Skip to main content

Consultation

Fill out the form below to reach out to our Support team.
Injuries Category
We aim to respond as quickly as possible, but allow 1 to 2 working days for a reply.
Brandon J. Broderick
(877) 448-7350
(877) 448-7350
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Connecticut
      • Bridgeport Office

        2320 Main St. Suite 2B

        Bridgeport, CT 06606

      • Danbury Office

        51 Sugar Hollow Rd #202a

        Danbury, CT 06810

      • Hartford Office

        609 Farmington Ave #LL1

        Hartford, CT 06105

      • Milford Office

        63 Cherry Street, Second Floor

        Milford, CT 06460

      • New Haven Office

        240 Bradley St

        New Haven, CT 06510

      • Norwalk Office

        161 East Ave #208

        Norwalk, CT 06851

      • Norwich Office

        315 W Main St. Suite 5

        Norwich, CT 06360

      • Stamford Office

        500 Newfield Ave #12c

        Stamford, CT 06905

      • Waterbury Office

        1068 W Main St, Suite 6

        Waterbury, CT 06708

      • Waterbury Office

        1127 W Main St

        Waterbury, CT 06708

    • Florida
      • Jacksonville Office

        6316 San Juan Ave #15

        Jacksonville, FL 32210

      • Pinellas Park Office

        7381 114th Avenue North, Suite 403C

        Pinellas Park, FL 33773

    • Kentucky
      • Louisville Office

        501 East Broadway Suite 380

        Louisville, KY 40202

    • Massachusetts
      • Boston Office

        15 Court Square #560

        Boston, MA 02108

      • Fall River Office

        36 Fifth St. Suite 14

        Fall River, MA 02720

      • New Bedford Office

        34 Welby Rd #207

        New Bedford, MA 02745

      • Springfield Office

        235 Chestnut St., Unit 9

        Springfield, MA 01103

      • Worcester Office

        67 Millbrook St., Suite 421

        Worcester, MA 01606

    • New Jersey
      • Asbury Park Office

        603 Mattison Ave. Suite 322

        Asbury Park, NJ 07712

      • Atlantic City Office

        1125 Atlantic Ave #511

        Atlantic City, NJ 08401

      • Bordentown Office

        217 US-130

        Bordentown, NJ 08505

      • Camden Office

        808 Market St Third floor

        Camden, NJ 08102

      • Cherry Hill Office

        102 Browning Ln #5

        Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

      • Clifton Office

        85 Central Ave

        Clifton, NJ 07011

      • Edison Office

        1090 King Georges Post Road Suite 103

        Edison, NJ 08837

      • Elizabeth Office

        333 N Broad St #206

        Elizabeth, NJ 07208

      • Ewing Office

        850 Bear Tavern Rd Suite 106

        Ewing, NJ 08628

      • Jersey City Office

        840 Bergen Ave Second Floor

        Jersey City, NJ 07306

      • Millburn Office

        288 Main Street 2nd Floor

        Millburn, NJ 07041

      • Newark Office

        41-43 Manufacturers Pl

        Newark, NJ 07105

      • Paramus Office

        115 West Century Road Suite #330

        Paramus, NJ 07054

      • Parsippany Office

        14 Walsh Dr Suite 200 Room 7

        Parsippany, NJ 07054

      • Paterson Office

        847 Main St

        Paterson, NJ 07503

      • Paterson Office

        111 Washington St, Suite 111

        Paterson, NJ 07505

      • River Edge Office

        65 East Route 4

        River Edge, NJ 07661

      • Toms River Office

        25 Main Street Suite C

        Toms River, NJ 08753

      • Toms River Office

        64 Washington Street

        Toms River, NJ 08753

      • Trenton Office

        1331 Chambers Street

        Trenton, NJ 08610

      • Vineland Office

        1667 E Landis Ave suite 14

        Vineland, NJ 08361

    • New York
      • Albany Office

        21 Everett Rd Ext

        Albany, NY 12205

