Florida Mesothelioma Lawyer – Helping Families Claim Compensation

Filing a Mesothelioma Claim in Florida

A Florida mesothelioma lawyer can walk alongside you and your family during a difficult time. Filing a claim may feel overwhelming at first, but the process is designed to guide you step by step and give you confidence that you’re not facing it alone. Mesothelioma compensation in Florida can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on your circumstances. Most Florida mesothelioma lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no attorney’s fees unless your case is successful.

Here’s what you can expect when you file a mesothelioma claim in Florida: 

1. Free Consultation: You meet with a lawyer to review your diagnosis and share details about your work history. This first step helps identify possible asbestos exposure sources.
2. Exposure Investigation: Your attorney looks into employment records, military service, and known asbestos job sites in Florida. They may uncover connections to shipyards, aerospace facilities, construction companies, or military bases.
3. Filing Your Claim: Depending on your circumstances, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death lawsuit, or an asbestos trust fund claim.
4. Pursuing Compensation: Many cases are resolved through settlements or trust payouts, which means you may never need to go to trial. Mesothelioma compensation in Florida can range from thousands to millions of dollars, support that can ease the burden of medical costs, lost income, and family care. 
5. Support Along the Way: Your legal team manages deadlines, court filings, and negotiations so you can focus on your health. They’ll keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported throughout the process.

When filing a claim, financial recovery matters. But it’s also about bringing peace of mind to your family, holding responsible parties accountable, and making sure you have the resources to face the road ahead with strength and dignity. Learn more about filing a mesothelioma claim in Florida.

Florida Cities and Locations Linked to Asbestos Exposure Deaths

Florida has one of the highest asbestos death rates in the country. In fact, between 1999 and 2017, more than 14,200 people in Florida died from asbestos-related diseases.

Industries and Workplaces Where Exposure Was Common

• Shipyards and Navy Bases: Naval Air Station Pensacola, Naval Station Mayport operations in Jacksonville, Tampa Shipbuilding and Dry Dock operations.
• Aerospace Facilities: Kennedy Space Center construction and maintenance projects, and Cape Canaveral launch facility operations.
• Construction and Insulation: Miami-Dade’s building boom projects, high-rise construction throughout the state, and the use of asbestos in drywall, roofing, flooring, and insulation
• Power Plants and Factories: Utilities and industrial plants throughout the state relied heavily on asbestos materials for insulation and fireproofing.

Asbestos exposure in Florida was most common in areas with shipyards, aerospace facilities, construction sites, and military bases. Families living or working in these regions often faced higher risks of developing mesothelioma.

Cities most commonly associated with asbestos exposure include:

• Tampa: Known for its shipyards and construction industries.
• Jacksonville: Home to major naval bases and shipyards.
• Pensacola: With military installations and ship repair work.
• Cape Canaveral: Tied to aerospace and space industry facilities.
• Miami: Rapid construction and port industries increased risk.
• Fort Lauderdale: Ship repair and older infrastructure contributed to exposure.
• West Palm Beach: Industrial and construction projects left asbestos risks behind.

The counties most affected include several key regions, including:

• Palm Beach County: Industrial projects and construction made exposure common.
• Pinellas County: Shipyards and manufacturing sites exposed many workers.
• Broward County: Older infrastructure and urban growth left asbestos risks behind.
• Miami-Dade County: A major hub for shipping, construction, and industry.
• Hillsborough County: Home to shipbuilding and port-related asbestos exposure.
• Volusia County: Tied to asbestos use in both construction and manufacturing.
• Lee County: Rapid growth in housing and commercial building increased risks.
• Brevard County: Aerospace and military industries drove asbestos exposure.
• Pasco County: Older buildings and industrial work created lasting hazards.
• Duval County: Naval bases and shipyards put service members and civilians at risk.

Florida Legal Options for Those Diagnosed in High-Risk Jobs

Some jobs in Florida carry especially high risks of asbestos exposure. This occupational exposure often occurred over many years, with workers unknowingly inhaling deadly fibers daily. If you worked in these industries and later developed mesothelioma, you may have legal rights, but it’s important to act quickly.

High-risk occupations include:

• Shipyard and dock workers
• U.S. Navy veterans
• Construction and insulation trades
• Power plant employees
• Aerospace and space program workers
• Auto mechanics and industrial laborers

Major exposure sites in Florida include:

• Naval Air Station Pensacola
• Naval Station Mayport (Jacksonville)
• Tampa Shipbuilding Company (TASCO)
• Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral
• Military bases and industrial facilities across the state

Workers at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville faced particularly high asbestos exposure risks. If you served or worked at this facility, a Jacksonville mesothelioma lawyer with experience in military-related cases can help identify all potential sources of compensation and guide your family through the claims process.

