Florida Laws

This page summarizes ten Florida laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Fla. Stat. § 95.11). Florida shortened the deadline for general negligence claims from 4 years to 2 years for causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023. If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Florida Comparative Negligence Laws

Florida follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). You can recover if your share of fault is 50% or less, with your award reduced by your percentage of fault. At 51% or more you recover nothing. Florida switched from pure comparative fault to this modified rule for negligence actions filed after March 24, 2023 (H.B. 837). Medical negligence claims are excluded from the change.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Florida Minimum Wage in 2026

The Florida minimum wage is $15.00 per hour, above the federal $7.25. Florida's rate rose from $14.00 to $15.00 on September 30, 2026, the last step of the 2020 constitutional amendment; it is indexed for inflation from 2027. When state and federal rates differ, employees are entitled to the higher rate.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Florida Final Paycheck Laws

Florida has no state law setting a deadline for a final paycheck. Under federal law, employers are not required to give former employees their final paycheck immediately. In practice, final wages are normally paid on the next regular payday, and you are still owed every hour you worked at no less than the minimum wage.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Florida Small Claims Court Limits

In Florida, you can sue for up to $8,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the county court. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Florida Security Deposit Laws

Florida security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 15 days if nothing is withheld; up to 30 days to give written notice of any claim, with tenant objection rights. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Florida Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Florida, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days to pay or move (excluding weekends and legal holidays). Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Florida Small Estate Affidavit

Florida small estate limit: no general affidavit; summary administration is available for estates of $75,000 or less (excluding exempt property), and certain bank funds up to $2,000 can be released without administration. Waiting period after death: varies. Real estate: through summary administration. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Florida Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Florida abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 1968. Marriages formed before that date remain valid. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Florida Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Florida: 6 months of residence before filing. Waiting period: 20 days after filing before final judgment. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

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This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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