      • Binghamton Office

        34 Chenango St. Suite 410.

        Binghamton, NY 13904

      • Bronx Office

        111 Bruckner Blvd, Suite 301

        Bronx, NY 10454

      • Bronx Office

        1755 Watson Ave Suite 355

        Bronx, NY 10472

      • Brooklyn Office

        6400 18th Ave Second Floor

        Brooklyn, NY 11204

      • Buffalo Office

        300 Main St #8

        Buffalo, NY 14202

      • Elmira Office

        227 W Water St

        Elmira, NY 14901

      • Hempstead Office

        60 Hempstead Ave #6002

        West Hempstead, NY 11552

      • Huntington Office

        215 East Main Street, Suite 203

        Huntington, NY 11743

      • Islip Office

        55 Carleton Ave # 1

        East Islip, NY 11730

      • Middletown Office

        720 Route 17K

        Middletown, NY 10940

      • Mount Vernon Office

        6 Gramatan Ave, Suite 604E

        Mount Vernon, NY 10550

      • New Rochelle Office

        398 North Ave. Suite 210

        New Rochelle, NY 10801

      • New York Office

        11 Broadway Suite 615

        New York, NY 10022

      • New York Office

        40 W 37th St #400b

        New York, NY 10018

      • Newburgh Office

        259 NY-17K #203

        Newburgh, NY 12550

      • Queens Office

        110-20 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 2H

        Queens, NY 11418

      • Riverhead Office

        887 Old County Rd #K

        Riverhead, NY 11901

      • Rochester Office

        1765 Mount Hope Avenue

        Rochester, NY 14620

      • Schenectady Office

        26 Broadway Suite 206

        Schenectady, NY 12305

      • Staten Island Office

        2071 Clove Rd Suite 202

        Staten Island, NY 10304

      • Syracuse Office

        1224 W Genesee St. Suite 201

        Syracuse, NY 13204

      • Syracuse Office

        219 S West St Suite 205

        Syracuse, NY 13202

      • Utica Office

        1160 Mc Quade Ave

        Utica, NY 13501

      • Utica Office

        502 Court St. Suite 210

        Utica, NY 13502

      • White Plains Office

        151 E Post Rd Suite 103

        White Plains, NY 10601

      • Yonkers Office

        94 School Street Second Floor Suite # 3

        Yonkers, NY 10701

    • Ohio
      • Cleveland Office

        9605 Lorain Ave

        Cleveland, OH 44102

      • Columbus Office

        585 S Front St. #230

        Columbus, OH 43215

    • Pennsylvania
      • Allentown Office

        3037 Pike Ave

        Allentown, PA 18104

      • Bethlehem Office

        3005 Brodhead Rd Suite 101

        Bethlehem, PA 18020

      • Easton Office

        1733 Washington Blvd

        Easton, PA 18042

      • Erie Office

        3800 W 12th St. Suite 6

        Erie, PA 16505

      • Harrisburg Office

        415 Market St. Suite# 204A

        Harrisburg, PA 17101

      • Lancaster Office

        3543 Marietta Ave. Unit H2

        Lancaster, PA 17601

      • Lansdale Office

        100 W Main St. Suite 502

        Lansdale, PA 19446

      • Leola Office

        4 Keystone Ct Suite# 40

        Leola, PA 17540

      • Philadelphia Office

        110 S 20th St

        Philadelphia, PA 19103

      • Pittsburgh Office

        5001 Baum Blvd Suite # 795

        Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      • Reading Office

        243 S 5th St

        Reading, PA 19602

      • Reading Office

        3020 Penn Ave

        Reading, PA 19609

      • Scranton Office

        1150 S Main Ave #210

        Scranton, PA 18504

    • Vermont
      • Rutland Office

        734 US-4

        Rutland, VT 05701

  • About Us
  • Attorneys
  • Careers
  • Internship
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Results
  • Testimonials
  • Glossary
  • Home
Contact Us
Offices
  • Home
  • Locations
    • Connecticut
      • Bridgeport Office

