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How Long Do You Have to File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

May 16, 2026

In Florida, most wrongful death claims must be filed within two years from the date of death. That deadline can feel like one more burden during an already painful time, but you do not have to figure it out alone.

Peninsula Law Firm, PLLC helps families throughout Florida understand their options after a preventable death.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim?

A wrongful death claim is a civil legal claim that may be filed when someone dies because of another person or company’s negligence, wrongful act, or misconduct. These cases can involve many different situations, including:

  • Car accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Unsafe property conditions
  • Defective products
  • Boating or cruise ship incidents
  • Other serious injury cases that result in death

A wrongful death claim cannot undo what happened. It can, however, help a family seek accountability and financial support for the losses caused by the death.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

In Florida, the personal representative of the person’s estate files the wrongful death lawsuit. The claim is filed for the benefit of the estate and eligible surviving family members.

Survivors may include a spouse, children, parents, and certain relatives who depended on the person for support or services. Every family situation is different, so one of the first steps is understanding who may be included in the claim.

Why It Helps to Speak With an Attorney Early

After a death, families are often contacted by insurance companies. The person on the phone may sound helpful, but the insurance company is still protecting its own interests.

Before giving a recorded statement, signing paperwork, or accepting any payment, it may help to have a lawyer review the situation. This is especially true when your family is still grieving and may not yet understand the full financial and emotional impact of the loss.

An attorney can also begin gathering records, reviewing reports, speaking with witnesses, and identifying evidence that may be important later.

What Compensation May Be Available in a Florida Wrongful Death Case?

The compensation available in a wrongful death case depends on the facts, the relationship between the person who died and the surviving family members, and the losses involved. A claim may include compensation for:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical bills related to the final injury
  • Lost income and financial support
  • Loss of household services
  • Loss of companionship, guidance, protection, and care
  • Mental pain and suffering for certain surviving family members

These cases are deeply personal. The value of a claim is not just about numbers. It is also about how the loss has changed the family’s life.

How Peninsula Law Firm Helps Families After a Wrongful Death

Peninsula Law Firm, PLLC works with families across Florida, including Lake Placid, Highlands County, and surrounding communities. The firm offers direct attorney involvement, so clients are not left wondering who is handling their case or whether their questions matter.

The attorneys at Peninsula Law Firm also bring experience from the defense side. They understand how insurance companies and large companies review claims, what they look for, and how they may try to limit responsibility. That perspective helps the firm prepare each case with care.

From the first conversation, the goal is to help your family understand what happened, what options may be available, and what the process may look like from here. Clients can expect a thoughtful conversation, not pressure. According to the firm’s kickoff discussion, initial consultations often involve walking clients through the short-term, mid-term, and long-term steps after an accident or serious loss.

Get Help and Understanding Counsel From Peninsula Law Firm, PLLC

If your family lost someone because of another person’s negligence, you may have legal options. You do not have to make every decision right away, but it can help to understand the deadline and what steps may protect your family’s claim.

Peninsula Law Firm, PLLC offers free consultations for wrongful death and personal injury cases. The firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay attorney’s fees unless compensation is recovered for you.

Contact Peninsula Law Firm, PLLC to speak with a Florida wrongful death lawyer about what happened and what your family may need next.

Ready To Get Started?

Hiring a personal injury attorney to take on your case is an important decision. Get started with a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting with an attorney.