Bill > S1592

This bill revises the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a lawsuit, for actions related to the design, planning, or construction of improvements to real property. It clarifies that the four-year period for such lawsuits will now begin on the earliest of several dates: the completion of the improvement, the abandonment of construction if not completed, the termination of the contract between a professional (like an architect or engineer) or contractor and their employer, or if none of those apply, the completion of the contract. The bill also introduces a separate seven-year outer limit for these actions, with the same starting points. Importantly, it defines "completion of the improvement" to include the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, completion of required inspections, or final acceptance depending on the type of improvement, and "completion of the contract" as the later of when services are fully performed or when final payment is due. The bill also specifies that the discovery of a latent defect (a hidden problem) will trigger the start of the time limit for lawsuits involving such defects.

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1592