Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer

What Is Sexual Abuse in Florida?

The legal definition of sexual assault in Florida generally falls under the state's definition of “sexual battery.” Florida law defines sexual battery as certain sexual acts involving penetration or sexual contact without the victim’s consent.

Survivors of sex abuse in Florida may be able to file a civil lawsuit against both their abuser and a school, church, health care facility, or other organization that failed to prevent, address, or report the abuse.

Sexual abuse in Florida may involve:

• Abuse by a teacher, doctor, clergy member, or other trusted authority figure
• Child sexual abuse, molestation, or exploitation
• Grooming intended to build a child's trust before abuse
• Online coercion or exploitation involving a minor
• Rape or attempted rape
• Unwanted sexual contact, fondling, or penetration

Under Florida law, sexual battery offenses may be charged at different felony levels based on circumstances such as the victim's age, whether force or a weapon was used, and whether the offender was in a position of authority.

Even if criminal charges were never filed or the abuse happened decades ago, you may still be able to pursue a civil lawsuit. Florida allows certain sexual abuse claims to be brought at any time.

At Sokolove Law, our experienced sexual abuse attorneys can help you understand your legal options, determine whether you qualify to file a lawsuit, and fight to hold those responsible accountable.

Who Can File a Florida Sex Abuse Lawsuit?

Florida law gives many survivors the right to seek compensation from an abuser and, in some cases, an institution that allowed the abuse to occur. A civil claim may be possible even if the abuser was never arrested, charged, or convicted.

Compensation from a Florida sexual abuse lawsuit may help cover therapy and counseling, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the abuse.

You may be eligible to file a Florida sex abuse lawsuit if you are:

• A survivor who experienced sexual abuse as a child or adult
• A parent or legal guardian pursuing a claim for a minor
• An estate representative acting on behalf of a survivor who has died

Liability may extend beyond the individual who committed the abuse. Schools, churches, health care centers, and other institutions may also be held responsible if their failures contributed to the harm.

Even if the abuse occurred many years ago, the abuser has died, or the institution has closed or changed ownership, you may still have legal options. A Florida sexual abuse attorney can review what happened and help you figure out a path forward.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statute of Limitations​

The Florida sexual abuse statute of limitations​ establishes how much time a survivor has to take legal action. In Florida, the deadline can vary depending on the survivor's age at the time of the abuse and other factors.

Under Florida Statute § 95.11, a civil claim for sexual abuse generally must be filed within one of the following windows, whichever is latest:

• Within 7 years after the survivor turns 18
• Within 4 years after the survivor is no longer dependent on the abuser
• Within 4 years after the survivor discovers both the injury and its connection to the abuse

If the survivor was under 16 years old at the time of the sexual battery, Florida law removes the civil statute of limitations entirely, meaning a lawsuit can be filed at any time.

Because the statute of limitations on sexual abuse lawsuits in Florida can be complicated, a Florida sexual abuse attorney at Sokolove Law can review the details of your case to determine which filing window applies.

Types of Sexual Abuse Cases in Florida We Handle

Sexual abuse has been reported in institutions and organizations throughout Florida. Depending on the circumstances, survivors may be able to hold both the abuser and an organization that failed to prevent or address the abuse accountable.

Institutions involved in sexual assault cases in Florida include:

• Daycares, schools, and organizations serving children
• Churches and religious organizations
• Colleges and universities
• Cruise lines and transportation companies
• Public and private schools and daycare facilities
• Hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and health care providers
• Foster care agencies, group homes, and residential treatment centers
• Juvenile detention centers, jails, and prisons
• Massage spas and wellness businesses
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Hotels, apartment complexes, and property owners
• Rideshare companies like Uber^® and Lyft®
• Youth sports programs, summer camps, and scouting organizations

Regardless of where the abuse occurred, you may still have legal options under Florida law. A Florida sexual abuse lawyer can investigate your case and fight for the justice you deserve.

Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida

Children can be vulnerable to sexual abuse in places where adults hold positions of trust or authority, from schools and churches to daycares, medical facilities, and youth programs.

Organizations may face legal action when they fail to properly screen or supervise staff, disregard reports of inappropriate behavior, or take inadequate steps to protect children from known risks.

