{"id":1759,"date":"2026-03-09T19:20:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T19:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/?page_id=1759"},"modified":"2026-04-26T18:17:19","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T18:17:19","slug":"requisitos-previos-a-la-demanda-en-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/es\/medical-malpractice\/florida-pre-suit-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Notificaci\u00f3n previa a la demanda por negligencia m\u00e9dica en Florida seg\u00fan \u00a7 766.106"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n\/* ===== FLORES MOBILE CSS ===== *\/\n.flores-post * { box-sizing: border-box; }\n\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(180px,1fr))\"] {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n    gap: 0 !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(180px,1fr))\"] > div {\n    border-right: none !important;\n    border-bottom: 1px solid #E3E8ED !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(180px,1fr))\"] > div:last-child {\n    border-bottom: none !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr))\"],\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(260px,1fr))\"],\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr))\"],\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(300px,1fr))\"] {\n    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;\n    gap: 12px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"columns:2\"] {\n    columns: 1 !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"grid-template-columns:90px 1fr\"] {\n    grid-template-columns: 70px 1fr !important;\n    gap: 14px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post h1 { font-size: 30px !important; line-height: 1.2 !important; }\n  .flores-post h2 { font-size: 24px !important; line-height: 1.25 !important; }\n  .flores-post h3 { font-size: 18px !important; }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"border-left:4px solid #1B4F72\"][style*=\"padding:18px 0 18px 28px\"] p {\n    font-size: 18px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"border-left:4px solid #1B4F72\"][style*=\"padding:18px 0 18px 28px\"] {\n    padding-left: 18px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"background:#1B4F72\"][style*=\"padding:36px 40px\"] {\n    padding: 28px 22px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"background:#1B4F72\"][style*=\"padding:36px 40px\"] p {\n    font-size: 20px !important;\n  }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"padding:28px 32px\"] { padding: 22px 18px !important; }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"padding:26px 30px\"] { padding: 20px 18px !important; }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"padding:22px 28px\"] { padding: 18px 18px !important; }\n  .flores-post [style*=\"padding:22px 24px\"] { padding: 18px 18px !important; }\n}\n\n@media (max-width: 480px) {\n  .flores-post h1 { font-size: 26px !important; }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"flores-post\">\n\n\n<p><!-- BYLINE --><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-ab90ae44 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-bottom:8px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:64px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-thumbnail is-resized has-custom-border\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img-150x150.webp\" alt=\"Jorge L. Flores, Esq., Florida medical malpractice attorney\" class=\"has-border-color wp-image-2471\" style=\"border-color:#1B4F72;border-width:2px;border-radius:50%;width:64px;height:64px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img-12x12.webp 12w, https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img.webp 512w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"line-height:1.45\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:3px\">REVIEWED BY<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:2px\"><a href=\"\/attorneys\/jorge-flores\/\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">Jorge L. Flores, Esq.<\/a> <span style=\"font-weight:400;color:#6d6560;font-size:14px\">&middot; Florida Bar No. 53244<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#6d6560\">Former hospital defense attorney &middot; Law Offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A. &middot; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/directories\/find-mbr\/profile\/?num=53244\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none\">Bar verification<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- BREADCRUMB + DATE --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:flex;justify-content:space-between;align-items:center;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:8px;padding:12px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #E3E8ED;margin:16px 0 32px 0;font-size:13px;color:#6d6560\">\n<div><a href=\"\/\" style=\"color:#6d6560;text-decoration:none\">Home<\/a> <span style=\"color:#b8b2a5;margin:0 4px\">\/<\/span> <a href=\"\/medical-malpractice\/\" style=\"color:#6d6560;text-decoration:none\">Medical Malpractice<\/a> <span style=\"color:#b8b2a5;margin:0 4px\">\/<\/span> <span style=\"color:#1a1a2e;font-weight:600\">Pre-Suit Requirements<\/span><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:12px;color:#6d6560\">Last updated <span style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">April 22, 2026<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- H1 --><\/p>\n\n<p><!-- AI OVERVIEW LEAD (40-60 WORDS) --><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#3a3a3a;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:clamp(14px, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 3.2px) * 0.313), 18px);line-height:1.55\">Under Florida Statute \u00a7 766.106, before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit a claimant must complete a formal pre-suit process: investigate the claim, obtain a corroborating expert opinion, serve a Notice of Intent on each defendant, and wait 90 days. Missing a step; or sending an incomplete notice; can result in dismissal of the entire case.