Orlando Sexual Abuse Lawyers
At Kayla’s Survivors, our Orlando sexual abuse attorneys are committed to helping survivors seek justice with dignity and compassion. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct in Orlando or surrounding areas, you may be eligible to recover compensation.
Nearly $1 Billion Recovered for Survivors
Support & Legal Guidance for Survivors in Orlando
At Kayla’s Survivors, our Orlando sexual abuse attorneys guide survivors through the civil legal process with compassion and experience. Our legal team can help you better understand your legal options, help you determine if you are eligible to file a civil claim, and can answer any questions you may have regarding your circumstances.
If your or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse in Orlando or surrounding areas in Orange County, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Our legal team can help you explore your legal options. Get started with your claim by calling us at (407) 305-8535 or tell us what happened online. All communications are 100% confidential. Our Orlando law office is located at 111 North Orange Avenue #825, Orlando, FL 32801.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Notable Orlando Sexual Abuse Settlements
Recent years have seen several high-profile sexual abuse cases in Central Florida resolved through settlements. For example:
- Catholic Diocese (Orlando & St. Augustine, 2005): The Orlando and St. Augustine Catholic dioceses paid a combined $1.5 million to settle claims against two former priests who molested three altar boys in the late 1960s/70s.
- Daycare Center (Orlando, 2020): Bright Horizons daycare in Orlando settled negligence lawsuits filed by two families whose children were sexually abused by an employee. Local news reports confirm the claims were resolved by confidential settlements.
- Church Organization (Florida, 2024): Three survivors sued Ignite Life Center (a Gainesville-area youth church) and its Orlando-based parent (Florida Multicultural District Council of the Assemblies of God). In October 2024 the cases were settled through mediation; the terms were not disclosed.
Each case shows that institutions can be held financially responsible. It’s important to note that many settlements are kept private, and details for every Orlando sexual abuse case are not often public or highly publicized.
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Orlando Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Investigations
Sexual abuse allegations in Orlando-area institutions often trigger parallel criminal and civil investigations. Key examples of notable sex abuse lawsuits in Florida and specifically in the Orlando area include:
Schools: In late 2023, a student at First Academy (First Baptist Church of Orlando) came forward about past abuse. Attorneys filed a civil lawsuit against the school for covering up sexual misconduct cause by a teacher. Orlando police had already charged the 54-year-old teacher with five felony counts of sexual activity with a minor. This illustrates how law enforcement prosecutes perpetrators even as civil lawyers pursue damages.
Churches: In May 2025, Sanford police (with Virginia authorities) arrested a local pastor, Yersson Solarte, on charges of sexually abusing two underage congregants. Authorities believe there may be more victims. This case shows that religious institutions in the Orlando area can be investigated by both local and federal agencies, and survivors of clergy sexual abuse are urged to come forward.
Law Enforcement Units: Orange County (which includes Orlando) has a Special Investigations section with a dedicated Sex Crimes unit for handling sexual assault cases. The Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office (Orange/Osceola counties) also provides victim assistance specifically for sexual battery and child abuse. These specialized units and advocate programs work closely with detectives and prosecutors when abuse is reported.
Reporting Channels: Survivors should report abuse to local police or to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. In cases involving schools or children, Florida law (F.S. 39.201) requires educators and certain professionals to report suspected abuse.
Talk in Confidence. We’ll listen…
Orlando Sex Abuse Laws & Legal Considerations
Statute of Limitations: Florida sets deadlines for filing sexual abuse claims. Generally, if you were a child at the time of abuse, you have until your 25th birthday (7 years after reaching adulthood) or up to four years from when the abuse was discovered, whichever is later . Some sexual battery claims (especially violent crimes against minors) may have no time limit. Because the rules are complex, it’s important to consult an attorney early to preserve your right to sue.
Protective Orders: Survivors can petition courts for an Injunction for Protection Against Sexual Violence (Florida F.S. 784.046). These orders can prohibit contact by the abuser and often involve no filing fee or bond. A petitioner must describe the incidents of sexual violence, and the court can grant orders to keep you safe.
