Suing Your Florida College Campus or Student Housing Provider for Allowing Sexual Assault to Occur

Florida is home to many major universities, and these educational institutions naturally attract many young, potentially vulnerable students. As a result, college administrators have a duty to ensure the safety of their students, especially against sexual predators. But what happens if your college or student housing provider failed to protect you? What if you experienced sexual assault and you believe that negligent security was to blame? This is something you might want to discuss with a Boca Raton sexual assault lawyer.

Florida State University Student Sues After Being Sexually Assaulted

In January of 2026, WCTV reported that a female student at Florida State University had filed a sexual assault lawsuit against her off-campus housing provider. This individual was approached by an assailant in the parking lot of her student housing building one year prior. The assailant pressed a knife against her back, covered her mouth, and told her not to scream. Although the man successfully pinned the victim to the ground, an actual rape fortunately never occurred.

Because the victim screamed for help, witnesses called the police and saved the woman. The authorities then arrived at the scene and took the man into custody. He now faces several charges, including sexual battery with a deadly weapon. The victim wants to remain anonymous so she can finish her degree without any unwanted attention.

This is both a negligent security lawsuit and a sexual assault lawsuit. The plaintiff alleges that the off-campus housing provider is partially responsible for the incident because it failed to provide working security cameras, on-site security, or reliable security gates. Perhaps most notably, a camera pointed at the assault failed to capture it. The victim’s legal team says that they have found reports of 1,300 crimes occurring in the area around the apartment complex.

Sexual assaults can also occur on campus. Earlier in 2025, police arrested a man who was groping and assaulting female students on a University of Florida campus. These assaults occurred over several months, and it was only after multiple women were assaulted that this man was finally caught.

Aside from roaming predators, students also face threats from teachers, professors, coaches, and even other students. Whatever the circumstances may be, colleges always have a legal duty of care to do everything possible to prevent sexual assaults on their campuses.

Can a Boca Raton Sexual Assault Lawyer Help Me?

If you were sexually assaulted on a college campus, you have every right to consider your legal options. Security should be a priority for all university administrators and housing providers, and the failure to protect young students is a clear example of negligence. If you believe that your college or student housing provider could have done more to prevent your assault, consider reaching out to a Boca Raton sexual assault lawyer. Contact Steinberg Law for further guidance.

Sources: 

wctv.tv/2026/01/07/dont-scream-or-ill-kill-you-sexual-assault-survivor-sues-off-campus-housing-complex-collegetown/

wcjb.com/2025/09/12/gainesville-university-florida-police-departments-announce-major-arrest/