Despite its upscale reputation, Boca Raton sees its share of violent crimes in commercial properties, parking structures, and apartment complexes. Florida negligent security law holds property owners liable when they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable criminal acts. The legal question is not whether a crime happened, it is whether the owner knew or should have known that crime was likely and failed to act.

Why Gold & Gold in Boca Raton

David H. Gold and Keith A. Pierro investigate the prior crime history of Boca Raton properties using Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office incident reports and city of Boca Raton police data. We retain security expert witnesses familiar with South Florida crime patterns, parking structure lighting standards, and guard deployment practices. Our office has handled negligent security cases involving hotels along Federal Highway, commercial plazas, and residential complexes throughout the city.

Boca Raton courts, deadlines & Florida rules

Negligent security claims are premises liability cases filed in the 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County. Under Florida law, foreseeability of criminal activity is the cornerstone of liability, courts look at prior similar incidents on or near the property. HB 837 did not change the foreseeability standard but did impose the 51% modified comparative-negligence bar and a two-year negligence statute of limitations. Owners of commercial properties, apartment complexes, and parking structures all owe a duty of reasonable care to lawful visitors.

Common negligent security cases we see in Boca Raton

  • Assaults in the parking garages and surface lots serving Town Center at Boca Raton and Mizner Park
  • Armed robberies or carjackings at extended-stay hotels on Federal Highway following a pattern of prior incidents
  • Attacks in under-lit common areas of apartment complexes and gated communities where access control had been deferred
  • Assaults at nightlife venues in Mizner Park after management ignored prior altercations and failed to employ adequate security staff
  • Crimes in ATM vestibules and bank parking areas where lighting and surveillance cameras were non-functional
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Boca Raton has a reputation for being safe. Does that hurt our case?
A city's general reputation is not the legal standard. Florida courts focus on the specific property's crime history, not city-wide statistics. A single commercial block with repeated incidents can give rise to liability even if the surrounding area is quiet. We pull incident reports for the specific parcel and adjacent properties.
We live in a gated community and were attacked near the gatehouse. Can the HOA be liable?
Possibly. A gated community that markets enhanced security as an amenity may have heightened foreseeability and a higher duty than an ordinary apartment complex. If the HOA knew of prior incidents near the gate but failed to maintain working cameras, adequate lighting, or properly trained security personnel, that supports a negligent security claim.
The person who attacked me was caught and is facing criminal charges. Do I still need a civil attorney?
Yes. A criminal conviction does not compensate you. The civil case runs separately, targets the property owner (not just the attacker), and can recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The attacker's conviction can actually be used as evidence in your civil case.