Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer
You deserve to be believed. Speak privately with a Florida attorney who handles sexual abuse cases with care, discretion, and respect for your pace.
Your local attorneyMichael Haggard, Esq.
Justice in Florida
You can pursue accountability in Florida, and you do not have to do it alone
If you were sexually abused or assaulted in Florida, you may have the right to bring a civil claim against the person who harmed you and, in many cases, the institution that enabled it. A civil case is separate from any criminal charges, and it can move forward whether or not the abuser was ever arrested or convicted. Its purpose is to hold wrongdoers accountable and to recover compensation for the harm done to you.
Florida law recognizes how long it can take a survivor to come forward, and the state's deadlines for childhood sexual abuse claims reflect that. The first step is simply a confidential conversation. There is no cost to talk, no pressure, and no obligation. You decide what happens next, and we move at the pace that feels right for you.
Time limits do apply, and they vary by state. Many states have recently expanded or reopened the window to file. A free, confidential call simply tells you where you stand — no pressure, no obligation.
Your local attorney
Michael A. Haggard, Esq.
The Haggard Law Firm, P.A.
- 330 Alhambra Circle, Floor 1, Coral Gables, FL 33134
- Admitted: Florida, 1996 · Bar #73776
- J.D., University of Miami School of Law (1995); B.S., Florida State University (1992)
Michael A. Haggard leads The Haggard Law Firm, P.A. in Coral Gables and has represented victims of serious harm across Florida since 1996. A Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Society of Barristers, he has served as President of the Florida Justice Association and President of the National Crime Victim Bar Association, an organization dedicated to the civil representation of crime victims.
Recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a Lawyer of the Year and listed among the Lawdragon 500, Michael brings deep courtroom experience to cases involving sexual assault, negligent security, and institutional failures that allow abuse to occur. He approaches every survivor's case with discretion and a steady commitment to accountability.
Handles: Child sexual abuse, Sexual assault, Negligent security, Institutional & negligent supervision claims, Crime victim representation
Why survivors trust us
Real attorneys. Proven results. Quiet strength.
Florida Statute of Limitations
How long do you have to file a sexual abuse claim in Florida?
It depends on how old you were when the abuse happened and the nature of the conduct. Florida treats childhood sexual abuse differently from many other claims, and for the youngest victims the law removes the civil deadline entirely. Because the rules are fact-specific, the most reliable way to know your deadline is to have an attorney review your situation.
In general terms, Florida's civil framework works like this:
- Children under 16 at the time of the abuse: Florida generally imposes no time limit for civil sexual battery claims, meaning a case may be brought regardless of how much time has passed.
- Victims who were 16 or 17: a claim generally must be filed within several years of turning 18, or within a set period after leaving the dependency of the abuser, whichever applies to the facts.
- Adult survivors: Florida typically applies a multi-year deadline that runs from the incident; where abuse was repeated or ongoing, the clock often starts on the date of the last act.
- Criminal cases are separate: Florida has eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for many serious sexual battery offenses, particularly those involving minors. A criminal time limit does not control your civil deadline.
Other circumstances, such as fraudulent concealment or the discovery of abuse later in life, can affect timing in either direction. Acting sooner generally protects evidence and witness memory, so it is worth confirming your deadline early.
This is general information, not legal advice; deadlines depend on the facts of each case.
Cases We Handle
Sexual abuse cases we handle in Florida
If you were harmed in any of these settings, you may have a civil claim. Every conversation is confidential.
Child Sexual Abuse
Civil claims for survivors abused as children, including cases with no filing deadline under Florida law.
Institutional Abuse
Schools, youth programs, foster and residential facilities, and other organizations that failed to protect you.
Clergy & Trusted Adults
Abuse by clergy, coaches, teachers, or others who used a position of trust to gain access.
Negligent Security
Assaults enabled by unsafe premises, inadequate supervision, or ignored warning signs at a property or business.
Simple & safe
How it works
Reach out privately
Call or fill out a short, confidential form. Tell us only what you’re comfortable sharing.
We listen & match you
We connect you with an attorney licensed in your state who handles your type of case.
You decide what’s next
Your free consultation is no-obligation. If you move forward, there’s no fee unless you win.
Florida Questions
Common questions from Florida survivors
Can I still file a sexual abuse claim in Florida if it happened years ago?
Often, yes. Florida removes the civil deadline entirely for many childhood sexual battery claims involving young victims, and other survivors may still qualify depending on their age at the time and the facts. The only way to know your deadline is to have an attorney review your specific situation.
Can I sue an institution in Florida, not just the abuser?
Yes, in many cases. Florida law allows claims against schools, churches, employers, and other organizations when their negligence, such as failing to screen, supervise, or respond to warnings, helped enable the abuse. Institutional claims are a core part of holding the full chain of responsibility accountable.
Do I have to report to the police to bring a civil case?
No. A civil case is separate from the criminal system. You can pursue a civil claim whether or not you ever filed a police report and whether or not the abuser was charged or convicted. Your attorney can explain how the two processes relate to your situation.
How much does a Florida sexual abuse lawyer cost?
The initial conversation is free and confidential. Sexual abuse cases are typically handled on a contingency basis, which means you pay no attorney fee unless your case results in a recovery. You will never be asked for money up front to get started.
Will my case be kept confidential?
Your first contact goes privately to the Florida intake team, and your privacy is protected throughout. Many sexual abuse cases can be resolved with confidentiality protections, and your attorney will discuss the options for keeping your identity and details private.
Will I have to testify in court?
Many cases resolve through settlement without a trial, so testifying is not always required. If your case does proceed, your attorney prepares and supports you at every step. You are never pushed forward faster than you are ready to go.
Is the criminal time limit the same as the civil deadline in Florida?
No. Florida has eliminated the criminal statute of limitations for many serious sexual offenses, especially those involving minors, but civil deadlines follow their own rules based on your age at the time and the facts. The two are independent, so a closed criminal window does not necessarily close your civil claim.
What if the abuse happened somewhere else but I now live in Florida?
It still may be worth a conversation. Where the abuse occurred affects which state's law applies, and our national network can connect you with the right attorney. Reach out and we will help you understand your options regardless of where the harm took place.
Free & confidential
Talk to a Florida sexual abuse lawyer
Your message goes privately to our Florida intake team. It is free, confidential, and there is no obligation.
- 100% confidential — your privacy is protected
- No fee unless we win your case
- You stay in control of every step
Prefer to talk now? (877) 421-9608
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