When you step onto a commercial property, stay at a local hotel, or return to your apartment building in Hollywood, you trust that the premises are reasonably secure. Unfortunately, property managers and landlords occasionally cut corners on basic safety measures to save money. At The Altman Law Firm, we stand up for individuals who have suffered physical and emotional harm because a property owner ignored known safety risks in Broward County.
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Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
Recognizing Property Owner Liability in Hollywood
Florida law requires property owners and business operators to maintain their land and buildings in a reasonably safe condition for tenants, patrons, and invited guests. In a densely populated coastal city like Hollywood, this duty often involves addressing dark parking garages, broken perimeter gates, malfunctioning security cameras, or a total lack of lighting in common areas. When an owner is aware of prior criminal incidents in the surrounding neighborhood yet fails to upgrade security protocols, they may be held civilly accountable if an assault, robbery, or battery occurs on their watch.
Where Security Lapses Lead to Preventable Harm
Inadequate security can leave people vulnerable across a wide range of properties, from busy commercial districts near Hollywood Beach to sprawling residential apartment communities further inland. Criminals often target locations with unmonitored entry points, overgrown landscaping that creates blind spots, or broken locks on exterior doors. When these vulnerabilities are left uncorrected, innocent visitors can become victims of violent crime. Investigating these incidents requires moving quickly to secure maintenance logs, surveillance footage, and local law enforcement records before crucial proof disappears.
Navigating Florida Statutes and Deadlines
Pursuing justice through a civil premises liability claim involves managing complex state legal rules. Under Florida law, personal injury claims stemming from negligence generally carry a strict two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident, altered by recent legislative changes. Additionally, insurance companies representing property owners frequently attempt to utilize Florida's modified comparative negligence rules to shift blame onto the victim. At The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we examine every detail of your case to counter unfair tactics and fight for the accountability you deserve.
Frequently asked questions
What is a negligent security claim in Florida?
Negligent security is a form of premises liability. It occurs when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures—such as adequate lighting, locks, or security personnel—allowing a foreseeable criminal attack to injure a visitor or tenant.
Can I sue a property owner if a third party committed the crime?
Yes. While the criminal perpetrator is primarily responsible for the attack, the property owner may also share civil liability if their failure to provide adequate security directly enabled the crime to happen on their premises.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Hollywood?
For most standard negligence claims accruing on or after March 24, 2023, Florida law imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. Because exceptions can apply and evidence can fade quickly, speaking with legal counsel promptly is vital.
What evidence is needed to prove a negligent security case?
Proving a claim typically requires establishing that the crime was foreseeable, often through past police reports for the area, and showing that the property owner failed to take reasonable corrective steps. Security footage, maintenance records, and expert testimony are also frequently utilized.
If you or someone you love was injured due to lax security in Hollywood, contact The Altman Law Firm today to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.
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