Florida's 2023 Tort Reform Law: Key Changes and Implications for Personal Injury Cases

What is Florida’s HB 837 and when was it enacted?

HB 837 is Florida’s comprehensive tort reform bill that was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis on March 24, 2023, bringing sweeping changes to civil suits in the state.

How did HB 837 change the statute of limitations for negligence claims?

The law reduced the statute of limitations for filing negligence claims from four years to just two years, meaning plaintiffs now have less time to initiate legal action after an incident.

What is a statute of limitations and why is it important?

A statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit, and once it expires, your right to sue is essentially forfeited, making timely action crucial for preserving legal rights.

How did HB 837 change Florida’s comparative negligence rules?

The law shifted Florida from a pure comparative negligence model to a modified comparative negligence model, meaning plaintiffs cannot recover damages if they were more than 50% at fault for the incident.

What was the previous comparative negligence rule in Florida?

Previously, plaintiffs could recover damages even if they shouldered the majority of the blame for the injurious incident, unlike the current 50% fault threshold.

Why is it important to seek legal counsel quickly after an accident under the new law?

With the reduced two-year statute of limitations, giving your attorney less time to work within this deadline may result in less effective representation and could jeopardize your case.

Are there any exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations?

Yes, there are a few narrow exceptions such as tolling provisions or if the plaintiff is a minor, but these exceptions are limited in scope.

Who is most affected by these tort reform changes?

Personal injury plaintiffs and their attorneys face the most significant impact, as the changes create new challenges for pursuing negligence claims and recovering damages.

What types of cases does the Andres Lopez Law Firm handle?

The firm handles personal injury cases including car and semi collisions, wrongful death, Uber accidents, workplace accidents, and offers complimentary consultations for potential plaintiffs.

How can someone get more information about these legal changes?

Potential plaintiffs can contact the Andres Lopez Law Firm online to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation consultation about their personal injury case.