In the wake of Florida’s tort reform, as outlined in House Bill 837, which took effect on March 24, 2023, the statute of limitations for most general negligence claims was significantly shortened, reducing it from four years to just two years. As of 2026, this change continues to have significant implications for individuals injured in Broward or Palm Beach counties who seek compensation.
What Changed, Exactly?
Under HB 837, Florida amended Section 95.11 of the Florida Statutes, cutting the time limit for negligence-based personal injury lawsuits in half. The two-year countdown now applies to causes of action that accrue on or after March 24, 2023 — meaning that for many incidents taking place since then, injured parties must act much more quickly.
This applies broadly to general negligence claims, including auto accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, premises liability, and other non-medical injury cases.
Why Does This Matter for Injury Victims in Broward and Palm Beach?
For someone injured in Broward or Palm Beach County, the two-year window makes prompt legal action critical. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to bring a lawsuit altogether — regardless of how strong your case might be.
Because many injury victims are still recovering, undergoing treatment, or gathering documentation, the compressed timeframe can make it more challenging to develop a fully comprehensive claim in a timely manner.
Furthermore, since the reform is not retroactive, only injuries that occurred on or after March 24, 2023, fall under the new two-year rule. If your accident occurred before that date, the old four-year statute may still apply; however, for more recent incidents, two years is generally the limit.
Are There Any Exceptions or Ways to Pause the Clock?
Yes — the law does provide for some exceptions or “tolling” in certain situations:
- Discovery rule: In cases where an injury or negligence wasn’t immediately apparent, the clock may start when you knew (or reasonably should have known) about the harm, rather than the date of the incident.
- Tolling: Certain factors, such as a defendant being out of state, a plaintiff being a minor, or a plaintiff being legally incapacitated, may temporarily pause the limitations period.
- Statutes of repose: For some claims (for example, in some medical‑malpractice contexts), there may still be an absolute “cut‑off” even if tolling applies.
Practical Implications for Your Case
- Act fast: With just two years for most claims, it’s crucial to contact a lawyer soon after your injury.
- Preserve evidence: The sooner you investigate, the better — witness statements, accident reports, and medical documentation can fade or become harder to gather over time.
- Build your strategy early: An attorney can help you not only assess liability but also ensure your case is developed, documented, and ready for negotiation or litigation well before the deadline.
South Florida Personal Injury Attorneys
At The South Florida Injury Law Firm, we are deeply familiar with the changes introduced by HB 837 and how they impact personal injury claims in Broward and Palm Beach counties. Our team understands the urgency created by the new two-year statute of limitations, and we’re committed to moving quickly to protect your rights, gather evidence, and advocate aggressively on your behalf — before it’s too late.
If you or a loved one was injured in Broward or Palm Beach County and your accident happened on or after March 24, 2023, don’t delay. Contact The South Florida Injury Law Firm today for a free, no‑obligation case evaluation. Let us help you understand your rights and take action before your window for filing closes.
