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Florida car accident deadlines - a timetable from the crash to the lawsuit

Compiled by Joel Maldonado for SWFL.now from official sources · Last reviewed 26 October 2026

After a Florida car accident the clocks run in this order: notify police immediately if anyone is hurt or damage is at least $2,000, show proof of insurance to the officer (or within 24 hours), file the driver report within 10 days if no officer reports it, get initial medical care within 14 days to keep PIP, and file suit within two years. A person found more than 50 percent at fault cannot recover damages. Some websites still say four years or $500; the statutes say two years and $2,000. Checked November 14, 2026.

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Different rules start different clocks, and most of them start the day of the crash. The table lists each one with its source.

The timetable

When What Source
Immediately Notify police if the crash caused injury or death or apparent damage of at least $2,000 Fla. Stat. 316.065(1)
At the scene, or within 24 hours Give the officer proof of insurance; showing valid proof within 24 hours may void the citation Fla. Stat. 316.066(1)(d)
Within 10 days Send a written driver report to the state when no law enforcement report is required Fla. Stat. 316.066(1)(e)
Up to 10 days An officer's long-form report goes to the state within 10 days after the investigation; FLHSMV says reports may take up to 10 days to appear Fla. Stat. 316.066(1)(a); FLHSMV
Within 14 days Receive initial medical services and care to keep PIP medical benefits Fla. Stat. 627.736(1)(a)
60 days after the report is filed Personal details in the crash report stop being confidential to the public Fla. Stat. 316.066(2)
30 days after notice An underinsured motorist insurer has 30 days to respond to written notice of a proposed settlement with the at-fault driver's insurer Fla. Stat. 627.727(6)
2 years File a lawsuit founded on negligence Fla. Stat. 95.11(5)(a)

Conflicting numbers you will see online

Search results for Florida car accident questions disagree with each other, and the statute decides which is right.

You may read The statute says Why they differ
Lawsuit deadline of four years Two years for an action founded on negligence HB 837 (2023) cut the period from four years. Applies to causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023 (Florida Senate summary). Older articles were never updated.
Reporting threshold of $500 Notice to police for injury, death, or apparent damage of at least $2,000 The statute text read on November 14, 2026 says $2,000. Some pages quote earlier versions.
Report within 10 days for everyone Within 10 days only when no law enforcement report is required A driver does not file the 10-day report if an officer writes the crash report.

If a page does not link the statute, treat its number as unconfirmed.

Fault, in one sentence

A party found to be greater than 50 percent at fault for their own harm may not recover any damages in a negligence action (Fla. Stat. 768.81(6)). Fault is argued from the evidence, so the crash report, photos and witness details matter.

Check your own deadline

Kazaam's claim deadline calculator takes your accident date and state and returns the lawsuit deadline with the statute linked; Florida is two years there too. Its guide to how long you have to file a claim lists the other states. Disclosure: Kazaam is a marketing and lead-connection service operated alongside SWFL.now by Neural Command, LLC; it is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. Exceptions, such as claims against a government, claims by minors and wrongful death claims, can shorten or extend a deadline, so confirm yours with a lawyer licensed in Florida.

Related

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the statute of limitations for a car accident in Florida?
Two years for an action founded on negligence, under Florida Statutes 95.11(5)(a). HB 837 changed it from four years, for causes of action accruing after March 24, 2023.
Is the Florida deadline four years or two?
Two years for most car accident negligence claims that accrued after March 24, 2023. Four years was the earlier rule, and many older articles still say it. Other claims, such as wrongful death or claims against a government, can have different rules, so confirm with a Florida attorney.
When must I report a car accident in Florida?
Immediately, by the quickest means, to the local police, sheriff or Florida Highway Patrol if the crash caused injury or death or apparent damage of at least $2,000 (Florida Statutes 316.065(1)). If no law enforcement report is required, send a written report to the state within 10 days (316.066(1)(e)).
What happens if I am partly at fault in a Florida car accident?
Since HB 837, a party found more than 50 percent at fault for their own harm may not recover any damages, under Florida Statutes 768.81(6). If you are 50 percent or less at fault, the statute reduces recovery by comparative fault.
Does the 14-day PIP rule count as a deadline?
Yes. Florida PIP pays medical benefits only if initial services and care are received within 14 days after the accident (627.736(1)(a)).
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