Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
- $50 Million Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated in the Top 10 Asbestos and Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
Florida Mesothelioma Lawyers
Table Of Contents
Qualified mesothelioma lawyers can help patients in Florida file a claim for compensation. Top asbestos law firms have recovered millions on behalf of clients in the state.
Written by Joe Lahav, Esquire | Legally Reviewed by Samuel Meirowitz | Edited by Walter Pacheco | Last Update: October 27, 2025
1:15
Expert Take
Samuel Meirowitz: Why is it important to hire an experienced mesothelioma lawyer?
What a lot of people don't understand about mesothelioma cases is they're very, very unique and they're specialized. It's not the kind of case that your average local lawyer can handle.
There are a handful of law firms across the country that specialize in this work. And the reason is because it takes years and years and years to develop the sophisticated knowledge to know what companies are involved in asbestos manufacturing, to understand the science and the medicine involved in fiber release and what it takes to cause mesothelioma, to understand the state of the art, all the different aspects of what was known were knowable about the dangers of asbestos going back in time.
All these factors, you just can't pick up and learn if you're handling car accidents or other typical forms of personal injury cases.
It's a very specialized area of the law.
There are a handful of law firms across the country that specialize in this work. And the reason is because it takes years and years and years to develop the sophisticated knowledge to know what companies are involved in asbestos manufacturing, to understand the science and the medicine involved in fiber release and what it takes to cause mesothelioma, to understand the state of the art, all the different aspects of what was known were knowable about the dangers of asbestos going back in time.
All these factors, you just can't pick up and learn if you're handling car accidents or other typical forms of personal injury cases.
It's a very specialized area of the law.
"Because of you, my mother is going to be financially set onc...." see more
Starr G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"They were able to help us find legal representation and char...." see more
Kerry G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"The Mesothelioma Center was so helpful. I received so much i...." see more
Brittany G. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My father was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. We as a ...." see more
Cindy R. - Daughter of a Mesothelioma Patient
"My Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and thankfully The M...." see more
Patrick K. - Son of a Mesothelioma Patient
1:15
Expert Take
Samuel Meirowitz: Why is it important to hire an experienced mesothelioma lawyer?
What a lot of people don't understand about mesothelioma cases is they're very, very unique and they're specialized. It's not the kind of case that your average local lawyer can handle.
There are a handful of law firms across the country that specialize in this work. And the reason is because it takes years and years and years to develop the sophisticated knowledge to know what companies are involved in asbestos manufacturing, to understand the science and the medicine involved in fiber release and what it takes to cause mesothelioma, to understand the state of the art, all the different aspects of what was known were knowable about the dangers of asbestos going back in time.
All these factors, you just can't pick up and learn if you're handling car accidents or other typical forms of personal injury cases.
It's a very specialized area of the law.
There are a handful of law firms across the country that specialize in this work. And the reason is because it takes years and years and years to develop the sophisticated knowledge to know what companies are involved in asbestos manufacturing, to understand the science and the medicine involved in fiber release and what it takes to cause mesothelioma, to understand the state of the art, all the different aspects of what was known were knowable about the dangers of asbestos going back in time.
All these factors, you just can't pick up and learn if you're handling car accidents or other typical forms of personal injury cases.
It's a very specialized area of the law.
Choosing a Florida Mesothelioma Lawyer
When choosing a Florida mesothelioma attorney, local expertise becomes even more important given the state’s unique legal landscape and high volume of asbestos cases. Both local and national law firms with offices or licensed attorneys in Florida understand the state’s asbestos laws and work to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. National firms often meet clients at no extra cost and handle cases statewide.
Florida had the second highest number of new mesothelioma diagnoses in 2022, the latest year data is available from the CDC. Many people in Florida develop mesothelioma from asbestos exposure on construction sites, shipyards, military bases and in older buildings containing asbestos materials. Counties like Citrus, Indian River and Charlotte have particularly high rates of asbestos-related disease.
While Florida doesn’t rank in the top 5 jurisdictions nationally for talc-related asbestos litigation, the state has seen an increase in these lawsuits, with 45 cases alleging talc exposure filed in 2024, according to KCIC. These were filed in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, with Miami filings more than doubling compared to 2023.
Florida’s 4-year statute of limitations requires prompt legal action after diagnosis or death. Experienced lawyers know how to navigate rules that often favor defendants and can help maximize your compensation. Firms like Meirowitz & Wasserberg have secured multimillion-dollar verdicts and settlements for Floridians.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394
Miami, FL 33131
- 40+ Years Experience
- Over $2 Billion Recovered for Clients
- Rated By the National Trial Lawyers Association as a Top 100 Lawyer
Nationwide Asbestos Law Firms Helping Clients in Florida
National asbestos law firms bring extensive resources, nationwide experience and the ability to handle complex cases involving large corporations. They have attorneys licensed to practice in Florida who will travel to your home or meet virtually, making it easy for you to access expert legal support from anywhere in the state.
