Time limits apply in Florida. Find out if you still qualify.
Verified against court records, regulatory records, and peer-reviewed research.
Last reviewed against primary sources: June 11, 2026
Statute of Limitations
4-year statute of limitations for general personal injury. Childhood sexual abuse claims carry a 7-year extended SOL from the date the victim turns 18 (effectively until age 25). Recent legislative proposals would extend this further. Discovery rule applies. Federal Section 1983 claims have no state SOL limitation.
2028-12-31
Where to File in Florida
Florida juvenile detention abuse cases are filed in the circuit court of the county where the facility was located or where the plaintiff resides. Miami-Dade, Broward, Hillsborough (Tampa), and Duval County (Jacksonville) handle the largest volume of cases. Claims against the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice are subject to the state's sovereign immunity waiver with damage caps. Claims against private operators like GEO Group face no sovereign immunity. The $14.5M GEO Group verdict was in a South Florida federal court. Federal Section 1983 claims are filed in the Southern District (Miami/Fort Lauderdale), Middle District (Tampa/Orlando), or Northern District (Tallahassee).
Exposure in Florida
Source: OJJDP 2024
Source: Florida DJJ Annual Report
Source: DOJ / FL Inspector General