Florida’s New 2-Year Statute of Limitations: What You Need to Know as a Volusia County Injury Victim

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or another type of personal injury incident here in Volusia County, Florida’s recent change to its statute of limitations could directly impact your ability to recover compensation.

As of March 24, 2023, Florida law gives you just two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s half the time you previously had and it’s a change that has left many injury victims unaware and unprotected.

Let me walk you through what this means and why acting quickly has never been more important.

What Changed and Why It Matters

Under the new law, you must file your personal injury claim within two years of the incident. If you miss this deadline, your case will likely be dismissed, and you’ll permanently lose your right to compensation regardless of how strong your case may be.

That means whether you were rear-ended at a stoplight in Daytona Beach or slipped at a local grocery store in Port Orange, the clock is now ticking faster than ever.

Every day you delay could mean less evidence, less clarity, and fewer legal options. Don’t risk it.

Which Claims Are Affected?

This two-year statute applies to nearly all personal injury cases involving negligence that occurred on or after March 24, 2023, including:

• Car, motorcycle, or trucking accidents
• Slip-and-falls and trip-and-falls
• Premises liability cases (e.g., unsafe property conditions)
• Product liability injuries
• Wrongful death claims (counted from the date of death)
• Some medical malpractice cases

The scope is wide and if you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, it’s best to speak with an attorney sooner rather than later.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes, but they are limited and not always straightforward.

For example:

• Delayed discovery: If you didn’t realize you were injured until later, the two-year window may begin when the injury is discovered.
• Minors and incapacitated individuals: These claims may have longer timeframes, depending on specific circumstances.
• Claims against government entities: These often have their own separate—and even shorter—notice and filing deadlines.

The safest approach? Let a lawyer review your situation. At Rue & Ziffra, we can help you understand exactly where your case stands under the new rules.

How This Affects Your Case Strategy

With a shorter filing window, you now have less time to investigate, gather evidence, and build your case. That’s why I encourage clients to involve an attorney as early as possible.

Insurance companies already have a head start, they have teams ready to deny, delay, or devalue your claim. You need an advocate who’s just as prepared to protect your rights from day one.

Early legal action also ensures better access to key witnesses, video footage, and medical records—all of which could be critical to your success.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

The consequences of waiting too long are severe:

• You lose your legal right to pursue damages
• Critical evidence may be lost or destroyed
• You give insurers more time to twist the facts in their favor

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, please don’t delay. Even if you’re unsure about the strength of your case, it’s worth having a conversation.

We’re Here to Help

At Rue & Ziffra, our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has been helping Volusia County residents for over 50 years. We understand the urgency and the emotional toll these situations can bring and we’re ready to guide you every step of the way.

If you have questions or think you may have a claim, give us a call. The consultation is free, and there’s no obligation.

📞 Call us today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.

Don’t let time run out on your rights. Let us help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.