Slip and fall accidents happen quickly, but the consequences can last for months or even years. If you were injured after slipping on a wet floor in Florida, you may wonder: does the presence of a yellow “Wet Floor” sign mean you no longer have a case? The answer is not always simple.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we know that accidents in stores, restaurants, and other public places leave injured people facing medical bills, missed work, and uncertainty about their legal rights. Understanding how Florida law treats warning signs and property owner responsibility can help you make informed decisions after a fall.
Florida Premises Liability Law and Wet Floors
In Florida, slip and fall cases are classified as a type of premises liability case. This body of law holds property owners and managers accountable when dangerous conditions on their property cause injuries.
Under Florida Statute §768.0755, if you slip on a “transitory foreign substance” (like spilled water, a drink, or tracked-in rain) in a business establishment, you must prove that the business:
- Knew or should have known about the dangerous condition, and
- Failed to take reasonable steps to fix it or warn about it.
You can show constructive knowledge by proving the condition existed for long enough that it should have been discovered, or that it occurred regularly and was foreseeable. Building a case around evidence and documentation is essential.
Do “Wet Floor” Signs Automatically Protect Property Owners?
The short answer is no. A warning sign is a factor the court will consider, but it does not automatically defeat a claim.
A wet floor sign may show that the business recognized a hazard, but that does not always mean they did enough to keep customers safe.
Questions that often matter include:
- Was the sign placed in a clearly visible spot near the hazard?
- Was the sign up before or after the fall occurred?
- Was there only one sign when the spill covered a large area?
- Was the lighting poor, making the sign or hazard hard to see?
- Did employees make reasonable efforts to clean or dry the floor in a timely manner?
In other words, a sign is one piece of evidence. It does not erase the property owner’s responsibility to maintain a reasonably safe environment.
Comparative Negligence in Florida Slip and Fall Cases
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found more than 50% responsible for your own injury, you are not entitled to recover any damages. If you are found 50% or less at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For instance, if you slipped on a puddle in a grocery store but were distracted by your phone, a judge might assign a share of fault to you. If your damages are valued at $50,000 and you were found 20% responsible, you could still recover $40,000. Warning signs often play a role in these decisions, but they do not end the analysis.
A property owner may argue that you should have noticed the sign and taken precautions. An attorney’s role is to show the full context: where the sign was, whether it was visible, and whether reasonable safety measures were taken.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall on a Wet Floor
If you suffer a slip and fall in Florida, what you do right after the accident can affect the outcome of your case. Consider these steps:
- Report the accident to the manager or employee on duty. Ask for a written report.
- Take photos or videos of the area, including any wet floor signs, the spill, lighting conditions, and any obstructions.
- Get witness information if anyone saw you fall.
- Seek medical care right away and follow through with treatment.
- Save records of expenses, time missed from work, and how the injury affects daily life.
- Consult a Florida personal injury attorney before speaking with insurance companies.
How Dan Stewart Law Firm Can Help
Slip and fall cases involving wet floors and warning signs are rarely straightforward. Businesses and their insurers may claim they did enough by putting up a sign, even when the circumstances tell a different story.
At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we investigate thoroughly. That includes reviewing store policies and employee training procedures, seeking security footage, analyzing maintenance logs, and evaluating where and when any warning signs were placed. Our goal is to ensure that you understand your rights and have all the information you need to make informed choices about your claim. We serve people in Pace, Milton, Pensacola, and communities across Northwest Florida.
Talk to Dan Stewart Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one were injured in a slip and fall accident in Pace, Milton, Pensacola, or anywhere in Northwest Florida, you do not have to handle the aftermath alone. At Dan Stewart Law Firm, we are committed to standing by your side, answering your questions, and helping you pursue the compensation the law allows.
We offer free consultations and are available to meet at our office, your home, or the hospital, whichever is most convenient for you. Call Dan Stewart Law Firm today or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let us provide the clear guidance and steady advocacy you need after a slip and fall accident.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, please contact the firm directly.