Florida child sexual abuse claims may involve:

• Teachers, coaches, and school employees
• Priests, clergy members, and church volunteers
• Doctors, nurses, and medical professionals
• Camp counselors, youth leaders, and sports coaches

Florida law also gives some survivors additional time to take legal action. If a survivor was under 16 when the abuse occurred, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse may allow certain claims to move forward years or even decades later.

A Florida child sexual abuse lawyer can review the circumstances surrounding the abuse, uncover evidence of institutional failures, and pursue claims against those who may be responsible.

Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

For years, Florida Catholic dioceses and other religious organizations have faced claims that they overlooked, concealed, or inadequately responded to allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy.

A 2020 report by Florida's Office of Statewide Prosecution identified 97 priests across the state with allegations of sexually abusing minors.

Florida religious organizations that have faced clergy abuse lawsuits include:

• Archdiocese of Miami
• Archdiocese of Orlando
• Diocese of Orlando
• Diocese of Palm Beach
• Diocese of St. Augustine
• Diocese of St. Petersburg
• Diocese of Venice
• Jehovah's Witnesses

A church sexual abuse lawyer in Florida can pursue claims against dioceses, religious orders, and individual parishes, regardless of denomination.

College Campus Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida​

Colleges and universities that receive federal funding have a legal obligation under Title IX to respond promptly and appropriately when a student reports sexual assault.

When a Florida school fails to investigate a complaint, discourages a student from reporting, or retaliates against a survivor, the school may be held liable in a civil lawsuit separate from any criminal case against the perpetrator.

One of the most closely watched Title IX cases in the state involved Florida State University, which agreed to pay $950,000 to settle a lawsuit brought by a former student who alleged the university failed to properly investigate her report of a sexual assault involving a student-athlete.

A Title IX sexual assault lawyer in Florida​ can help students and families pursue claims against colleges and universities that fail to meet their obligations under federal and state law.

Cruise Ship Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida​

Florida is home to the world's busiest cruise ports, and it’s where most major cruise lines are headquartered. As a result, Florida courts see the vast majority of cruise ship sexual assault litigation.

In one case, a Miami federal jury awarded $10.2 Million to a passenger who alleged she was raped by a crew member in a storage closet aboard the Carnival Miracle. Carnival was found liable, though an appeals court later ordered a new trial.

A cruise ship sexual assault lawyer in Florida​ can help survivors pursue claims in federal court against the cruise line, regardless of where the ship departed from or where the survivor lives.

Daycare & School Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

Public school districts and private schools across Florida have faced allegations involving the sexual abuse of students by teachers, coaches, and other staff members.

Teacher sexual abuse lawyers in Florida have filed claims against:

• Miami-Dade County Public Schools: In 2021, a jury ordered the Miami-Dade School Board to pay $6 Million over the sexual abuse of a student by a former high school teacher who allegedly pursued relationships with 8 students. In 2020, the district settled for nearly $9 Million with 5 children abused by another educator.
• SouthTech Academy: In 2025, a settlement was reached in a lawsuit accusing the Palm Beach County charter school of failing to protect a 16-year-old student from repeated sexual abuse by a teacher.
• Duval County Public Schools: The district has reached multiple settlements, including $365,000 for a Douglas Anderson School of the Arts student, following the criminal conviction of a former teacher.

A public school or daycare sexual abuse lawyer in Florida​ can pursue claims against institutions that failed to properly screen, supervise, or report abusive staff.

Doctor & Psychiatrist Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

Patients trust doctors, nurses, and mental health providers to keep them safe. Unfortunately, sexual abuse can occur when providers exploit patients during exams, therapy sessions, or inpatient treatment.

A doctor and therapist sexual abuse lawyer in Florida can pursue claims against both the individual provider and the hospital, clinic, or treatment facility that employed them if they ignored complaints or failed to act on warning signs.

Foster Care Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

When the state removes a child from their home and places them in foster care, Florida's Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the private agencies it contracts with assume significant responsibility for keeping that child safe.

Florida foster care sexual abuse​ lawsuits have alleged failures including:

• Placing children in homes with known or suspected sexual predators
• Ignoring warnings about ongoing abuse
• Failing to properly supervise visitation with an abusive parent or relative
• Allowing child-on-child sexual abuse to continue in group homes and shelters

In one case, a Palm Beach County jury ordered DCF to pay $5 Million to a boy who was sexually assaulted by a foster child who had been placed in his home.

In a separate case, the state agreed to pay $2.9 Million to resolve claims that 3 foster children were sexually abused by older children placed in the same Nassau County foster home despite known warning signs.