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== DECISION VISUAL: DOES THIS APPLY TO YOU? ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(300px,1fr));gap:16px;margin:0 0 28px 0\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:4px solid #1B4F72;padding:28px 28px 26px 28px\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:14px\">\n<div style=\"background:#E3E8ED;color:#1B4F72;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;padding:4px 10px;border-radius:3px\">REQUIRED<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700\">PRE-SUIT APPLIES IF&hellip;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1.3;margin-bottom:14px\">You are suing a licensed health care provider in Florida<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">Physicians, surgeons, nurses, hospitals, surgery centers, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pharmacists, dentists, and any other provider licensed under Chapter 766. The pre-suit process is mandatory and you cannot file a complaint in court until it is complete.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:4px solid #6d6560;padding:28px 28px 26px 28px\">\n<div style=\"display:flex;align-items:center;gap:10px;margin-bottom:14px\">\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;color:#6d6560;font-size:11px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:1.5px;padding:4px 10px;border-radius:3px\">DIFFERENT RULES<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700\">SEPARATE PROCESS IF&hellip;<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:19px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1.3;margin-bottom:14px\">You are suing a nursing home or public hospital<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">Nursing home claims follow &sect; 400.0233 (75-day pre-suit). Claims against public hospitals or state-employed doctors also require notice under &sect; 768.28 sovereign immunity. Both are covered below.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== TOC ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;padding:20px 26px;margin:0 0 44px 0;border-radius:2px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:2px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:12px\">WHAT THIS PAGE COVERS<\/div>\n<div style=\"columns:2;column-gap:32px;font-size:14.5px;line-height:2;color:#1a1a2e\">\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#five-steps\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">1. The 5-step process<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#noi-package\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">2. What the Notice must contain<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#informal-discovery\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">3. The 90-day window<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#sol-tolling\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">4. Statute of limitations<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#dismissal-risks\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">5. Mistakes that kill cases<\/a><\/div>\n<div style=\"break-inside:avoid\"><a href=\"#faq\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e;text-decoration:none\">6. FAQ<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== SECTION 1: THE 5-STEP PROCESS (TIMELINE VISUAL) ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"five-steps\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">The 5-Step Florida Pre-Suit Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida\u2019s pre-suit process moves in five sequential steps. The process is slow on purpose; the Legislature designed it to filter claims and force both sides to invest in real evidence before any case reaches a courtroom. Each step must be completed correctly before the next step begins.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- TIMELINE --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"margin:28px 0 44px 0\">\n\n<!-- Step 1: Investigation -->\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px 1fr;gap:20px;margin-bottom:24px;align-items:start\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right;padding-top:8px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1\">Step 1<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;color:#6d6560;letter-spacing:1px;margin-top:3px\">INVESTIGATE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-left:2px solid #E3E8ED;padding:8px 0 16px 24px;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-8px;top:10px;width:14px;height:14px;background:#1B4F72;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #ffffff;box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #1B4F72\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:4px\">Gather Records and Identify Every Defendant<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">Collect medical records from every treating provider, including records from the two years before the alleged negligence. Identify every potential defendant now; adding defendants after the statute of limitations runs is often impossible.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Step 2: Expert -->\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px 1fr;gap:20px;margin-bottom:24px;align-items:start\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right;padding-top:8px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1\">Step 2<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;color:#6d6560;letter-spacing:1px;margin-top:3px\">EXPERT OPINION<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-left:2px solid #E3E8ED;padding:8px 0 16px 24px;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-8px;top:10px;width:14px;height:14px;background:#1B4F72;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #ffffff;box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #1B4F72\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:4px\">Obtain a Corroborating Medical Expert Affidavit<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">A qualified medical expert must review the records and sign a sworn written opinion confirming that the provider breached the professional standard of care and that the breach caused the injury. The expert must match the defendant&rsquo;s exact specialty under the 2013 amendment to &sect; 766.102(5).