Parking lots are one of the most common places people get hurt—yet many injured Floridians are unsure whether they have legal rights after a fall. If you slipped, tripped, or fell in a parking lot, you may be asking: Can I sue in Florida?
The short answer is: sometimes—depending on why you fell, who owned or controlled the property, and whether the hazard should have been fixed or warned about.
Parking Lot Falls Are Usually Premises Liability Cases
Most parking lot fall cases in Florida fall under premises liability law, which requires property owners and managers to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors.
Parking lots may be owned or controlled by:
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Shopping centers or strip malls
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Grocery stores or big-box retailers
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Apartment complexes or condominiums
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Office buildings or medical facilities
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Hotels, restaurants, or bars
Liability depends on who controlled the parking lot and whether they failed to address a dangerous condition.
Common Dangerous Conditions in Florida Parking Lots
You may have a valid claim if your fall was caused by hazards such as:
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Uneven pavement, potholes, or crumbling asphalt
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Broken or raised wheel stops
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Poor drainage causing standing water
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Slippery algae or mold buildup
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Oil, grease, or fluid spills
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Poor lighting that made hazards hard to see
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Inadequate warning signs or cones
Parking lots are exposed to Florida’s rain, heat, and humidity—conditions that can make hazards worse if not properly maintained.
What You Must Prove to Sue for a Parking Lot Fall
To succeed in a Florida parking lot fall claim, you generally must show:
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A dangerous condition existed
The hazard must be more than trivial—something a reasonable person wouldn’t expect or easily avoid. -
The property owner knew or should have known about it
This is called actual or constructive knowledge. For example:-
The hazard existed long enough that it should have been discovered
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The condition happened repeatedly in the past
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The owner or employees created the hazard
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The owner failed to fix or warn about the danger
Simply knowing about the problem isn’t enough—the failure to act is key. -
The hazard caused your injuries
Medical records, photos, and witness statements often play a major role here.
What If the Property Owner Blames You?
Property owners and insurers often argue:
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“You weren’t paying attention.”
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“The hazard was open and obvious.”
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“You were wearing improper shoes.”
Special Rules for Government-Owned Parking Lots
If your fall happened in a parking lot owned by a city, county, or state agency (such as a public hospital or government building), special notice requirements and damage limits may apply. These cases are more complex and time-sensitive.
What to Do After a Parking Lot Fall in Florida
If you’ve been injured, taking the right steps early can protect your claim:
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Report the incident to property management immediately
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Take photos or videos of the hazard and surrounding area
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Get names and contact information of witnesses
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Seek medical care—even if injuries seem minor
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Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers without legal advice
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
In most Florida personal injury cases, you generally have two years from the date of the fall to file a lawsuit. However, evidence can disappear quickly, and government cases often have shorter deadlines.
When to Speak With a Florida Personal Injury Lawyer
Parking lot fall cases are rarely straightforward. Liability disputes, surveillance footage, maintenance logs, and insurance defenses often determine whether a claim succeeds.
If you were injured in a Florida parking lot fall, a qualified personal injury lawyer can:
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Identify who is legally responsible
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Preserve critical evidence
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Evaluate the true value of your claim
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Deal with insurers on your behalf
Injured in a Florida Parking Lot Fall?
If you or a loved one suffered injuries after a slip or trip in a parking lot, you may have legal options worth exploring. Speaking with an experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and next steps—before time and evidence work against you.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of a fall? Contact Florida Personal Injury Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
