Florida Defamation, Slander and Libel Claims

Florida law allows individuals and businesses to sue for defamation—including libel (written) and slander (spoken)—when false statements published in the community damage their reputation. Biazzo Law represents clients throughout Florida in investigating, filing, and litigating defamation cases arising from online content, news reports, and real-world communications including on social media.

Florida Defamation Basics

In Florida, defamation is a false statement of fact about a person that is published to a third party and causes reputational or other legally recognized harm. Florida recognizes two main forms: libel (written or otherwise published) and slander (spoken), and treats both similarly for civil liability purposes.

To prove civil defamation under Florida law, a plaintiff must generally show: publication of a false statement, about the plaintiff, to at least one other person, and that the falsity caused injury. The level of “fault” depends on whether the plaintiff is a private individual or a public figure, with public figures required to show “actual malice” and private individuals typically required to show at least negligence.

Libel, Slander, and Online Attacks in Florida

Libel in Florida includes written or otherwise recorded statements, such as emails, text messages, news articles, blogs, online reviews, and social media posts that falsely harm a person’s reputation. Slander covers spoken false statements made in person, on the phone, in meetings, or at public events that are communicated to third parties.

Across Florida—whether in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, or smaller communities—many modern cases involve cyber defamation and viral content that can quickly damage individuals, professionals, and local businesses. Florida treats online written content as libel and applies the same elements, defenses, and time limits whether the publication appears on a major platform or in a niche local forum.

Defamation Per Se, Per Quod, and Damages

Florida distinguishes between defamation per se (statements so inherently harmful that damages are presumed) and defamation per quod (where the plaintiff must plead and prove special damages). Defamation per se typically includes false statements accusing someone of a serious crime, having a loathsome disease, or statements that directly harm a person in their trade, profession, or business.

For defamation per quod claims in Florida, the plaintiff must show actual injury caused by the statement, such as loss of business, employment, or other concrete harm. In appropriate cases, a Florida plaintiff may also seek punitive damages when the defendant’s conduct shows intentional misconduct or gross negligence, subject to statutory caps in Chapter 768 (generally up to three times compensatory damages or $500,000.00 dollars, with higher caps or no cap in specified circumstances).

Statutes, Notice Rules, and Time Limits

Florida defamation law is guided in part by Chapter 836 and Chapter 770, which address libel, defamation, and notice requirements to certain media defendants. When the defendant is a newspaper, broadcast station, or other media outlet, Florida Statute section 770.01 generally requires written notice identifying the allegedly false statements and an opportunity to publish a correction before filing suit, and section 770.02 may limit damages if a timely correction or retraction is made.

Florida imposes a two-year statute of limitations for libel and slander, codified at section 95.11(4)(g), with the period usually running from the first publication under the state’s “single publication rule” in section 770.07. Because this deadline is short and online content can change or disappear, potential plaintiffs in Florida should act quickly to preserve evidence and evaluate their claims.

How Biazzo Law Represents Florida Defamation Clients

Biazzo Law works with Florida clients—including professionals, business owners, public figures, and private individuals—to determine whether statements about them meet the legal definition of defamation, libel, or slander under Florida law. Representation commonly includes analyzing the publication, identifying whether it qualifies as defamation per se or per quod, assessing available defenses (such as truth, opinion, and privilege), and advising on remedies ranging from retraction demands and cease-and-desist letters to full civil litigation.

For clients across Florida’s major metros and smaller communities, Biazzo Law develops tailored strategies to address reputation attacks, online defamation, and negative reviews while navigating Florida’s notice requirements, two-year deadline, and punitive-damages framework. Individuals and businesses in Florida who believe they have been defamed can contact Biazzo Law to discuss their situation, evidence preservation, and time-sensitive options under Florida defamation law.