<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Step 3: Serve NOI -->\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px 1fr;gap:20px;margin-bottom:24px;align-items:start\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right;padding-top:8px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1\">Step 3<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;color:#6d6560;letter-spacing:1px;margin-top:3px\">SERVE NOTICE<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-left:2px solid #E3E8ED;padding:8px 0 16px 24px;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-8px;top:10px;width:14px;height:14px;background:#1B4F72;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #ffffff;box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #1B4F72\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:4px\">Serve the Notice of Intent on Each Defendant<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">The Notice of Intent, known as the NOI, must be served on every prospective defendant by certified mail, tracked shipping, or process server. Each defendant gets a separate NOI with its own complete package of records and the expert affidavit. The full package requirements are listed below.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Step 4: 90-day wait -->\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px 1fr;gap:20px;margin-bottom:24px;align-items:start\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right;padding-top:8px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#D4A017;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1\">Step 4<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;color:#8a6416;letter-spacing:1px;margin-top:3px;font-weight:700\">90-DAY WAIT<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"border-left:2px solid #E3E8ED;padding:8px 0 16px 24px;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-8px;top:10px;width:14px;height:14px;background:#D4A017;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #ffffff;box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #D4A017\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:4px\">The 90-Day Investigation Period<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">The defendant&rsquo;s insurance carrier has 90 days to investigate and respond with one of three answers: reject the claim, offer a settlement, or offer binding arbitration. During this period both sides engage in informal discovery. See the section below.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- Step 5: File -->\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:90px 1fr;gap:20px;align-items:start\">\n<div style=\"text-align:right;padding-top:8px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:22px;font-weight:700;color:#0a7a3e;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1\">Step 5<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;color:#0a7a3e;letter-spacing:1px;margin-top:3px;font-weight:700\">FILE SUIT<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding:8px 0 0 24px;position:relative\">\n<div style=\"position:absolute;left:-8px;top:10px;width:14px;height:14px;background:#0a7a3e;border-radius:50%;border:3px solid #ffffff;box-shadow:0 0 0 2px #0a7a3e\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:4px\">File the Complaint (60-Day Window)<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">After the 90 days expires, the claimant has 60 days, or the remaining time on the statute of limitations (whichever is longer), to file the lawsuit in circuit court. Missing this window is often fatal; the case cannot simply be filed the week after.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== SECTION 2: WHAT THE NOI MUST CONTAIN ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"noi-package\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">What the Notice of Intent Must Contain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Notice of Intent is not a letter. It is a complete evidentiary package required by \u00a7 766.106(2), and sending an incomplete package is treated as if no notice was sent at all. Every one of the items below must be included before the NOI is served.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- NOI CHECKLIST CARDS --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:14px;margin:24px 0 32px 0\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">01 &middot; THE CLAIM<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>Description of the alleged malpractice and the injury it caused.<\/strong> Must identify the provider, the date of care, and the specific breach of the standard of care.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">02 &middot; EXPERT AFFIDAVIT<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>Verified written opinion from a qualified medical expert.<\/strong> The expert must be in the same specialty as the defendant and must address both breach and causation.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">03 &middot; COUNSEL&rsquo;S CERTIFICATE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>Certificate of counsel<\/strong> confirming that the attorney has conducted a good-faith investigation and believes the claim has a reasonable basis.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">04 &middot; PROVIDER LIST<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>A list of every health care provider<\/strong> the claimant saw during the two years before the alleged negligence, and every provider seen afterward for the resulting injury.