        2320 Main St. Suite 2B

        Bridgeport, CT 06606

      • Danbury Office

        51 Sugar Hollow Rd #202a

        Danbury, CT 06810

      • Hartford Office

        609 Farmington Ave #LL1

        Hartford, CT 06105

      • Milford Office

        63 Cherry Street, Second Floor

        Milford, CT 06460

      • New Haven Office

        240 Bradley St

        New Haven, CT 06510

      • Norwalk Office

        161 East Ave #208

        Norwalk, CT 06851

      • Norwich Office

        315 W Main St. Suite 5

        Norwich, CT 06360

      • Stamford Office

        500 Newfield Ave #12c

        Stamford, CT 06905

      • Waterbury Office

        1068 W Main St, Suite 6

        Waterbury, CT 06708

      • Waterbury Office

        1127 W Main St

        Waterbury, CT 06708

    • Florida
      • Jacksonville Office

        6316 San Juan Ave #15

        Jacksonville, FL 32210

      • Pinellas Park Office

        7381 114th Avenue North, Suite 403C

        Pinellas Park, FL 33773

    • Kentucky
      • Louisville Office

        501 East Broadway Suite 380

        Louisville, KY 40202

    • Massachusetts
      • Boston Office

        15 Court Square #560

        Boston, MA 02108

      • Fall River Office

        36 Fifth St. Suite 14

        Fall River, MA 02720

      • New Bedford Office

        34 Welby Rd #207

        New Bedford, MA 02745

      • Springfield Office

        235 Chestnut St., Unit 9

        Springfield, MA 01103

      • Worcester Office

        67 Millbrook St., Suite 421

        Worcester, MA 01606

    • New Jersey
      • Asbury Park Office

        603 Mattison Ave. Suite 322

        Asbury Park, NJ 07712

      • Atlantic City Office

        1125 Atlantic Ave #511

        Atlantic City, NJ 08401

      • Bordentown Office

        217 US-130

        Bordentown, NJ 08505

      • Camden Office

        808 Market St Third floor

        Camden, NJ 08102

      • Cherry Hill Office

        102 Browning Ln #5

        Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

      • Clifton Office

        85 Central Ave

        Clifton, NJ 07011

      • Edison Office

        1090 King Georges Post Road Suite 103

        Edison, NJ 08837

      • Elizabeth Office

        333 N Broad St #206

        Elizabeth, NJ 07208

      • Ewing Office

        850 Bear Tavern Rd Suite 106

        Ewing, NJ 08628

      • Jersey City Office

        840 Bergen Ave Second Floor

        Jersey City, NJ 07306

      • Millburn Office

        288 Main Street 2nd Floor

        Millburn, NJ 07041

      • Newark Office

        41-43 Manufacturers Pl

        Newark, NJ 07105

      • Paramus Office

        115 West Century Road Suite #330

        Paramus, NJ 07054

      • Parsippany Office

        14 Walsh Dr Suite 200 Room 7

        Parsippany, NJ 07054

      • Paterson Office

        847 Main St

        Paterson, NJ 07503

      • Paterson Office

        111 Washington St, Suite 111

        Paterson, NJ 07505

      • River Edge Office

        65 East Route 4

        River Edge, NJ 07661

      • Toms River Office

        25 Main Street Suite C

        Toms River, NJ 08753

      • Toms River Office

        64 Washington Street

        Toms River, NJ 08753

      • Trenton Office

        1331 Chambers Street

        Trenton, NJ 08610

      • Vineland Office

        1667 E Landis Ave suite 14

        Vineland, NJ 08361

    • New York
      • Albany Office

        21 Everett Rd Ext

        Albany, NY 12205

      • Binghamton Office

        34 Chenango St. Suite 410.

        Binghamton, NY 13904

      • Bronx Office

        111 Bruckner Blvd, Suite 301

        Bronx, NY 10454

      • Bronx Office

        1755 Watson Ave Suite 355