Florida Law Enforcement & Custodial Sexual Abuse

Those in the custody of the state, whether in a juvenile facility, jail, or prison, depend entirely on staff for their safety, making them especially vulnerable to abuse by the very people entrusted with their care.

Florida has faced significant allegations of sexual abuse in custodial settings, including:

• Florida youth detention schools: Teens at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys and Florida School for Boys suffered physical and sexual abuse by staff. Florida later created a $20 Million compensation program for abuse that occurred from 1940 to 1975.
• Federal Correctional Complex in Coleman: Fifteen women filed a federal lawsuit alleging correctional officers sexually abused them over several years. Multiple officers admitted to misconduct, and the government reached settlements that included $1.32 Million shared by 3 survivors.

A juvenile detention or prison sexual abuse lawyer in Florida can investigate misconduct by correctional staff and pursue claims against agencies that may have failed to prevent or address known abuse.

Massage Parlor Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

Massage clients place a significant amount of trust in their therapist. Unfortunately, Florida spas and massage businesses have faced a wave of lawsuits alleging that trust was violated.

In one case, a Pasco County jury awarded $47.4 Million to a client assaulted by a licensed massage therapist during a session.

Massage Envy and Hand & Stone have also faced lawsuits from clients across Florida alleging their locations failed to properly screen or respond to complaints about therapists.

A massage therapist sexual assault lawyer in Florida​ can pursue claims against both the individual therapist and the spa or franchise that employed them.

Nursing Home Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​

Nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia or physical disabilities, are especially vulnerable to sexual abuse by staff members or other residents.

Under Florida Statute § 400.023, residents and their families have the right to sue when a facility's negligence leads to a violation of the resident's rights, including sexual abuse or assault.

An elder sexual abuse lawyer in Florida can investigate a facility's hiring, training, and supervision practices, and pursue compensation from both the abuser and the facility that failed to protect residents.

Premises Liability Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida​

Hotels, apartment complexes, and other property owners in Florida have a legal duty under premises liability law to maintain reasonably safe conditions and protect guests, tenants, and visitors from foreseeable criminal acts, including sexual assault.

Here's how experienced legal representation can help:

• Hotel sexual assault lawyer in Florida: When a hotel fails to screen employees, maintain working locks and cameras, or respond to known dangers on their property, they may share liability for an assault by staff or a third party.
• Apartment complex sexual assault lawyer in Florida: Apartment owners and property managers can be held liable when a documented history of crime on the property, combined with inadequate security measures, contributes to a resident's assault.
• Negligent security sexual assault lawyer in Florida​: A skilled attorney can investigate a property's crime history and security practices to determine whether the owner should be held accountable.

Holding a negligent business or property owner accountable can help survivors pursue compensation for the harm they suffered.

Rideshare Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida​

Millions of Floridians rely on Uber and Lyft every year, trusting drivers to get them home safely. Lawsuits alleging sexual assault by rideshare drivers have been filed across the state and consolidated into federal multidistrict litigation.

Florida Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawsuits​ may involve:

• Assault during a ride or after a driver deviated from the route
• Drivers who targeted intoxicated or otherwise vulnerable passengers
• Failure to remove drivers after prior complaints
• Inadequate driver background checks

"He actually had 8 prior felony convictions before Uber chose him to be allowed on the platform and to drive and to pick up young women like my client."
– Uber Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida​

An Uber and Lyft sexual assault lawyer in Florida​ can help survivors pursue claims through the federal MDL or in Florida state court, depending on the facts of the case.

Youth Sports & Summer Camp Sexual Abuse Attorney in Florida

Youth sports programs, summer camps, and scouting organizations place coaches, counselors, and troop leaders in positions of trust and authority over children. In some cases, Florida survivors have alleged that trust was betrayed and covered up.

Here's how experienced legal representation can help:

• Youth sports coach sexual abuse lawyer in Florida: Claims have been filed against club teams, school athletic programs, and sanctioning organizations that failed to properly vet or monitor coaches with access to young athletes.
• Summer camp sexual abuse lawyer in Florida: Camps have faced lawsuits alleging inadequate background checks and supervision of counselors and staff.

A youth organization sexual abuse attorney in Florida​ can help determine whether your claim belongs in the national Boy Scouts settlement trust or in a separate civil lawsuit against another organization.

