Products liability law plays a crucial role in protecting consumers from dangerous and defective products. In Florida, the legal framework governing products liability is multifaceted, encompassing strict liability, negligence and breach of warranty claims. As technology advances, consumer products have grown increasingly complex, making them potentially more confusing and hazardous. Consequently, Florida courts are frequently confronted with issues involving product defects, inadequate warnings, and faulty instructions, which pose significant risks of injury or even death. This article explores Florida’s products liability landscape, focusing on the types of claims that can be brought, the concept of strict liability, and the nuances surrounding warnings and instructions.

Strict Liability in Florida: The Heart of Products Liability


Florida’s products liability laws are rooted in the doctrine of strict liability. Under Florida law, a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer can be held strictly liable if a defective product causes injury, regardless of intent or negligence. Strict liability focuses solely on the product’s condition. If a product is unreasonably dangerous due to a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or insufficient warnings, an injured consumer can bring a claim without proving the manufacturer’s fault. This approach is particularly important for complex and inherently dangerous products, where consumers may lack the expertise to identify defects.