com\/resources\/slip-and-fall\/how-much-time-do-you-have-to-sue-after-a-slip-and-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Time Do You Have to Sue After a Slip"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Slip and Fall Claims<\/p>

How Much Time Do You Have to Sue After a Slip and Fall?<\/h1>

Florida's statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing your claim. Understanding this timeline is critical\u2014waiting too long can cost you your right to recover.<\/p>

Get Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div>
Get Your Free Case Evaluation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

By CHG Lawyers \u00b7 Published September 20, 2026<\/p>\n\n

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Slip and Fall Statute of Limitations in Florida: Your 2-Year Deadline<\/h2>\n

In Florida, you have two years from the date of your slip and fall<\/strong> to file a lawsuit on private property. This deadline\u2014called the statute of limitations\u2014is a hard cutoff. Once it passes, you typically lose your right to sue, even if you have a strong case.<\/p>\n

But if your accident happened on government property, the rules are completely different and much stricter. You may have only 30 days to file a formal notice of claim before your entire case is barred\u2014regardless of how serious your injury is.<\/p>\n

This guide explains both timelines, the exceptions that can extend your deadline, and why waiting too long hurts your case even when you’re within the legal window.<\/p>\n\n

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If you've slipped and fallen on someone else's property and aren't sure whether you still have time to pursue a claim, reach out for a free case evaluation . Talk it through with our team — the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p>

Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div>
Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Private Property: Two Years to File Suit<\/h2>\n

If you slipped and fell on private property\u2014a grocery store, restaurant, apartment complex, hotel, parking lot, or business\u2014you have two years from the date of the accident<\/strong> to file a lawsuit. Fla. Stat. \u00a795.11(4)(a)<\/a> sets this deadline.<\/p>\n

Important:<\/strong> This rule changed on March 24, 2023. If your accident happened before that date<\/strong>, you had four years. If it happened on or after March 24, 2023<\/strong>, you have two years. Knowing which rule applies is critical.<\/p>\n

The clock starts on the accident date itself. Not when you discovered your injury. Not when you sought medical treatment. Not when you hired an attorney. A slip and fall<\/a> occurring two years and one month ago is almost certainly barred from court.<\/p>\n

Government Property: Notice of Claim First, Then Stricter Deadlines<\/h2>\n

If you slipped and fell on government property\u2014a public park, municipal building, state facility, city sidewalk, county courthouse, or public library\u2014the rules are fundamentally different and far more rigid.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before you can sue a government agency, you must file a formal notice of claim<\/strong>. This written legal notice tells the government entity you were injured and plan to sue. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your entire claim<\/strong>, even if you file a lawsuit later.<\/p>\n

The notice-of-claim deadline varies by agency:<\/p>\n