ANDREOZZI + FOOTE
FLORIDA SEXUAL ABUSE LAWYER
Reviewed by:
Benjamin D. Andreozzi, Esq.
- Last Updated: July 7, 2025
On This Page
- How Andreozzi + Foote Helps Florida Survivors Seek Justice and Healing
- Florida Sexual Abuse Laws You Should Know
- Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases In Florida
- Florida Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Claims
- What Damages Can Survivors Recover In A Florida Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
- Start Your Journey To Justice With Confidential and Compassionate Support
- Florida Sexual Abuse FAQs
- Florida Alleged Perpetrators
Sexual abuse takes an intense toll on survivors, both physically and emotionally. Though seeking justice for abuse may feel out of reach, Florida law makes it possible for survivors to hold the perpetrators of their abuse and any institutions that enabled it accountable. Anyone can be a perpetrator or enabler of abuse, from individuals to businesses to educational or religious institutions.
If you or a loved one has experienced sexual abuse in Florida, Andreozzi + Foote is here to help. As a nationally recognized sexual abuse law firm with a client-centered approach, it’s our mission to support survivors of abuse in Florida and nationwide.
How Andreozzi + Foote Helps Florida Survivors Seek Justice and Healing
Andreozzi + Foote is one of the country’s leading law firms representing survivors of sexual abuse, and our attorneys have successfully litigated some of the highest-profile abuse cases over the last decade. Led by experienced, compassionate, trauma-informed lawyers, we are committed to creating life-changing results for victims and their families. With 50 years of combined experience and an exclusive focus on sexual abuse cases, Andreozzi + Foote’s attorneys have a proven track record of success, even in complex, high-stakes cases.
After experiencing sexual abuse, you may feel isolated and trapped, unsure of what to do next. However, Florida law provides access to justice for survivors, including in cases involving churches, schools, youth organizations, and health care providers. Holding enabling institutions legally accountable for the harm they caused can give survivors a sense of closure and empowerment, allowing them to move forward in healing. Andreozzi + Foote is here to help you work towards justice with full confidentiality and support–we believe you.
Verdict In A Child Sex Abuse Case
$88M
One of the largest verdicts in the United States
Florida Sexual Abuse Laws You Should Know
Florida has multiple statutes covering sexual abuse. Under state law, “abuse” means any willful or threatened act that results in physical, mental, or sexual harm to a child. Specifically, sexual abuse of a child includes any penetration, intentional touching of intimate parts, or sexual exploitation of a child. While sexual abuse itself is a crime, parties can also be held civilly liable for negligently failing to protect a child in their care from sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse also includes sexual battery, which Florida law is defines as any oral, anal, or genital penetration by another person’s sexual organs or any other object without consent. Abuse and battery often involve offenses by law enforcement officers, clergy, teachers, foster care staff, and any other person in a position of control or authority over a child.
Civil vs. Criminal Sexual Abuse Cases In Florida
The criminal justice and civil legal systems operate independently in the United States. Even if law enforcement doesn’t pursue criminal charges against the perpetrator of your abuse, or the perpetrator is charged but not convicted, the victim can still pursue a civil lawsuit. Civil lawsuits allow survivors to pursue monetary damages for their suffering, even if the criminal justice system does not punish the perpetrator.
Florida Statute of Limitations For Sexual Abuse Claims
Every state has laws governing how long sexual abuse survivors have to file civil lawsuits after the abuse has occurred. In 2020, Florida removed the criminal statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse and battery. The deadlines for filing criminal charges for sexual crimes against adults vary from one to four years, depending on the severity of the offense.
For civil cases, a 2010 law amended the statute of limitations, removing the deadline for civil lawsuits over sexual abuse and battery of victims under age 16. For minor victims who were 16 or 17 when the abuse occurred, lawsuits can be filed until their 25th birthday or four years after discovering the harm caused by the abuse, whichever is later. Adult victims of sexual abuse or battery generally have four years from the date they discover the abuse to file suit against the perpetrator.