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">05 &middot; MEDICAL RECORDS<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>Copies of all medical records<\/strong> the expert relied on in forming the corroborating opinion. Missing records can void the notice.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">06 &middot; HIPAA AUTHORIZATION<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\"><strong>Signed HIPAA authorization under &sect; 766.1065.<\/strong> If this authorization is later revoked, the entire pre-suit notice is voided retroactively, including any tolling of the statute of limitations.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- HIPAA WARNING CALLOUT --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#FBEAEA;border-left:3px solid #B83232;padding:18px 22px;margin:20px 0 32px 0\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px\">&#9888; WHY THE HIPAA FORM MATTERS<\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">The &sect; 766.1065 HIPAA authorization lets the defendant&rsquo;s carrier obtain records during the 90-day period. If the claimant revokes it at any point, the notice is treated as if it was never served. Any tolling benefit on the statute of limitations disappears along with it; this is one of the most dangerous footguns in Florida medical malpractice practice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== SECTION 3: THE 90-DAY WINDOW ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"informal-discovery\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">What Happens During the 90-Day Window<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 90-day window is not dead time. Both sides are expected to investigate the claim through a set of informal discovery tools under \u00a7 766.205. Anything exchanged during this period is inadmissible at trial, which is designed to encourage honest exchange without tactical risk.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- TWO-CARD LAYOUT: CARRIER MUST DO + INFORMAL DISCOVERY --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:16px;margin:24px 0 32px 0\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;padding:22px 24px;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">WHAT THE CARRIER MUST DO<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:10px\">Within 90 days, the carrier must investigate in good faith and respond with one of three positions:<\/div>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:18px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.75;color:#1a1a2e\">\n<li><strong>Reject<\/strong> the claim with a supporting expert affidavit<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make a written settlement offer<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Offer voluntary binding arbitration<\/strong> under &sect; 766.207<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"margin-top:10px;font-size:13px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">Silence is treated as rejection at day 91.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;padding:22px 24px;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">INFORMAL DISCOVERY (&sect; 766.205)<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:10px\">Either side may use the tools below during the 90 days:<\/div>\n<ul style=\"margin:0;padding-left:18px;font-size:14px;line-height:1.75;color:#1a1a2e\">\n<li>Up to <strong>30 written questions<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Records requests<\/strong> (answered within 10 business days)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Unsworn statements<\/strong> from witnesses<\/li>\n<li><strong>Physical examination<\/strong> of the claimant<\/li>\n<li><strong>Interviews with treating providers<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"margin-top:10px;font-size:13px;line-height:1.6;color:#3a3a3a\">Nothing exchanged is admissible at trial.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== SECTION 4: SOL TOLLING ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"sol-tolling\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">How Pre-Suit Affects the Statute of Limitations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Florida medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within two years of discovering the injury, with a four-year outer deadline from the date of care under \u00a7 95.11(4)(b). Families often worry that the 90-day pre-suit wait will eat into that deadline; it does not. The 90 days pauses the clock rather than running it down.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- TOLLING VISUAL --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #1B4F72;padding:26px 30px;margin:24px 0 28px 0\">\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:20px;margin-bottom:18px\">\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:6px\">DISCOVERY RULE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif\">2 years<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#6d6560;margin-top:2px\">from discovery of the injury<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:6px\">OUTER DEADLINE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif\">4 years<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#6d6560;margin-top:2px\">from date of care (statute of repose)<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:6px\">PRE-SUIT PAUSE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#0a7a3e;font-family:Georgia,serif\">+ 90 days<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;color:#6d6560;margin-top:2px\">added to whichever deadline applies<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"padding-top:16px;border-top:1px solid #E3E8ED;font-size:14px;line-height:1.65;color:#3a3a3a\">Under <em>Boyle v. Samotin<\/em> (Fla. 2022), the pre-suit tolling clock starts on the date the Notice of Intent is mailed, not the date the defendant receives it. Under <em>Hankey v. Yarian<\/em> (Fla. 2000), the claimant receives the full statutory period plus the 90-day pause. A separate 90-day extension is available under &sect; 766.104(2) by filing a petition with the clerk and paying a modest fee; it must be filed before the original deadline expires.