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Florida Sexual Assault Victims Rights Lawyers
Updated October 2026
A Florida sexual assault lawsuit is a civil claim a survivor may be able to file against the abuser and, in some cases, a business or organization that failed to prevent the abuse, such as a daycare, church, school, hotel, rideshare company or cruise line. It can seek compensation for medical costs, counseling and pain and suffering.
If you or a loved one was the victim of a sexual assault, rape or molestation in Florida, call the Law Offices of Jason Turchin at 800-337-7755. It’s always a free consultation.
Florida Sexual Assault Lawsuits at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Can you sue someone for sexual assault in Florida? | Yes. A survivor may be able to sue the abuser and any person or organization whose negligence allowed the assault to happen. |
| Do you have to wait for the criminal case to end? | Not always. A civil case can often move forward side by side with the criminal case. |
| Can you sue Uber or Lyft for sexual assault? | Possibly. A claim may be brought against the driver and, depending on the facts, the rideshare company. |
| Can the case be filed anonymously? | A civil case may be brought in the victim’s name, or anonymously, depending on the circumstances. |
| What type of lawyer handles sexual assault civil cases? | Civil claims are usually handled by personal injury or crime victim’s rights attorneys, not criminal defense lawyers. |
| What does it cost to hire the firm? | Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, with fees and costs waived if there is no recovery. |
Can You Sue Someone for Sexual Assault in Florida?
Survivors of sexual assault in Florida may be able to file a civil lawsuit seeking compensation, separate from any criminal prosecution. The civil case is brought on behalf of the victim, not the state.
Many victims think they have to sit and wait for the criminal case to be concluded in order to get justice or compensation. This is not always the case. Often, the Florida civil crime victim case works side by side with the criminal case.
A civil claim focuses on the crime itself. Could it have been prevented? Why did this happen? Who could have stopped it? Those questions can lead to claims against the abuser and against others, such as an employer, property owner or institution that ignored warning signs or failed to provide reasonable security.
RAINN, a national anti-sexual violence organization, publishes data on sexual violence that shows how widespread these crimes are. Survivors are not alone, and the law may give them options beyond the criminal court.
How Is a Civil Sexual Assault Case Different From a Criminal Case?
A criminal case focuses primarily on punishing the offender, while a civil case focuses on compensating the survivor and holding responsible parties accountable. The two cases can proceed at the same time and reach different results.
| Feature | Criminal case | Civil case |
|---|---|---|
| Who brings it | The state, through a prosecutor | The survivor, in their name or anonymously |
| Main goal | Punishing the offender | Compensation and accountability |
| Who can be held responsible | The person who committed the crime | The abuser and negligent people or organizations |
| Possible outcome | Jail, prison, probation or fines | Money damages, which may include punitive damages |
| Conviction needed? | Not applicable | No, a civil claim does not depend on a conviction |
As Florida crime victim’s rights attorneys, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin represents victims of rape, molestation and sexual assault. The firm works to get answers for victims and pursue compensation or financial or other punishment on their behalf.
What Types of Sexual Assault Claims Can Survivors Bring in Florida?
Sexual assault civil claims in Florida often involve a person or organization that had a duty to protect the victim and failed to do so. Common situations include:
- Daycare molestation. Children abused at a daycare may have claims against the abuser and the center for poor screening or supervision. Learn more about Florida day care molestation claims.
- Child molestation. Abuse by a relative, neighbor, coach, teacher or family friend may lead to claims against the abuser and adults who failed to protect the child. See child molestation victim compensation in Florida.
- Clergy sexual assault. Churches and religious organizations may be responsible when leaders ignore reports or move abusers. Read about church molestation claims in Florida.
- Youth pastor sexual assault. Youth ministers often have close access to minors, and churches may be liable for negligent hiring or supervision. Learn about a pastor sexual assault lawsuit in Florida.
- ATM assault. Banks and property owners may be responsible if poor lighting or security contributed to an attack. See ATM rape or robbery claims in Florida.
- Uber and Lyft drivers. Passengers assaulted by a rideshare driver may have claims against the driver and possibly the company.
- Cruise crew members. Passengers assaulted by crew may have claims against the cruise line, often governed by maritime law and the ticket contract.
- Hotels and apartments. Owners may be responsible for negligent security, such as broken locks, missing cameras or ignored prior crimes.
- Schools and school buses. Schools may be responsible when students are assaulted by staff or other students due to inadequate supervision.