Legal actions for negligence, such as those against an institution for allowing abuse to occur, must be commenced within two years. In some cases, delayed discovery periods may allow more time for survivors to file if trauma prevented earlier legal action.
Regardless of the applicable deadline for filing suit, contact an attorney as soon as possible to confirm their eligibility under ever-changing laws.
What Damages Can Survivors Recover In A Florida Sexual Abuse Lawsuit?
The amount and type of compensation survivors may be able to recover in a Florida sexual abuse lawsuit depend on the circumstances of the case, including the victim’s age, the extent of the abuse, and whether an institution was involved in enabling abuse.
Victims can seek recovery of compensation for economic and non-economic damages like medical costs, lost wages, long-term care needs, pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life. In some cases, courts may award punitive damages to punish the liable party for intentional or grossly negligent behavior and deter future wrongdoing.
Start Your Journey To Justice With Confidential and Compassionate Support
At Andreozzi + Foote, our attorneys have extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, and we are dedicated to seeking justice and holding the responsible parties accountable for what they’ve done. We have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures in Florida and nationwide to help you and your family pursue a case against the responsible organizations and institutions that enabled the abuse.
Our trauma-informed attorneys handle every case with compassion and professionalism, and we are prepared to pursue justice relentlessly. We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate the delicate balance between pressing a case for the best resolution and not interfering with a survivor’s recovery. With no upfront costs and no pressure, Andreozzi + Foote will offer you knowledgeable legal advice tailored to your situation and goals. To get started today with a free, confidential consultation, contact us online or by calling 866-311-8640.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we stand up for survivors of sexual abuse in schools and universitiesi, holding educational institutions responsible for failing to protect students and fighting for the justice they deserve.
We represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse, holding religious institutions accountable and seeking justice for those who endured harm by trusted leaders within the faith community.
We represent survivors of sexual abuse within youth organiations and sport leagues, demanding justice for victims harmed by trusted coaches, mentors, and officials.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we fight for victims of sexual abuse in healthcare settings, holding medical professionals and institutions accountable for exploiting their positions of trust and power
At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys have spent decades thoroughly researching and actively engaging state laws, regulations, rules, policies, and procedures nationwide to help you determine the best path to justice. We understand that the most important role of the lawyer is to listen to the client and create a route to recovery specifically designed for that individual survivor.
With extensive experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, Andreozzi + Foote is dedicated to seeking justice and accountability. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients and will treat all information you provide us confidentially. To get started with a free consultation, contact Andreozzi + Foote today online or by calling 866-311-8640.
Florida Sexual Abuse FAQs
What’s the Difference Between Suing the Abuser and Suing an Organization or Institution?
While suing an individual perpetrator can hold them accountable for wrongdoing, it typically does not result in as much compensation as suits against enabling organizations. Institutional liability results when an organization enables or fails to prevent the abuse. They could be liable for negligence, such as failing to adequately supervise, hire, or admonish staff for misconduct.
How Much Does a Florida Sexual Abuse Lawyer Cost?
Andreozzi + Foote operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning we advance all litigation costs, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.
Will My Identity Be Protected if I Come Forward?
In many instances, Florida allows victims to protect their identities when filing suit. You might be entitled to file suit under seal or anonymously in certain situations. Meanwhile, Florida law makes it illegal for public employees or officers with access to victims’ identifying information to disclose it to anyone outside of the investigation, prosecution, or defense of a case. Our firm does everything possible to protect our clients’ privacy.
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Empowering Survivors and Delivering Justice Nationwide
We understand the courage it takes to reach out for help, and we are here to listen. At Andreozzi + Foote, our trauma-informed attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate, confidential support every step of the way. With extensive experience in advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, we are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment where your voice is heard and your rights are fiercely protected. Contact us today for a free, in-depth consultation and take the first step toward justice.