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== SECTION 5: DISMISSAL RISKS ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"dismissal-risks\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">Mistakes That Kill Florida Pre-Suit Cases<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pre-suit dismissal under \u00a7 766.206 is common, and the penalties go beyond simply losing the case; the court can order the claimant or the claimant\u2019s attorney to pay the defendant\u2019s fees and costs. The mistakes below account for the majority of dismissals.<\/p>\n\n\n<p><!-- RISK CARDS --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:14px;margin:24px 0 32px 0\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 01<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Waiting Too Long to Start<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">The two-year statute of limitations runs while records are gathered and the expert is retained. Most dismissal cases trace back to claimants who started the process with only a few months left.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 02<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Missing a Defendant<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">Every provider requires a separate NOI. Adding a defendant after the statute of limitations has run is often impossible, which makes early defendant identification critical.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 03<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Wrong Expert Specialty<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">For a specialist defendant, the expert must be in the exact same specialty under the 2013 amendment to &sect; 766.102(5). A cardiologist cannot corroborate a claim against a neurosurgeon.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 04<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Revoking the HIPAA Authorization<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">Voids the entire pre-suit notice retroactively. Any tolling of the statute of limitations disappears along with the notice.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 05<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Incomplete NOI Package<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">Missing the expert affidavit, missing records, or missing the provider list is treated as if no notice was served. The 90-day clock never starts.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #B83232;padding:22px 24px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#8a2323;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:10px\">RISK 06<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">Missing the 60-Day Filing Window<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">After the 90-day pre-suit period expires, the complaint must be filed within 60 days or the remaining statute of limitations time, whichever is longer. This window is often missed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- SPECIAL DEFENDANT RULES --><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"when-the-standard-pre-suit-rules-do-not-apply\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">When the Standard Pre-Suit Rules Do Not Apply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two categories of defendants follow different pre-suit rules than the standard \u00a7 766.106 process. The differences are meaningful and missing them can disqualify an otherwise strong case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(280px,1fr));gap:14px;margin:20px 0 36px 0\">\n\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;padding:22px 24px;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px\">NURSING HOMES<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">&sect; 400.0233 &middot; 75-day period<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">A separate nursing-home statute controls. The pre-suit period is 75 days instead of 90, and the content requirements of the notice differ from the &sect; 766.106 NOI.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"background:#F5F0E8;padding:22px 24px;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px\">PUBLIC HOSPITALS &amp; STATE EMPLOYEES<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:700;color:#1a1a2e;margin-bottom:8px;font-family:Georgia,serif\">&sect; 768.28 &middot; Sovereign immunity<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#1a1a2e\">Claims against Jackson Memorial, UF Health Shands, and other public hospitals require a separate sovereign-immunity notice on top of &sect; 766.106. Recovery is capped at $200,000 per person under the sovereign immunity statute; see our <a href=\"\/maximum-payout-medical-negligence-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;font-weight:600\">no-cap rule guide<\/a> for the full ceiling analysis.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== FAQ ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-color\" id=\"faq\" style=\"color:#1a1a2e\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin:20px 0 36px 0\">\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">What is a pre-suit notice under Florida Statute &sect; 766.106?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">A pre-suit notice, formally called a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation, is a mandatory pre-lawsuit filing required under &sect; 766.106 before any medical malpractice case can be filed in Florida. The notice informs each prospective defendant of the claim, provides a sworn expert affidavit supporting the allegations, and triggers a 90-day investigation period during which the parties exchange information.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">How long does the Florida pre-suit process take?