Leading nationwide firms with a strong presence in Florida include Cooney & Conway, Galiger DeRobertis & Waxman, Nemeroff Law Firm, Simmons Hanly Conroy and Weitz & Luxembourg. Simmons Hanly Conroy, for example, has recovered more than $560 million for Florida families.
- $8.5 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated #1 by U.S. News & World Report for 2022
- $8.9 Billion Recovered
- Serves Clients Nationwide
- Rated a Tier 1 Law Firm in 2022 by U.S. News & World Report
Compensation From Asbestos Filings in Florida
Florida juries have awarded multimillion-dollar verdicts to plaintiffs with mesothelioma. While jury verdicts can be substantial, most mesothelioma lawsuits are settled out of court. The national average for mesothelioma compensation through settlements is between $1 million and $2 million.
Notable Florida Settlements, Verdicts or Trust Fund Payouts
- $21 Million: Richard Batchelor was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2015. He worked at power plants in Florida. He and his wife filed a mesothelioma lawsuit against Florida Power & Light Co., Foster Wheeler and Bechtel Corp. In 2016, a Florida jury awarded them this amount for damages including pain, suffering and disability.
- $18 Million: In March 2025, a Florida jury found that brake dust contributed to Denise Cook’s mesothelioma, holding Hennessy Industries 15% responsible. The company was ordered to pay $2.7 million of the $18 million verdict, while the remaining 85% of liability was assigned to 15 other entities, including auto parts manufacturers and Johnson & Johnson. Cook claims she was exposed to asbestos through her family’s work on car brakes.
- $8.5 Million: In the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Dennis Britt worked in various facilities as an employee benefits advisor. He developed mesothelioma and sued the companies that owned the facilities. In 2017, a Florida jury awarded his estate this amount.
- $6.6 Million: From 1972 to 1974, William Aubin was exposed to Union Carbide’s asbestos pellets made of 99.9% asbestos. Aubin developed peritoneal mesothelioma and filed a lawsuit against Union Carbide. A Florida jury issued this verdict in 2016 in his favor.
Many plaintiffs prefer mesothelioma settlements because they provide faster compensation without the uncertainty, stress and time required for a trial verdict. Law firms with experience handling asbestos exposure cases also regularly secure 6-figure payouts from asbestos trust funds.
How Does an Asbestos Lawyer Handle Your Claim in Florida
An asbestos lawyer will investigate your asbestos exposure, gather medical evidence, file your lawsuit and negotiate for compensation. They ensure your case meets Florida’s strict requirements under the Asbestos and Silica Compensation Fairness Act throughout the process.
Steps to a Mesothelioma Claim
- Case review and eligibility check: Your attorney first reviews your medical records, diagnosis and exposure history to confirm eligibility. They identify how, when and where asbestos exposure occurred, often through job sites, military service or products used in Florida.
- Evidence collection: Lawyers gather medical documentation, work history and witness testimony linking your illness to asbestos exposure. In Florida, attorneys must provide strong proof of significant exposure and a clear connection between the disease and asbestos products.
- Filing the claim: Your lawyer files the claim in the appropriate court or asbestos trust. Florida allows 4 years from a diagnosis to file a lawsuit and 2 years for a wrongful death claim. They ensure your case meets all timing and evidence requirements.
- Discovery and depositions: Both sides gather and present evidence while questioning witnesses through depositions. Your attorney handles these proceedings while building your case and ensuring compliance with Florida’s legal requirements.
- Negotiation or trial: Most mesothelioma cases in Florida result in a settlement. If the defendants don’t offer fair compensation, your lawyer will take the case to trial. Attorneys work to secure full compensation for medical expenses, lost income and financial support for your family.
An experienced Florida asbestos lawyer keeps you informed throughout the process. They pursue all available compensation sources, including settlements, verdicts and asbestos trust funds.
Find a Mesothelioma Attorney in Florida
Get help finding an attorney who knows the process and can get you and your family the compensation you deserve.
Get Help NowAsbestos Exposure in Florida
While Florida has no natural asbestos deposits, the state has high mesothelioma incidence because of widespread occupational exposure in construction, shipyards, power plants and military bases. Many Florida workers have been exposed to asbestos on jobsites over decades. Old buildings across the state still contain asbestos in tiles, cement roofing and other construction materials. Some Florida residents developed mesothelioma after working in other states and retiring to Florida.
Sites in Florida Known for Asbestos Exposure
- Atlantic Dry Dock and Offshore Shipbuilding Co.