        Bronx, NY 10472

      • Brooklyn Office

        6400 18th Ave Second Floor

        Brooklyn, NY 11204

      • Buffalo Office

        300 Main St #8

        Buffalo, NY 14202

      • Elmira Office

        227 W Water St

        Elmira, NY 14901

      • Hempstead Office

        60 Hempstead Ave #6002

        West Hempstead, NY 11552

      • Huntington Office

        215 East Main Street, Suite 203

        Huntington, NY 11743

      • Islip Office

        55 Carleton Ave # 1

        East Islip, NY 11730

      • Middletown Office

        720 Route 17K

        Middletown, NY 10940

      • Mount Vernon Office

        6 Gramatan Ave, Suite 604E

        Mount Vernon, NY 10550

      • New Rochelle Office

        398 North Ave. Suite 210

        New Rochelle, NY 10801

      • New York Office

        11 Broadway Suite 615

        New York, NY 10022

      • New York Office

        40 W 37th St #400b

        New York, NY 10018

      • Newburgh Office

        259 NY-17K #203

        Newburgh, NY 12550

      • Queens Office

        110-20 Jamaica Avenue, Suite 2H

        Queens, NY 11418

      • Riverhead Office

        887 Old County Rd #K

        Riverhead, NY 11901

      • Rochester Office

        1765 Mount Hope Avenue

        Rochester, NY 14620

      • Schenectady Office

        26 Broadway Suite 206

        Schenectady, NY 12305

      • Staten Island Office

        2071 Clove Rd Suite 202

        Staten Island, NY 10304

      • Syracuse Office

        1224 W Genesee St. Suite 201

        Syracuse, NY 13204

      • Syracuse Office

        219 S West St Suite 205

        Syracuse, NY 13202

      • Utica Office

        1160 Mc Quade Ave

        Utica, NY 13501

      • Utica Office

        502 Court St. Suite 210

        Utica, NY 13502

      • White Plains Office

        151 E Post Rd Suite 103

        White Plains, NY 10601

      • Yonkers Office

        94 School Street Second Floor Suite # 3

        Yonkers, NY 10701

    • Ohio
      • Cleveland Office

        9605 Lorain Ave

        Cleveland, OH 44102

      • Columbus Office

        585 S Front St. #230

        Columbus, OH 43215

    • Pennsylvania
      • Allentown Office

        3037 Pike Ave

        Allentown, PA 18104

      • Bethlehem Office

        3005 Brodhead Rd Suite 101

        Bethlehem, PA 18020

      • Easton Office

        1733 Washington Blvd

        Easton, PA 18042

      • Erie Office

        3800 W 12th St. Suite 6

        Erie, PA 16505

      • Harrisburg Office

        415 Market St. Suite# 204A

        Harrisburg, PA 17101

      • Lancaster Office

        3543 Marietta Ave. Unit H2

        Lancaster, PA 17601

      • Lansdale Office

        100 W Main St. Suite 502

        Lansdale, PA 19446

      • Leola Office

        4 Keystone Ct Suite# 40

        Leola, PA 17540

      • Philadelphia Office

        110 S 20th St

        Philadelphia, PA 19103

      • Pittsburgh Office

        5001 Baum Blvd Suite # 795

        Pittsburgh, PA 15213

      • Reading Office

        243 S 5th St

        Reading, PA 19602

      • Reading Office

        3020 Penn Ave

        Reading, PA 19609

      • Scranton Office

        1150 S Main Ave #210

        Scranton, PA 18504

    • Vermont
      • Rutland Office

        734 US-4

        Rutland, VT 05701

  • About Us
  • Attorneys
  • Careers
  • Internship
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Results
  • Testimonials
  • Glossary
  • Home
Consultation

Suing a School in Florida: Legal Guidelines

Thinking about suing a school in Florida? Learn how sovereign immunity affects public schools, the facts to protect your rights, when legal action is possible, and what steps to take.