- Workers in the home or business. Employers may be responsible when delivery workers, salespeople, managers or janitors assault customers or others.
Can You Sue Uber or Lyft for Sexual Assault?
You may be able to sue an Uber or Lyft driver for sexual assault, and in some cases the rideshare company may also be held responsible. Whether the company is liable can depend on its driver screening, safety practices and what it knew about the driver.
Rideshare companies often argue that drivers are independent contractors and not employees. Their terms of service may also contain arbitration provisions that can affect where and how a claim is heard. An experienced attorney can review these issues for your situation. For more, read how to file a claim if sexually assaulted by a Lyft driver.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Sexually Assaulted by an Uber Driver?
After a rideshare sexual assault, your safety and health come first, and preserving evidence can help any later claim. These steps may help:
- Get to a safe place and call 911 if you are in danger.
- Seek medical care as soon as you can, even if you do not see injuries.
- Report the assault to police and ask for a copy of the report number.
- Report the incident through the Uber or Lyft app.
- Save screenshots of the trip, receipt, driver name, vehicle and any messages.
- Write down what you remember, including times, locations and witnesses.
- Avoid posting about the incident on social media.
- Speak with a lawyer before giving a recorded statement to any company or insurer.
Can Cruise Passengers Sue Over Sexual Assault by Crew Members?
Passengers sexually assaulted by a cruise crew member may be able to bring a claim against the cruise line. These cases are usually governed by federal maritime law rather than ordinary Florida law.
Cruise ticket contracts may include shortened notice and filing deadlines and may require suits to be filed in a specific court. Because of these rules, survivors may want to speak with a lawyer soon after returning home.
What Compensation May Sexual Assault Survivors Recover?
Florida sexual assault victims may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, and past and future medical bills. Some victims may also be entitled to recover punitive damages, meant to punish the perpetrator or Defendant.
Depending on the case, damages may also include counseling and therapy costs, lost income and other losses tied to the assault. Learn more about pain and suffering damages in Florida.
What Type of Lawyer Handles Sexual Assault Cases?
Civil sexual assault claims are handled by personal injury and crime victim’s rights attorneys who represent survivors, not the accused. These lawyers investigate who could have prevented the assault and pursue compensation.
When choosing a lawyer in Miami or elsewhere in Florida, consider experience with sexual assault and negligent security claims, how the firm communicates, and its fee arrangement. Read more about choosing a sexual assault attorney in Miami.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin
Attorney Jason Turchin has represented many victims of molestation, rape and sexual assault, including cases against churches, day care centers, hotels, restaurants, and homeowners. Examples of cases he has handled throughout Florida include:
- Minor child against her grandparents for failing to prevent her from being molested by her father near Tampa
- Adult female was sexually assaulted by a manager in the bathroom at a fast food restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida
- Autistic child was molested by the janitor at her private school in the Orlando area
- Child was sexually assaulted by another student on a school bus in South Florida
- Woman was sexually assaulted on a private hotel beach by a drunk trespasser in the Naples area
Jason Turchin holds an AV Preeminent Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence by Martindale-Hubbell in 2026 and received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion Platinum Award in 2026. He also has an Avvo 10.0 Superb Rating and has been named to the Super Lawyers list from 2020 through 2026.
The firm is based in Florida, and handles cases in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa and throughout Florida. It also handles personal injury cases in New York, New Jersey and Washington, D.C., and throughout the U.S. with a network of co-counsels and local counsels.
Cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, with fees and costs waived if there is no recovery.
Florida Sexual Assault Lawsuit FAQs
Does the abuser have to be convicted before I can sue?
No. A civil claim does not depend on a criminal conviction. A civil case can often proceed even if charges were never filed or the criminal case did not end in a conviction.
Can a parent file a sexual abuse claim for a child?
Yes, a parent or guardian may be able to bring a claim on behalf of a minor child. See how to pursue a personal injury case in Florida for a child.
Will my name be public if I sue?
Not necessarily. The civil case may be brought in the victim’s name, or anonymously. An attorney can explain the options available in your case.
How long do I have to file a sexual assault lawsuit in Florida?
Time limits can vary depending on the victim’s age, the type of claim and who is being sued. Cruise and rideshare cases may have contract rules too, so it is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Talk With a Florida Sexual Assault Victim’s Rights Attorney
If you or a loved one was the victim of a sexual assault, rape or molestation in Florida, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin may be able to help you understand your rights. Call 800-337-7755 for a free consultation.