- Big Bear Powerhouse
- Camp Blanding Army Base
- Crist Power Plant
- Crystal River Nuclear Plant
- Florida State University
- Gulf Marine Repair Corporation
- Kennedy Space Center
- Mayport Navy Station
- Mulberry Phosphate Mine
- Pensacola Naval Air Station
- St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant
- Tampa Bay Shipbuilding
- Turkey Point Nuclear Generating Station
- Vero Beach Municipal Power Plant
Since 1982, Florida has operated a state program to monitor asbestos removal and prevent fibers from becoming airborne. The Florida DEP Asbestos Removal Program requires advance notification before asbestos removal in schools, businesses, government buildings, factories, apartment buildings with 4 or more units, ships and waste sites.
Florida’s Most Well-Known Exposure Site: Tampa Shipbuilding Company
The Tampa Shipbuilding Company or TASCO, operated as a major shipyard in Tampa, Florida, from 1917 to 1948. Rapid expansion during World War II made TASCO Tampa’s largest employer, with a workforce peaking at 16,000. The shipyard built hundreds of vessels, including cargo ships, destroyer tenders, minesweepers and destroyer escorts, across its 62-acre waterfront facility and completed around 494 vessels in total.
Widespread asbestos exposure became a defining aspect of the TASCO work environment. Shipbuilding at the time depended heavily on asbestos-based materials for insulation and fireproofing, affecting boilers, pipes, engine rooms and bulkheads. Employees, along with their families exposed secondhand, faced significant risks for asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. This legacy has established TASCO as a central figure in Tampa’s industrial past and a focal point for asbestos litigation throughout Florida.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure in Florida
Florida had 5 asbestos processing plants and people who worked in shipyards, chemical plants, metal shops, auto repair and in older buildings like schools faced high exposure risks as well. Some workers unknowingly brought asbestos dust home on their clothes, exposing their family members through secondhand exposure.
Florida Occupations With Higher Asbestos Risks
- Aerospace workers
- Automotive repair
- Chemical plant workers
- Commercial and residential construction, especially before 1980
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Phosphate miners
- Power generation workers
- Shipbuilders
Florida laws help protect people from asbestos exposure, ensuring licensed asbestos removal companies eliminate or contain asbestos safely. The state also has rules that let people hold asbestos companies accountable for the diseases their products caused.
How Your Lawyer Supports You in Florida’s Changing Asbestos Litigation
Experienced lawyers support you in Florida’s changing legal landscape. Recent updates to Florida’s asbestos litigation rules include tighter deadlines for filing claims and new requirements for submitting detailed medical and exposure documents. These changes mean lawyers must keep a close watch on deadlines to ensure your claim isn’t dismissed.
Florida Legislative Changes
- Florida Statutes Chapter 774: Enacted and updated over the past decade, this chapter sets strict procedural requirements for filing asbestos claims, including mandatory medical documentation of physical impairment and detailed exposure histories. It establishes a statute of limitations and clarification on liability for successor companies in mergers.
- House Bill 837: Signed into law on March 24, 2023, the bill has had a significant impact on the state’s civil justice system, including asbestos litigation. The bill introduced major tort reforms, such as shortening the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims to 2 years from the injury date and altering how damages, especially medical damages, are presented and argued in court.
Florida lawyers actively manage all case details, from filing lawsuits to trust fund claims, making sure each step complies with the latest state laws. They work to identify the best court or jurisdiction for your claim and adjust strategies as legal changes unfold. This approach protects your rights and helps you maximize compensation despite increasing legal complexities.
Common Questions About Lawsuits in Florida
- How much does it cost to hire a mesothelioma lawyer in Florida?
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It does not cost anything to hire a mesothelioma attorney in Florida. A mesothelioma attorney represents you on a contingency fee basis (no win, no fee) so that you have no out-of-pocket costs. The mesothelioma attorney only receives a fee if they obtain compensation for you and your heirs.
Answered By: Carl Money, Mesothelioma Attorney, Nemeroff Law Firm
- What is the process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit in Florida?
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You must find a national firm that specializes in representing mesothelioma cases, and they will determine the best jurisdiction to pursue litigation against the asbestos companies in Florida and to file claims against the asbestos trusts.
Answered By: Carl Money, Mesothelioma Attorney, Nemeroff Law Firm
- What is the average payout for mesothelioma victims in Florida?
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There is no average payout for mesothelioma victims in Florida or any other state. Any compensation is determined by the evidence obtained against the asbestos companies pursued in litigation and asbestos companies in which claims were filed against the asbestos trusts.
Answered By: Carl Money, Mesothelioma Attorney, Nemeroff Law Firm
