Defamation Laws in Florida

How long you have to sue for libel or slander in Florida, and any retraction rules, from the state code.

Short answer: In Florida you have 2 years to sue for libel (written defamation) or slander (spoken defamation); both fall under the same 2-year rule. Fla. Stat. §§ 95.11(5)(h), 770.07

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)	In Florida you have 2 years to sue for libel (written defamation) or slander (spoken defamation); both fall under the same 2-year rule. For a single publication or broadcast, the claim is treated as starting on the first publication in Florida. Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 95.11(5)(h), 770.07
Retraction (correction) rules	Yes. Before suing over libel or slander published or broadcast in a newspaper, periodical or other medium, the person must give the defendant written notice at least 5 days before filing, naming the article or broadcast and the statements claimed to be false. If the publisher acted in good faith on an honest mistake and runs a full and fair correction, apology or retraction in time (for example within 10 days after notice for a broadcast or a daily or weekly paper), the plaintiff can recover only actual damages. Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 770.01, 770.02

Deadline to sue for defamation (libel and slander)

In Florida you have 2 years to sue for libel (written defamation) or slander (spoken defamation); both fall under the same 2-year rule. For a single publication or broadcast, the claim is treated as starting on the first publication in Florida.

Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 95.11(5)(h), 770.07

Retraction (correction) rules

Yes. Before suing over libel or slander published or broadcast in a newspaper, periodical or other medium, the person must give the defendant written notice at least 5 days before filing, naming the article or broadcast and the statements claimed to be false. If the publisher acted in good faith on an honest mistake and runs a full and fair correction, apology or retraction in time (for example within 10 days after notice for a broadcast or a daily or weekly paper), the plaintiff can recover only actual damages.

Source: Fla. Stat. §§ 770.01, 770.02

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FAQ

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Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.