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">From the initial intake to filing a lawsuit, the Florida pre-suit process typically takes four to six months. The mandatory 90-day investigation period is only one component; obtaining records, retaining a qualified medical expert, and preparing the Notice of Intent package usually takes another two to three months before the 90 days even begins.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">What happens if the doctor does not respond within 90 days?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">Silence at the end of the 90-day period is treated as a rejection of the claim under &sect; 766.106(3). The claimant is free to file a lawsuit in circuit court during the 60-day window that follows, or the remaining statute of limitations time, whichever is longer.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">Does the 90-day pre-suit period count against my statute of limitations?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">No. The 90-day pre-suit period pauses the statute of limitations under &sect; 766.106(4). Under <em>Hankey v. Yarian<\/em> (Fla. 2000), the claimant receives the full two-year or four-year period plus the 90 days. An additional 90-day extension is available under &sect; 766.104(2) by filing a petition with the clerk before the original deadline.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">Can I file a lawsuit without sending a pre-suit notice first?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">No. A complaint filed before the pre-suit process is complete will be dismissed under &sect; 766.106(3). Attempting to bypass the pre-suit requirement also exposes the attorney to sanctions and can result in the statute of limitations running out before a proper notice is served.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">What is informal discovery under &sect; 766.205?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">Informal discovery is a set of investigative tools both sides can use during the 90-day pre-suit window. It includes up to 30 written questions, records requests (answered within 10 business days), unsworn statements from witnesses, a physical examination of the claimant, and interviews with treating providers. Nothing exchanged during informal discovery is admissible at trial.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px;margin-bottom:8px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">What is voluntary binding arbitration in a pre-suit case?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">Under &sect; 766.207, a defendant may offer voluntary binding arbitration during the 90-day pre-suit period. If the claimant accepts, the case is resolved before an arbitration panel rather than a jury. Acceptance generally limits non-economic damages, so the trade-off should be evaluated carefully with counsel before the 90-day window closes.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<details aria-expanded=\"false\" style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-radius:4px;padding:16px 20px\">\n<summary style=\"font-size:16px;font-weight:600;color:#1a1a2e;cursor:pointer;line-height:1.4\">Does the pre-suit notice apply to nursing home cases?<\/summary>\n<p style=\"margin:14px 0 0 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.65;color:#1a1a2e\">No. Nursing home claims follow a separate pre-suit statute, &sect; 400.0233, which imposes a 75-day pre-suit period rather than the 90-day period in &sect; 766.106. The content requirements of the nursing-home notice also differ. Claims against public hospitals require a sovereign-immunity notice under &sect; 768.28 in addition to &sect; 766.106.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== MAIN CTA ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#1B4F72;padding:36px 40px;margin:36px 0 28px 0\">\n<div style=\"max-width:780px\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:2px;color:#9fb8d1;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:12px\">FREE CONSULTATION &middot; NO FEE UNLESS WE RECOVER<\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 14px 0;font-size:24px;font-weight:600;line-height:1.35;color:#ffffff;font-family:Georgia,serif\">The Florida pre-suit process is slow, technical, and unforgiving of mistakes. The Law Offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A., handles the entire process for our clients from investigation through filing.<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 24px 0;font-size:15px;line-height:1.6;color:#d4e4f7\">Every consultation is free, every conversation is confidential, and we do not collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display:flex;gap:12px;flex-wrap:wrap;align-items:center\">\n<a href=\"\/contact\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#ffffff;color:#1B4F72;padding:14px 28px;border-radius:3px;font-size:15px;font-weight:700;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:0.5px\">Call (305) 598-2221<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/contact\/\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:transparent;color:#ffffff;padding:14px 28px;border:1px solid #9fb8d1;border-radius:3px;font-size:15px;font-weight:600;text-decoration:none;letter-spacing:0.5px\">Request a Free Case Review<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== CASE RESULTS ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;border-top:3px solid #1B4F72;padding:26px 30px;margin:0 0 28px 0\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:2px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:8px\">SELECTED CASE RESULTS<\/div>\n<p style=\"margin:0 0 20px 0;font-size:14px;line-height:1.6;color:#6d6560\">Recent matters from the Law Offices of Jorge L. Flores, P.A. See our <a href=\"\/case-results\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;font-weight:600\">full Case Results page<\/a> for additional matters.