How to File a Florida Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Filing a Florida sexual abuse lawsuit usually starts with determining whether you have a legal claim and who may be held responsible. An attorney can then investigate the abuse, gather evidence, and pursue compensation from to blame.

At Sokolove Law, we can handle all the legal work on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your health and healing.

Our Florida sexual abuse lawyers can:

• Provide a free case review to determine if you may be eligible to file a claim
• Gather medical records, witness statements, communications, and institutional records that may support your case
• Identify potentially liable parties, including abusers and organizations that failed to prevent or respond to the abuse
• File the paperwork for your lawsuit before any legal deadlines
• Negotiate a settlement with the defendant(s)
• Take your case to court if a fair settlement cannot be reached

You don't have to take on an abuser or powerful institution by yourself. Our Florida sexual abuse attorneys have the experience and resources to investigate complex claims and handle each step of the legal process for you.

Compensation may help pay for counseling, medical treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the abuse while providing greater financial stability for the future.

Compensation for Florida Sex Abuse Survivors​

A Florida sexual abuse lawsuit may allow survivors to seek financial compensation for the lasting impact the abuse has had on their lives. This can include both economic losses and the physical and emotional harm they have endured.

The amount a survivor may recover depends on factors like the severity and duration of the abuse, whether an institution had prior notice of danger, and the strength of the available evidence.

Florida sexual abuse settlements and verdicts include:

• $49.3 Million for a high school student raped by her teacher
• $47.4 Million verdict involving sexual battery by a massage therapist
• $20 Million compensation program for survivors of abuse at the Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School
• $10.2 Million Carnival Cruise Line sexual assault verdict
• $5 Million Broward County foster care sexual abuse settlement involving 6 siblings
• $6 Million Miami-Dade County Public Schools sexual abuse verdict
• $3.5 Million Archdiocese of Miami clergy sexual abuse settlements involving 23 survivors

While every case is different, these results show that survivors can secure meaningful compensation when institutions fail to protect the people in their care.

$49.3 Million Florida High School Sexual Abuse Verdict

A Florida jury awarded $49.3 Million to a former South Dade Senior High School student who was repeatedly sexually abused and raped by her geometry teacher when she was 16 years old. The abuse reportedly occurred in the teacher’s classroom.

The grooming started with emails and texts, according to reports. The verdict included $30 Million in punitive damages and $19 Million for past and future pain and suffering.

The former teacher also pleaded guilty to criminal charges. He was sentenced to 10 years of probation and required to register as a sex offender. The survivor reached a separate settlement with the school district for an undisclosed amount.

“It’s crazy to see how often this goes on in the world and even though so many people keep coming out, it’s still going on. Speak out now. It’s never too late. Don’t be afraid. There’s people rooting for you.”
– Survivor of Sex Abuse in Florida​

$47.4 Million Florida Massage Therapist Sexual Assault Verdict

A Pasco County jury awarded $47.4 Million to a woman after a licensed massage therapist sexually battered her during a session at Essentials Massage and Facials in Wesley Chapel.

The survivor had visited the business seeking relief from pain caused by a neck injury. After roughly 2 days of testimony, the jury deliberated for about 2 hours before returning the $47.4 Million verdict.

$20 Million Florida Reform School Abuse Compensation Program

In 2024, Florida established a $20 Million compensation program for survivors who suffered physical, sexual, or emotional abuse while confined at the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys or the Florida School for Boys at Okeechobee.

The program covered survivors who were confined at the schools for troubled youth between 1940 and 1975 and experienced abuse by school personnel. Approved survivors received an equal share of the $20 Million fund.

The program followed decades of allegations involving beatings, forced labor, sexual abuse, and other mistreatment at Dozier.

“Daily, that pain is still with me. I’m 77 years old now. That lives with me daily. I can’t help it.”
– Florida Abuse Survivor

$10.2 Million Florida Cruise Line Sexual Assault Verdict

A federal jury in Miami awarded $10.2 Million to a 21-year-old passenger who alleged a Carnival crew janitor raped her in a storage closet aboard the Carnival Miracle in 2018. She was allegedly "blackout drunk" and unable to consent.

Jurors found Carnival liable for false imprisonment and sexual assault, though an appeals court later ordered a new trial after finding the lower court improperly excluded certain evidence.

