Churches and ministries play vital roles in Florida communities, offering spiritual support, outreach, and public events. However, like any organization, religious institutions have a duty to provide a reasonably safe environment for their members, visitors, employees, and volunteers. When injuries occur on church property or during ministry-related activities, victims may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to know about church and ministry liability under Florida law.
Can You Sue a Church for Personal Injury in Florida?
Yes, under certain circumstances, a church or ministry in Florida can be held liable for personal injury. Like other property owners and organizations, religious entities are subject to Florida’s premises liability laws and general negligence principles. Common scenarios where liability may arise include:
-
Slip and falls on church grounds or in poorly maintained buildings
-
Injuries during church-sponsored events, such as picnics, retreats, or youth group outings
-
Negligent hiring or supervision of staff or volunteers
-
Abuse or assault by clergy or ministry workers
-
Vehicle accidents involving church vans or buses
While churches are often nonprofit organizations, they are not immune from liability for harm caused by their negligence.
Legal Theories of Liability
Church and ministry personal injury claims in Florida are typically based on one or more of the following legal theories:
1. Premises Liability
Florida law requires property owners—including churches—to maintain safe premises for lawful visitors. A church may be liable if it knew or should have known of a dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to correct it or warn visitors.
2. Negligent Hiring, Retention, or Supervision
If a church hires or retains staff or volunteers with known dangerous tendencies (e.g., prior abuse, DUI history, or violent behavior), it may be held liable if that person harms someone under church supervision.
3. Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior)
A church may be held responsible for the negligent actions of its employees or volunteers committed within the scope of their duties.
4. Negligent Entrustment
If a church allows an unqualified or unfit person to operate a church-owned vehicle or equipment and an injury results, it may be liable.
Common Defenses Churches May Raise
Churches and ministries often raise several legal defenses in personal injury cases, including:
-
Sovereign immunity (for government-affiliated ministries)
-
Charitable immunity (limited in Florida, and not a bar to liability)
-
First Amendment protections (particularly in employment or internal religious matters)
-
Assumption of risk or comparative fault of the injured person
However, Florida courts generally hold that religious organizations are not exempt from neutral, generally applicable laws such as those governing tort liability.
Statute of Limitations for Church Injury Claims in Florida
Under Florida Law, most personal injury claims—including those against churches—must be filed within two years of the date of injury. However, if the claim involves sexual abuse, especially of a minor, different statutes and tolling provisions may apply.
Steps to Take After an Injury at a Church or Ministry
If you’ve been injured at a church, ministry, or religious event in Florida:
-
Seek immediate medical attention
-
Report the incident to church leadership or staff
-
Document the scene and gather witness information
-
Preserve evidence, including photos and medical records
-
Contact a Florida personal injury attorney experienced in church liability cases
Conclusion
While churches and ministries offer important community services, they are not above the law when it comes to personal injury liability. If you or a loved one has been hurt on church property or during a ministry event in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo, P.A., we represent injury victims throughout Florida in complex personal injury claims, including those involving religious institutions. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Need Help With a Florida Church Liability Claim?
Call us now or fill out our online form to schedule your free case evaluation.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of church negligence? 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.