Contact Us Today
  1. News
  2. Suing a School in Florida: Legal Guidelines

Schools are meant to provide a safe and supportive environment for students, faculty, and staff. However, accidents, misconduct, and negligence can still occur, sometimes leading to serious injuries or violations of rights. When this happens, parents and victims may wonder if they can take legal action against the school.

Filing a lawsuit against a school in Florida is a complex process, especially when the defendant is a public institution. Public schools, which are government entities, are protected by sovereign immunity, a legal principle that limits the ability to sue government institutions. However, Florida law provides exceptions that allow lawsuits under specific circumstances. Private schools, on the other hand, do not have the same immunity protections and can be sued similarly to other private entities.

This article outlines the legal guidelines for suing a school in Florida, including relevant laws, limitations, and steps to take if you are considering legal action against a school in the state.

As always, it is within your own benefit to consult an experienced attorney before moving forward with any legal action. Contact Brandon J. Broderick today to discuss your case with our experienced team of legal professionals.

Understanding Sovereign Immunity in Florida

What Is Sovereign Immunity?

Sovereign immunity is a legal doctrine that protects government entities, including public schools, from certain lawsuits. However, Florida has waived sovereign immunity in certain cases through Florida Statute §768.28, allowing individuals to sue public schools under specific conditions.

Exceptions to Sovereign Immunity

Under Florida law, a school can be sued for negligence if:

  • The injury resulted from the school’s negligence in maintaining a safe environment.
  • A school employee acted negligently within the scope of their employment.
  • The negligence was not an intentional wrongful act.

However, punitive damages and claims involving discretionary government functions are typically barred under sovereign immunity.

Common Reasons for Suing a School in Florida

Personal Injury Cases

Schools have a legal duty to provide a safe environment for all students and staff. If a student, teacher, or visitor suffers an injury due to negligence, the school may be held liable. Common personal injury claims against schools include:

  • Slip and fall accidents due to hazardous conditions.
  • Inadequate supervision leading to playground or sports injuries.
  • Negligent security resulting in assaults or attacks on school grounds.
  • School bus accidents caused by driver negligence or mechanical failures.

Bullying and Harassment

If a school fails to take appropriate action to prevent or stop bullying, harassment, or discrimination, legal action may be possible. Florida law requires schools to have anti-bullying policies under the Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up for All Students Act (Fla. Stat. § 1006.147).

Sexual Misconduct and Abuse

Schools can be held liable for sexual abuse or misconduct involving teachers, staff, or other students. Victims may have grounds for legal action if the school failed to conduct background checks, ignored complaints, or failed to take proper preventive measures.

Violation of Special Education Rights (IDEA Claims)

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), schools must provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities. If a school fails to meet its legal obligations, parents may file a lawsuit under federal law.

Wrongful Expulsion or Violation of Student Rights

Students have constitutional rights, and schools cannot unfairly suspend or expel students without due process. If a school violates Florida’s due process laws or acts outside its legal authority, families may have grounds for legal action.

Steps to Take Before Suing a School

1. File an Administrative Complaint

Before suing a public school, Florida law requires claimants to file a formal notice of claim with the school district. This allows the district an opportunity to respond and resolve the matter outside of court. The school typically has six months to respond before legal action can proceed.

2. Gather Evidence

To build a strong case, gather:

  • Incident reports.
  • Medical records (if applicable).
  • Witness statements.
  • School policies related to the incident.
  • Any correspondence with school officials.

3. Consult an Attorney

Due to the complexity of sovereign immunity and Florida’s legal requirements, consulting an attorney is essential. A lawyer can help determine whether your case meets the exceptions to sovereign immunity and guide you through the claims process.

Statute of Limitations for Suing a School in Florida

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Under Florida Statute § 768.28, claims against public schools must be filed within three years of the incident, except in cases involving wrongful death, which have a two-year statute of limitations. Missing this deadline may result in losing the right to sue.

