FloridaVetoed proposal would set payment limits for claims against Florida government
The vetoed proposal would set payment limits for government injury claims and require most claimants to notify government in writing within 18 months.
What it does
The proposal would set government payment limits at $350,000 for one person and $500,000 for claims from one incident. Paying more would require another act of the Legislature.
Most people making tort claims against Florida government would have to give written notice within 18 months after a claim arises. Different deadlines apply to some claims, including wrongful-death claims.
Argument forPeople with serious injury claims could seek larger payments from government under the proposed higher limits.
Argument againstPeople with claims could lose time to prepare if they must notify government within 18 months after the claim arises.
More detail
The proposal would set government payment limits for tort claims at $350,000 for one person and $500,000 for claims from one incident. The limits apply to tort claims against Florida state agencies and local governments. A court may enter a judgment above these limits, but payment above them requires another act of the Legislature. If it took effect, the proposal would apply to claims based on events occurring on or after October 1, 2026.
The proposal would require most claimants to give written notice within 18 months after a claim arises. The notice rule covers tort claims against the state or its agencies and local governments for injury or loss caused by an employee's negligent or wrongful act within the scope of employment. Claimants must notify the responsible agency and, except for claims against a city, county, or the Florida Space Authority, the Department of Financial Services. Different deadlines apply to contribution claims, wrongful-death claims, and claims involving certain sexual offenses against a victim under 16; the latter may be presented at any time, subject to the stated cutoff. If it took effect, the proposal would apply to claims based on events occurring on or after October 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 30Vetoed by Governor Ron DeSantisLatest
- Jun 15Signed by Officers and presented to GovernorTo Governor
- Mar 12Ordered engrossed, then enrolledMinor
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 12Passed as amended; YEAS 108, NAYS 1Major
- Mar 12Amendment 401768 Concur
- Mar 12Added to Senate Message List
- Mar 10In Messages
- Vote recorded Third Reading. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 10Passed as amended; YEAS 36 NAYS 0Passed Senate
- Mar 10Read 3rd timeMinor
- Mar 10Amendment(s) adopted (401768)
- Mar 10Read 2nd timeMinor
- Mar 10Substituted for CS/SB 1366
- Mar 10Placed on Calendar, on 2nd reading
- Mar 10Withdrawn from RulesMajor
- Jan 22ReceivedMinor
- Jan 16Referred to RulesMinor
- Jan 15In Messages
- Vote recorded Passage, Third Reading. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 15Passed; YEAS 104, NAYS 7Passed House
- Jan 15Read 3rd timeMinor
- Jan 15Added to Third Reading Calendar
- Jan 15Read 2nd timeMinor
- Jan 131st Reading (Original Filed Version)Minor
- Jan 12Bill added to Special Order Calendar (1/15/2026)
- 2025
- Dec 11Bill released to House Calendar
- Vote recorded Favorable (Judiciary Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Dec 11Reported out of Judiciary Committee
- Dec 11Favorable by Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Dec 4Added to Judiciary Committee agenda
- Dec 3Now in Judiciary Committee
- Vote recorded Favorable (Budget Committee). Result: pass.Lower
- Dec 3Reported out of Budget Committee
- Dec 3Favorable by Budget CommitteeMinor
- Nov 24Added to Budget Committee agenda
- Nov 13Now in Budget Committee
- Nov 13Reported out of Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- Nov 5Favorable by Civil Justice & Claims SubcommitteeMinor
- Vote recorded Favorable (Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee). Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 29Added to Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee agenda
- Oct 21Now in Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee
- Oct 21Referred to Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Oct 21Referred to Budget CommitteeMinor
- Oct 21Referred to Civil Justice & Claims SubcommitteeMinor
- Oct 10FiledIntroduced
- Dec 11Bill released to House Calendar
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