If you or a loved one has been affected, it may feel difficult to know what steps to take next. The good news is that there are legal options available that can help provide support, accountability, and peace of mind.

• Personal Injury Lawsuit: File within 2 years of a mesothelioma diagnosis.
• Wrongful Death Claim: Families have just 2 years from the date of death to file. Missing this short deadline means you may lose the right to pursue compensation.
• Asbestos Trust Fund Claims: Even if the company responsible went bankrupt, funds may still be available to help cover costs.

Don’t wait. These deadlines move fast, and once they pass, families often have no legal recourse. Experienced mesothelioma lawyers in Florida can review your case, explain your options, and make sure critical filing dates are met.

Florida Trust Funds and Compensation Payouts

Even if the company responsible for your asbestos exposure went bankrupt, you may still qualify for asbestos trust fund payouts. These trust funds were created specifically to compensate victims and families, often without going to trial. A Florida mesothelioma lawyer can:

• Match your work history to eligible trust funds.
• Handle the filing process on your behalf.
• Maximize the payout you receive.

Trust funds offer another avenue for mesothelioma compensation in Florida, providing faster relief, helping you cover medical bills, and securing financial support for your family.

Florida Mesothelioma Lawyer Frequently Asked Questions

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel daunting, but it’s also a chance to seek clarity and support. Here are some frequently asked questions from families in Florida about asbestos exposure, legal pathways, and what to do next. We’re here to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

When Was Asbestos Banned in Florida?

Asbestos has never been fully banned in the United States. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) began regulating asbestos in the 1970s, introducing strict rules for handling the mineral in workplaces and schools. In 1989, the EPA attempted to ban most asbestos-containing products, but that rule was partially overturned in 1991. Today, some asbestos products are still legal, but there are strict Florida asbestos regulations in place. Florida follows these federal guidelines and adds its own state requirements. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) oversees asbestos removal, handling, and disposal. By law, only certified professionals can perform asbestos abatement, and schools built before 1980 must regularly inspect for asbestos-containing materials.

How Much Asbestos is Still in Florida?

According to EPA estimates, thousands of schools, hospitals, factories, and commercial buildings in Florida still contain asbestos. Renovations or demolitions can disturb asbestos fibers, putting workers and nearby residents at risk. The Florida DEP maintains records of known asbestos sites across the state, but the reality is that any building constructed before 1980 may contain asbestos materials in insulation, tiles, roofing, or other construction products. This makes strict safety and removal procedures essential during remodeling or demolition projects.

What to Expect When Filing an Asbestos Claim in Florida?

When you file an asbestos or mesothelioma claim in Florida, your attorney will guide you through a structured process:

• Medical and Work History Review: Your attorney will review your diagnosis and work history to identify where asbestos exposure likely occurred.
• Exposure Source Investigation: Employment records, military service details, and known asbestos sites are examined to build your case.
• Choosing the Right Claim: Depending on your situation, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit, a wrongful death claim, or an asbestos trust fund filing.

Most mesothelioma claims in Florida are resolved within 12–18 months through settlements, though asbestos trust fund claims can sometimes be resolved faster. Many Florida cases settle out of court within 6–12 months of filing, allowing families to receive compensation more quickly.

Why Choose a Florida-Based Mesothelioma Firm?

Choosing a Florida mesothelioma law firm matters. Local attorneys know:

• Asbestos Florida litigation history.
• Florida asbestos regulations governing removal, handling, and disposal.
• State courts, judges, and procedures.
• Major exposure sites include Kennedy Space Center, naval bases in Pensacola and Jacksonville, and Tampa shipyards.

Florida attorneys have successfully recovered millions for families affected by exposure at these sites. They understand Florida’s joint and several liability laws, know which local judges typically oversee asbestos cases, and have established relationships with medical experts who can testify about Florida-specific exposure patterns. This combination of local knowledge and proven results often leads to faster resolutions and higher compensation awards.

They also understand how asbestos exposure has impacted Florida families and how to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you lived or worked in Florida and were exposed to asbestos, schedule a free consultation today. A Florida mesothelioma lawyer can review your case, explain your options, and help you take action before it’s too late.