Does Florida Have More Slip and Fall Accidents Than Other States?

 Posted on February 23, 2026 in Premises Liability

If you’ve never been caught in a Florida downpour, you might be shocked at how the day can go from balmy to downright sopping. These daily rainstorms are a feature of the state, and also come with hazards: Florida consistently ranks among the top states in the country for fall-related injuries and deaths.

If you have been injured in a fall in 2026, an Apopka slip and fall lawyer can help you understand your rights to compensation.

Why Does Florida Have So Many Slip and Fall Accidents?

Florida's Elderly Population

Florida has one of the largest concentrations of residents over age 65 of any state in the country. This matters because older adults are much more vulnerable to falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls caused over 38,000 deaths in adults 65 and older in recent years. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among Florida residents in that age group. With so many seniors living and visiting here, the sheer volume of fall-related injuries is much higher than in states with younger populations.

Florida's Climate

Florida's heat and near-daily rain showers create consistently wet surfaces. Rainwater tracked into store entrances, poolside decks, theme park walkways, and restaurant floors all become slipping hazards. Northern states deal with ice and snow in the winter, but Florida has equally dangerous year-round slip hazards that are often overlooked. A sudden afternoon thunderstorm can make any public entrance dangerous within minutes.

Florida's Tourism Industry

Florida draws tens of millions of visitors each year. This generates a lot of foot traffic through public spaces like restaurants and hotels, where water can be tracked onto slick floors. Not only that, but visitors are less familiar with Florida conditions in general. More people in commercial spaces means more opportunities for injury through property negligence.

When Are Slip and Fall Injuries in Florida Serious?

The Florida Department of Health reports that falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injury hospitalizations in the state. Recent data shows more than 75,000 hospitalizations for unintentional falls in Florida in a single year. The average hospitalization cost for a non-fatal fall injury in Florida exceeded $52,000.

Common injuries from slip and fall accidents include:

• Broken bones, especially wrists, hips, and ankles
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Torn ligaments and soft tissue damage
• Lacerations and bruising

Hip fractures are particularly dangerous for older adults. Many never fully recover, and some do not survive the complications.

Does Florida Have Laws About Slip and Fall Claims?

Florida Statute §768.0755 governs slip and fall cases involving things on floors that are not supposed to be there. This law puts the responsibility on the injured person to show that the property owner knew — or should have known — about dangerous conditions and failed to fix them.

In other words, you need evidence that the property owner was negligent. Acting quickly after a fall matters very much in slip and fall cases. You will need to report the incident to management, take photos of the hazard, and get the names of any witnesses before you leave the scene.

Florida also limits how long you have to file a claim. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Florida is two years from the date of the injury, so do not wait. Having a lawyer to make sure you get the right evidence and file the correct claims within the correct time can be extremely helpful.

Call an Orlando, FL Slip and Fall Lawyer Today

Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. When they don’t, people can get seriously hurt. If you or a loved one was injured in a slip and fall accident, call an Apopka personal injury attorney at 407-289-0000 today for a free consultation. The Doan Law Firm has recovered billions for injury victims and handles significant, complex cases. An attorney is available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and our firm works on a contingency fee basis: you pay nothing unless we win. 

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