When walking through the tree-lined neighborhoods or visiting local businesses in Miami Shores, residents and visitors expect a baseline level of safety. Unfortunately, commercial property managers, apartment complexes, and retail centers sometimes cut corners on safety protocols. At The Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we help individuals who have suffered harm due to criminal acts on poorly secured premises seek justice and accountability under Florida law.
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Reviewed by Jeffrey S. Altman · Florida Bar No. 159174 · Reviewed 15 September 2026
Recognizing Property Owner Negligence in Miami Shores
Property owners across Miami-Dade County have a legal duty to implement reasonable security measures to protect guests, tenants, and patrons from foreseeable harm. This responsibility becomes especially critical along commercial stretches and multi-family residential complexes. When a property owner ignores broken perimeter fencing, lets exterior lighting fail in dark parking areas, or leaves surveillance cameras unmonitored, they create an environment where criminal activity can take root. If an assault, robbery, or other violent incident occurs because these essential safety barriers were neglected, the property owner may share civil liability for the resulting injuries.
Building a Premises Liability Claim
Investigating a security failure requires moving quickly to secure vital evidence before it disappears. Maintenance logs, incident reports, and surrounding surveillance footage can prove whether the property owner knew about prior criminal activity or recurring safety hazards and chose to do nothing. At The Altman Law Firm, we examine the physical layout of the property, local crime history, and the adequacy of existing security measures to construct a comprehensive civil claim. We work to uncover whether management failed to conduct proper background checks on employees with access to living spaces or neglected routine repairs on gate locks.
Navigating Florida Liability and Filing Deadlines
Pursuing accountability in Miami-Dade County means understanding complex state statutes and how insurance adjusters operate. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning insurers often attempt to shift blame onto victims by questioning their actions or awareness. Furthermore, time is a critical factor. Under Florida law, general negligence claims typically must be filed within two years from the date of the incident, while wrongful death claims carry a similar two-year limitation. Prompt legal guidance from The Altman Law Firm ensures your rights are protected while you navigate the physical and emotional recovery process.
Frequently asked questions
What is considered negligent security under Florida law?
Negligent security happens when a property owner or manager fails to implement reasonable safety measures—such as functional locks, proper lighting, or security staff—and that failure directly leads to a foreseeable criminal attack or injury on the premises.
Can I sue a property owner if a third party committed the crime?
Yes. Even though the criminal act was committed by a third party, the property owner may still be held legally accountable if their failure to provide adequate security made the criminal act foreseeable and preventable.
How long do I have to file a negligent security claim in Miami Shores?
Generally, negligence claims in Florida that accrued on or after March 24, 2023, must be filed within a two-year statute of limitations. Wrongful death claims resulting from fatal security failures also carry a two-year deadline. It is vital to consult with an attorney promptly to preserve evidence.
How does Florida's comparative negligence rule affect my case?
Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard. If you are found partially at fault for an incident, your potential financial recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies frequently try to use this rule to minimize payouts.
If you or someone you love has been harmed due to lax security on a Miami Shores property, contact The Altman Law Firm at (305) 373-3733 for a confidential consultation. Call (305) 373-3730.
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