Suing a Private School vs. a Public School

Key Differences

Private schools do not have sovereign immunity protections, making lawsuits more straightforward. However, liability still depends on proving negligence or wrongdoing. Private schools can be sued for:

  • Personal injuries.
  • Breach of contract (for failing to provide promised educational services).
  • Discrimination or harassment claims under federal and state laws.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

If you or your child has been harmed due to a school’s negligence, you may have legal options. Whether you are dealing with a personal injury, bullying, or wrongful discipline, navigating the legal process can be challenging—especially when dealing with sovereign immunity laws.

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we have the experience and dedication to help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps toward justice. Our team is committed to providing compassionate legal representation to protect your interests.

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you with the legal support you need.


Share:
Most Popular
The ABC Test and CT Employee Classification: Why it Matters
When Do Wrongful Death Cases Go to the Supreme Court?
Drugged Driving: Can I Get a DUI Charge for Driving While Smoking Marijuana in NY?
Can I Refuse to Work in Unsafe Conditions in CT?
Vermont State Laws: Who Pays When a Friend Crashes Your Car
Recent Posts
Signs of Concussion After a Kentucky Car Accident
Hotel and Resort Injuries: Navigating Premises Liability Claims in MA
When Do Wrongful Death Cases Go to the Supreme Court?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a CT Car Accident
Most Common Workplace Injuries in Florida

Still have questions?

Call now and be done

Jacksonville Office
6316 San Juan Ave #15
Jacksonville, FL 32210
View on Map
Miami Office
470 SW 7th St
Miami, FL 33130-2812
Pinellas Park Office
7381 114th Avenue North, Suite 403C
Pinellas Park, FL 33773
View on Map

Contact Us

Jacksonville Office
6316 San Juan Ave #15
Jacksonville, FL 32210
View on Map
Miami Office
470 SW 7th St
Miami, FL 33130-2812
Pinellas Park Office
7381 114th Avenue North, Suite 403C
Pinellas Park, FL 33773
View on Map
Injuries Category
We aim to respond as quickly as possible, but allow 1 to 2 working days for a reply.
Footer map image
Brandon J. Broderick
At Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney At Law, we are devoted to helping injured individuals and their family members
(877) 448-7350
Services
  • Personal Injury
  • Covid-19
  • Workers’ Injuries
  • Car Accident
  • Employment Law
  • Menu
  • About Us
  • Our Blog
  • Attorneys
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Homepage
  • Locations
  • Results
  • Testimonials
  • We serve the following localities: Paramus, Jersey City, Trenton, Atlantic City, Cherry Hill, Edison, Millburn, Asbury Park, Vineland, Bordentown, River Edge, Camden, Newark, Elizabeth, Clifton, West Hempstead, Schenectady, New Rochelle, Huntington, Rochester, Elmira, Middletown, Riverhead, East Islip, Newburgh, Binghamton, Buffalo, Yonkers, White Plains, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Milford, Norwich, Pinellas Park, Jacksonville, Rutland, Easton, Allentown, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Erie, Leola, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lansdale, Bethlehem, Scranton, Worcester, Fall River, New Bedford, Springfield, Louisville, Cleveland, Columbus, Toms River, Parsippany, Paterson, Ewing, Brooklyn, New York, Albany, Staten Island, Utica, Syracuse, Bronx, Queens, Mount Vernon, Waterbury, Reading, Boston, Connecticut, New Jersey, Bergen County, Essex County, Middlesex County, Hudson County, Passaic County, Morris County, Union County, Somerset County, Monmouth County, Mercer County, Camden County, New York County, Kings County, Queens County, Westchester County, Rockland County, Fairfield County, Troy, Morris Town, Manhattan.
    Car Accident Attorney • Truck Accident Attorney • Motorcycle Accident Attorney • Slip & Fall Attorney • Personal Injury Attorney
    Attorney Advertising. Prior Results Do Not Guarantee A Similar Outcome. © 2025 Brandon J. Broderick LLC D/B/A Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law
    Privacy Policy Sitemap