Florida Car Accident Law Changes (Simple Guide)

Short version: Florida now gives most crash victims only 2 years to file a negligence lawsuit, and the Move Over law was expanded to cover disabled vehicles with hazard lights. If you need help now, talk to an Orlando car accident lawyer at Fighter Law or see our personal injury lawyers in Orlando page for more info.

1) You now have 2 years to sue after most car crashes

In 2023, Florida passed a tort reform law (HB 837) that cut the deadline to sue for negligence from 4 years down to 2 for crashes that happened on or after March 24, 2023. See the bill and statute:
HB 837 (2023) and
§95.11, Fla. Stat.

Shared fault rule also changed

Florida uses “modified comparative negligence.” If you’re found more than 50% at fault for your own injuries, you may be barred from recovering damages in many negligence cases. See
§768.81, Fla. Stat.

2) Florida’s Move Over law now covers disabled vehicles

Starting in 2024, drivers must move over—or slow down significantly—when they approach any disabled vehicle displaying hazard lights, not just police, tow, or utility vehicles. See FLHSMV’s pages:
Move Over overview and the
2025 update.

• Can’t move over? On multi-lane roads, slow at least 20 mph below the limit; on a two-lane road, slow to 5 mph when the limit is 20 mph or less (per FLHSMV guidance).
• Why it matters for your case: If the other driver failed to move over or slow down, that violation can be powerful evidence of negligence.

What to do if you were hit

1. Get care fast. Early treatment protects your health and documents your injuries (remember Florida’s PIP 14-day rule in §627.736).
2. Save evidence. Photos, video, dash cam, witness names, and the crash report matter.
3. Don’t go it alone. An Orlando car accident lawyer can preserve evidence, value your losses, and file before the 2-year deadline.

Helpful links: Request your crash report from FLHSMV or purchase online here.

Why call Fighter Law

• Trial-ready team led by a Board-Certified trial lawyer
• Hands-on investigation (ECM/black box data, scene work, video, experts)
• Clear communication from start to finish

Request a free consultation or call 407-344-4837. Learn more about our personal injury lawyers in Orlando and our dedicated Orlando car accident lawyer services.

Disclaimer: This post is general information, not legal advice.

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