<\/p>\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(240px,1fr));gap:14px;margin-bottom:18px\">\n\n<div style=\"padding:16px 18px;background:#F5F0E8;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">$12,250,000<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:4px\">HOSPITAL NEGLIGENCE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.5;color:#1a1a2e\">Failure to diagnose ischemic stroke resulting in catastrophic brain injury.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"padding:16px 18px;background:#F5F0E8;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">$8,250,000<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:4px\">DELAYED STROKE DIAGNOSIS<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.5;color:#1a1a2e\">Failure to timely diagnose evolving stroke, producing catastrophic permanent injuries.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"padding:16px 18px;background:#F5F0E8;border-left:3px solid #1B4F72\">\n<div style=\"font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B4F72;font-family:Georgia,serif;line-height:1;margin-bottom:8px\">$3,250,000<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:4px\">BIRTH MALPRACTICE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:13px;line-height:1.5;color:#1a1a2e\">Failure to properly read amniocentesis results, resulting in significant newborn injury.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"padding-top:14px;border-top:1px solid #E3E8ED;font-size:11.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#6d6560;font-style:italic\">Past results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits. The information presented here was not reviewed or approved by The Florida Bar.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><!-- ========== RELATED RESOURCES ========== --><\/p>\n\n\n<div style=\"background:#ffffff;border:1px solid #E3E8ED;padding:24px 28px;margin:0 0 16px 0\">\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:2px;color:#1B4F72;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:16px;padding-bottom:10px;border-bottom:1px solid #E3E8ED\">RELATED RESOURCES<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fit,minmax(260px,1fr));gap:24px 36px\">\n\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:8px\">PROCESS &amp; DEADLINES<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.85;color:#1B4F72\">\n<a href=\"\/medical-malpractice\/how-hard-is-it-to-sue-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">How Hard Is It to Sue?<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/medical-malpractice\/statute-of-limitations-in-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">Statute of Limitations<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/medical-malpractice\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">Medical Malpractice Overview<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div>\n<div style=\"font-size:11px;letter-spacing:1.5px;color:#6d6560;font-weight:600;margin-bottom:8px\">CASE VALUE<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size:14px;line-height:1.85;color:#1B4F72\">\n<a href=\"\/maximum-payout-medical-negligence-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">Maximum Payout &amp; No-Cap Rule<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/medical-malpractice-average-settlement-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">Average Settlement in Florida<\/a>\n<a href=\"\/types-compensation-malpractice-florida\/\" style=\"color:#1B4F72;text-decoration:none;display:block\">Types of Compensation<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/.flores-post -->\n\n\n<p><!-- JSON-LD SCHEMA --><\/p>\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Article\",\n      \"headline\": \"Florida Medical Malpractice Pre-Suit Notice Under \u00a7 766.106\",\n      \"description\": \"A Florida attorney explains the mandatory pre-suit notice process under Florida Statute \u00a7 766.106, the 90-day waiting period, informal discovery under \u00a7 766.205, and the mistakes that can dismiss a medical malpractice case before it is filed.\",\n      \"image\": \"https:\/\/floreslawmiami.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/jorge-l-flores-small-img-150x150.webp\",\n      \"author\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Person\",\n        \"name\": \"Jorge L. 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The notice informs each prospective defendant of the claim, provides a sworn expert affidavit supporting the allegations, and triggers a 90-day investigation period.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"How long does the Florida pre-suit process take?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"From the initial intake to filing a lawsuit, the Florida pre-suit process typically takes four to six months. 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The claimant is free to file a lawsuit in circuit court during the 60-day window that follows, or the remaining statute of limitations time, whichever is longer.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Does the 90-day pre-suit period count against my statute of limitations?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. The 90-day pre-suit period pauses the statute of limitations under \u00a7 766.106(4). Under Hankey v. Yarian (Fla. 2000), the claimant receives the full two-year or four-year period plus the 90 days. An additional 90-day extension is available under \u00a7 766.104(2) by filing a petition with the clerk before the original deadline.\"\n          }\n        },\n        {\n          \"@type\": \"Question\",\n          \"name\": \"Can I file a medical malpractice lawsuit without sending a pre-suit notice first?\",\n          \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n            \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n            \"text\": \"No. A complaint filed before the pre-suit process is complete will be dismissed under \u00a7 766.106(3). 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