Florida Civil Statute of Limitations Reference Guide
In Florida, the expiration of the limitation period permanently bars civil actions. Under Fla. Stat. § 95.03, any provision in a contract attempting to fix the period of limitation to a shorter time than provided in statute is void.
| Cause of Action | Limitation Window | Governing Florida Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Written Contract | 5 Years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(2)(b) |
| Oral / Verbal Contract | 4 Years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(k) |
| Property Damage / Vehicle Damage | 4 Years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(h) |
| Personal Injury / Negligence | 2 Years (post-HB 837) | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(a) |
| Open Account / Unpaid Invoices | 4 Years | Fla. Stat. § 95.11(3)(k) |
Florida Small Claims Court Rules & Limits ($8,000)
In Florida, civil claims for money damages of \$8,000 or less (excluding court costs and interest) fall under the expedited Florida Small Claims Rules. Key features:
- Mandatory Pre-Trial Mediation: In almost all Florida small claims cases, both parties are required to attend a court-sponsored pre-trial conference and mediation before a trial date is assigned.
- Demand Letter Influence: Providing the mediator with a copy of your prior certified demand letter and signed return receipt establishes that you made reasonable attempts to resolve the dispute, frequently leading to favorable settlements.