Tyler Gross | December 19, 2025 | Florida Law
Slander is spoken statements that are false and damage your reputation. You can sue for slander in Florida, but successfully pursuing a claim requires meeting specific legal requirements. Understanding these requirements is essential before moving forward with a lawsuit.
What Constitutes Slander Under Florida Law
Slander is a form of defamation that involves false spoken statements communicated to at least one third party. Unlike libel, which involves written statements, slander is purely oral communication. However, Florida treats both slander and libel as defamation claims governed by the same legal framework.
Libel and slander are governed by Chapter 770 of the Florida Statutes. This chapter establishes the legal requirements for defamation claims and provides important procedural requirements that you must follow to maintain your case.
The Five Legal Elements You Must Prove
To succeed in a slander claim in Florida, the plaintiff must generally establish five key elements:
- A false statement of fact: The plaintiff must prove that the statement at issue was false. The statement must also be presented as a fact, not an opinion. Opinions, rhetorical statements, or exaggerated remarks are typically not actionable. Truth is an absolute defense to defamation, meaning a true statement cannot support a slander claim, even if it causes harm.
- Defamatory meaning: The statement must be defamatory in nature—meaning it tends to harm the plaintiff’s reputation by exposing them to hatred, ridicule, contempt, or negative public perception.
- Publication to a third party: The false statement must have been communicated to at least one person other than the plaintiff. Publication can occur through in-person conversations, phone calls, social media, or any other medium through which the statement is shared with others.
- Harm to reputation: In most cases, the plaintiff must show that the statement caused actual damage to their reputation. However, Florida recognizes a category known as defamation per se, in which certain statements are considered so inherently harmful that damages are presumed.
- Fault of the speaker: The level of fault required depends on the plaintiff’s status. Private individuals must show that the defendant acted negligently by failing to exercise reasonable care in determining whether the statement was true.
Succeeding in a slander claim in Florida requires more than showing that a false statement was made.
Notice Requirement for Media Defendants
Before you can file a defamation lawsuit in Florida for slander, you must provide a media defendant with written notice at least five days before filing the complaint with the court. A media defendant is a party engaged in the distribution of information and news.
This notice must specify the false and defamatory statements you claim were made. If the defendant is a media company, it has a specific time limit to retract the false statement. The time depends on the type of publication.
Statute of Limitations for Slander Lawsuits in Florida
You generally have two years from the date the allegedly slanderous statement is first published or communicated to a third party to file a lawsuit in Florida. Missing this deadline will result in your claim being forever barred. It is crucial to consult with an attorney promptly once you become aware of the false statement.
Steps To Take if You’ve Been Slandered
If someone has slandered you, it is essential to take immediate steps to protect your rights. You should:
- Preserve evidence of the false statement by documenting everything and keeping copies of documents, recordings, and other evidence.
- Make a list of witnesses, including their names and contact details.
- Contact a lawyer to discuss legal action, including sending a demand letter for a retraction and compensation for damages.
If the matter cannot be resolved through a demand letter, your attorney will file a formal complaint in the appropriate Florida court, outlining your claims and the relief you seek.
A Pensacola Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Slander claims in Florida are governed by strict legal standards and procedural requirements. Successfully pursuing a claim requires proving each required element, complying with notice rules when media defendants are involved, and filing within the applicable statute of limitations.
If false spoken statements have harmed your reputation, a Pensacola personal injury lawyer can help evaluate your situation and determine whether legal action is appropriate. Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
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