$6 Million Miami-Dade School Sexual Abuse Verdict

A federal jury ordered the Miami-Dade County School Board to pay $6 Million to a former student who alleged she was sexually harassed and abused by a teacher at Palmetto High School.

Jurors found that the teacher posed a substantial risk of sexual abuse or harassment to female students and that the school district was deliberately indifferent to the risk despite receiving multiple warnings about his conduct.

$5 Million Florida Foster Care Sexual Abuse Settlement

Florida officials agreed to a $5 Million settlement involving 6 siblings who alleged they suffered physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect at the hands of their foster parents.

The federal lawsuit alleged that child welfare officials failed to protect the children despite warning signs and reports of abuse. The settlement provided compensation to the 6 siblings for the harm they experienced while in the state's care.

$3.5 Million Archdiocese of Miami Clergy Sexual Abuse Settlements

The Archdiocese of Miami agreed to pay nearly $3.5 Million to settle lawsuits filed by 23 survivors who accused Catholic priests of sexual abuse.

The lawsuits alleged that the Archdiocese was negligent in connection with the abuse and implicated 10 priests who later resigned or were placed on administrative leave. Individual clergy abuse settlements ranged from $75,000 to $500,000.

Florida Sexual Abuse Lawsuit News & Updates

Sexual abuse lawsuits in Florida continue to involve schools, churches, detention facilities, businesses, and other organizations accused of failing to protect survivors from harm.

Recent cases have resulted in substantial settlements and verdicts while raising questions about how institutions respond to reports and warning signs of sexual abuse.

Recent Florida sexual abuse lawsuit news and developments include:

• October 1, 2026: A new Florida law took effect that makes it a 3rd-degree felony for an adult to intentionally engage in sexual conduct while watching a child under 16, closing a loophole in the state’s child sexual offense laws.
• September 24, 2026: Florida authorities arrested a former N.C. State sports medicine director accused of sexually abusing male athletes under the guise of medical treatment. He faces 9 felony counts of sexual contact under the pretext of medical treatment and 23 misdemeanor sexual battery charges involving 14 alleged victims.
• August 5, 2026: A Winter Haven pastor was arrested on multiple felony charges after authorities alleged he sexually abused a 14-year-old boy he met through a dating app. The investigation began after a cyber tip led detectives to the alleged victim.
• June 24, 2026: A 66-year-old St. Cloud foster parent was arrested on 7 felony counts related to the alleged sexual abuse of at least 2 girls. Six foster children were reportedly living in his home at the time of his arrest, raising questions about oversight within Florida’s foster care system.
• March 31, 2026: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Missy’s Law (HB 445), expanding the state’s list of dangerous crimes to include certain computer pornography and child exploitation offenses and strengthening pretrial detention requirements for certain offenses.
• May 20, 2025: A former Circles of Care employee was charged with 5 felony counts of sexual battery involving a patient who was around 13 years old at the time of the alleged abuse.
• July 24, 2023: Five Palm Beach Central High School employees, including the principal, were arrested and charged with failing to report the alleged sexual assault of a 15-year-old student after school staff were alerted to the incident.
• November 2022: A Naples doctor was arrested after 2 patients accused him of sexually assaulting them while they were sedated. Twelve additional women contacted police following his arrest, and the case raised concerns about delays in rape kit testing.
• August 20, 2018: Federal investigators examined allegations of rape, assault, and other misconduct at Lowell Correctional Institution, a Florida women's prison near Ocala, including whether state corrections officials failed to respond appropriately to complaints of abuse.

These cases show that sexual abuse claims in Florida can involve schools, churches, foster homes, correctional facilities, health care providers, and other institutions.

Florida laws provide survivors with important rights and protections, including options for pursuing civil claims and holding responsible parties accountable.

Florida Sexual Abuse Laws

Florida has updated its laws in recent years to give sexual abuse survivors more opportunities to seek justice, allow more time to file certain claims, and strengthen protections for children.

These laws can affect how long survivors have to file a lawsuit, who is required to report suspected abuse, and the responsibilities schools, health care providers, and other institutions have when sexual misconduct is reported or suspected.

Florida Sexual Assault Statute of Limitations

Survivors of sexual assault in Florida may still have the right to file a civil lawsuit, even if the abuse happened decades ago or criminal charges were never filed.

Under Florida Statute § 95.11, survivors who were under 16 when the sexual battery occurred may have no deadline to file a civil lawsuit. Other survivors may have additional time depending on when the abuse occurred, their age, and when they recognized the harm caused by the assault.