Victims’ Rights: By Florida law and constitutional amendments (Marsy’s Law), victims have rights to privacy and to be treated with dignity. In practice, courts allow survivors to proceed under pseudonyms (like “Jane Doe”) to keep identities confidential. The criminal justice and civil systems must accommodate survivors (for example, by allowing testimony via video or supporting special advocates).
Damages Available: In a civil lawsuit, survivors can recover the full cost of injuries caused by the abuse. Compensation for sexual abuse typically includes medical expenses, counseling and therapy costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering. Family members may also recover for emotional trauma in some cases. Juries can award punitive damages (extra punishment for the abuser) if the conduct was especially malicious or intentional. By statute, punitive damages are capped at three times the compensatory award (or $500,000) in most cases, although that cap does not apply if the defendant intentionally harmed the plaintiff.
Liability of Institutions: If a perpetrator was acting within the scope of their job, their employer or institution (school, church, business) may also be held liable.
Note: Florida Statute 768.096 presumes that an employer is not negligent if it performed a thorough criminal background check through the state and made a reasonable hiring decision.
Orlando Sex Abuse Laws & Legal Considerations
Understanding Florida’s legal framework is crucial for survivors seeking justice:
- Statute of Limitations: Florida law allows survivors of sexual abuse under the age of 16 to file civil lawsuits at any time, recognizing the lasting impact of such trauma.
- Criminal Penalties: Sexual battery and related offenses carry severe penalties, including substantial prison time and mandatory registration as a sex offender.
- Institutional Liability: Organizations can be held accountable for negligence or intentional misconduct that enables institutional sex abuse, as seen in cases involving schools and religious institutions.
Navigating these legal avenues requires the expertise of attorneys well-versed in Florida’s statutes and dedicated to advocating for survivors’ rights.
Support Resources for Survivors in Orlando
Victim Service Center of Central Florida (Orlando): The only certified rape crisis center for Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. It offers free, confidential 24/7 services including a hotline (call 407-497-6701) for crisis intervention, counseling, and legal advocacy. Offices are located in Orlando and Sanford.
Harbor House of Central Florida (Orange County): A non-profit for domestic and sexual violence victims. Its 24-hour crisis hotline is 407-886-2856. Harbor House provides emergency shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy.
Florida Council Against Sexual Violence (FCASV): The state coalition of rape crisis centers. Its 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline (1-888-956-7273) will connect you to local resources anywhere in Florida. FCASV also has a list of certified local programs and can refer survivors to free counseling or support groups.
Office of the State Attorney (9th Judicial Circuit): The Orlando/Osceola State Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program helps sexual battery victims with advocacy and support during criminal cases. They can explain your rights under Florida law and help coordinate services.
Crime Victims’ Compensation (Florida Attorney General): This state program can reimburse victims for crime-related expenses (such as medical bills, counseling, and lost wages) up to its limits. You can apply by contacting the Bureau of Victim Compensation at 1-800-226-6667.
Florida Abuse Hotline (for Minors and Vulnerable Adults): To report current child abuse or neglect anywhere in Florida, call 1-800-962-2873. They will send a welfare check or connect you to services if a child is in danger.
These organizations and hotlines are free and available 24/7. They can provide a listening ear, safety planning, and referrals to counseling or legal services. You deserve help and justice. If you’ve been harmed, consider reaching out for support and talking to a lawyer about your options.
Together, We Can Hold Abusers Accountable…
Get Help From The Orlando Sexual Abuse Lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors
If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual abuse in Orlando, it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney to understand your legal rights and options. Lawyers experienced in this area can offer the guidance, support, and representation needed to help you pursue justice and take the next step toward healing. Take the first step by calling (407) 305-8535 or tell us what happened online. Our legal team is here to listen and provide support.
The lawyers at Kayla’s Survivors law firm have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors of sexual abuse, and have held countless abusers and organizations accountable for their actions.