Civil lawsuits are separate from criminal proceedings, meaning you may be able to pursue compensation even if the abuser was never arrested, charged, or convicted.

Donna's Law

Donna's Law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2020, completely eliminates the criminal statute of limitations for prosecuting sexual battery committed against a child under the age of 18. The law applies to offenses committed on or after July 1, 2020.

The law is named for Donna Hedrick, who was raped by her choir teacher at age 15 but was unable to press charges by the time he confessed years later because the criminal filing deadline had already passed.

What Does a Failure to Report Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Florida​ Do?

A failure to report sexual abuse lawyer in Florida can investigate whether someone knew or suspected that a child was being abused but failed to report it as required by law. They can also determine whether an institution may be held responsible for failing to protect the child.

Individuals who know or have reasonable cause to suspect child abuse must immediately report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline under Florida Statute § 39.201.

A failure to report sexual abuse attorney in Florida​ can:

• Investigate when teachers, coaches, doctors, clergy members, or other adults first learned about suspected abuse
• Gather emails, complaints, personnel records, incident reports, and other evidence showing what an institution knew
• Determine whether required reports were made and how the organization responded to warning signs
• Identify prior complaints or allegations involving the same abuser or institution
• Determine whether an employer or institution may share responsibility for failing to prevent or stop the abuse
• Build a civil claim seeking compensation for the harm caused by the abuse and any institutional failures

Knowingly and willfully failing to report known or suspected child abuse can be a third-degree felony under Florida Statute § 39.205.

Sokolove Law can investigate whether failures to report or respond to suspected sexual abuse contributed to the harm you or your child experienced. Our Florida sexual abuse lawyers can identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Florida Sexual Abuse Statistics

Sexual violence remains a serious problem across Florida, affecting survivors of all ages and backgrounds in communities throughout the state. Reported cases represent only part of the overall impact.

Many survivors never report sexual assault or abuse due to fear, shame, concerns about not being believed, or relationships with the abuser. As a result, the true number of survivors in Florida is likely much higher than official statistics indicate.

Find out more about Florida sex abuse statistics:

• In Florida, an estimated 1 in 6 women have been raped at some point in their lives, according to research cited by the Women's Center of Brevard County.
• In 2024, 493 children aged 5 to 11 were verified victims of sexual abuse statewide, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families. That’s a rate of 28.2 per 100,000 children in that age group.
• Suwannee (188.3 per 100,000), Putnam (111.0), Escambia (69.1), Volusia (57.0), Polk (43.8), and Duval (41.5) counties had the highest rates of verified child sexual abuse among children aged 5 to 11, all well above the statewide rate.
• A 2020 investigation identified 97 Catholic priests across the state's dioceses with credible allegations of sexually abusing minors.
• More than 900 survivors have been approved for compensation through Florida's $20 Million Dozier School for Boys and Okeechobee School victim compensation program, with payouts of over $21,000 per survivor.
• Four of the 21 U.S. correctional facilities classified as having high rates of sexual abuse were in Florida, more than any other state, according to The Marshall Project.
• Between 12% and 14% of inmates at those Florida facilities reported sexual abuse or harassment by another inmate or staff member during the previous year, compared with 4% nationally.
• Nearly 75% of Florida inmates who reported sexual abuse were placed in administrative segregation or protective custody, compared with 34% nationwide.

These statistics may represent only a portion of sexual abuse in Florida. Survivors may wait years or even decades to come forward because of fear, shame, threats, or concerns that they won't be believed.

No matter how long ago the abuse occurred, you may still have legal options. Contact Sokolove Law for a free case review to learn whether you may be eligible to file a Florida sexual abuse lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Get Help from a Top Sexual Assault Lawyer in Florida

It takes courage to come forward about sexual abuse, especially when the person or institution responsible was someone you trusted, or if the abuse happened a long time ago.

At Sokolove Law, our sexual assault lawyers in Florida investigate claims against schools, churches, health care facilities, and other institutions that failed to prevent abuse. We know how to build these cases because we've spent decades doing it.

Not sure if you still have a case? That's exactly what a free review is for. We'll look at what happened, walk you through which Florida laws apply, and tell you honestly where you stand. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees to work with our firm.

Call (800) 995-1212 or fill out our online form. Our team is available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

Florida Sexual Assault Attorney FAQs