Florida Hazing Lawyer: Aggressive Legal Representation for Victims of Fraternity & Sorority Abuse

Hazing Happens in Florida. We Fight Back.

If your child was hazed in Florida, you’re not powerless. You have legal rights—and we know how to enforce them.

At Attorney 911, we are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston—proving that fraternities, sororities, and universities can and will be held accountable for abuse disguised as “tradition.”

Florida families deserve the same aggressive representation. If your child was hazed at a Florida university, Greek organization, sports team, or student group, we will fight for you—no matter where in Florida you are.

📞 Call our 24/7 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: attorney911.com

The Hazing Crisis in Florida: What Families Need to Know

Hazing is Not “Tradition”—It’s Abuse. And It’s Illegal in Florida.

Florida has strong anti-hazing laws, but universities and Greek organizations routinely ignore them—until someone gets hurt, hospitalized, or killed.

Common Hazing Practices in Florida:
✔ Forced alcohol consumption (binge drinking, “drink until you black out”)
✔ Extreme physical punishment (500+ squats, bear crawls, paddling)
✔ Waterboarding & simulated drowning (yes, this happens in Florida)
✔ Sleep deprivation (forced late-night activities, early-morning workouts)
✔ Psychological torture (humiliation, threats, isolation)
✔ Sexual abuse & forced nudity (carrying sexual objects, degrading rituals)

Medical Consequences of Hazing in Florida:
🚨 Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown → kidney failure)
🚨 Alcohol poisoning (can be fatal)
🚨 Traumatic brain injury (from beatings or falls)
🚨 Hypothermia/hyperthermia (from exposure)
🚨 PTSD, anxiety, depression (long-term psychological damage)

Florida Universities Where Hazing Occurs:
Florida is home to major universities with active Greek life, including:

University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville
Florida State University (FSU) – Tallahassee
University of Miami (UM) – Coral Gables
University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando
Florida International University (FIU) – Miami
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton
University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa
Florida A&M University (FAMU) – Tallahassee

The same fraternities involved in hazing deaths nationwide—Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE), Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), Phi Delta Theta, Beta Theta Pi, Kappa Sigma—have active chapters at Florida universities.

Florida Hazing Laws: What You Need to Know

Florida’s Anti-Hazing Statute (Fla. Stat. § 1006.63)

Florida law explicitly bans hazing and defines it as:

“Any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution.”

Key Provisions of Florida Hazing Law:
✅ Consent is NOT a defense – Even if a student “agreed” to participate, hazing is still illegal.
✅ Criminal penalties – Hazing can be charged as a felony if it causes serious bodily injury or death.
✅ Civil liability – Victims can sue for medical bills, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
✅ Organizational liability – Fraternities, sororities, and universities can be held financially responsible.

Penalties for Hazing in Florida:

Offense	Penalty
Hazing (misdemeanor)	Up to 1 year in jail + $1,000 fine
Hazing causing serious injury (felony)	Up to 5 years in prison + $5,000 fine
Hazing causing death (felony)	Up to 15 years in prison + $10,000 fine

Universities and Greek organizations can also face:

Loss of recognition (banned from campus)
Forfeiture of property (fraternity houses seized)
Multi-million dollar lawsuits (like our $10M case in Texas)

Who Can Be Sued for Hazing in Florida?

The Short Answer: EVERYONE Involved.

Hazing cases are not just about the students who participated—they’re about the institutions that enabled the abuse.

Potential Defendants in a Florida Hazing Lawsuit:

Defendant	Why They’re Liable
Local Fraternity/Sorority Chapter	Directly organized and conducted hazing
National Organization	Failed to supervise; knew about hazing culture
University/College	Failed to prevent hazing despite prior incidents
Chapter Officers (President, Pledgemaster, etc.)	Leadership responsibility; directed hazing
Individual Members	Participated in or failed to stop hazing
Alumni/Advisors	Allowed hazing at their homes; provided alcohol
Insurance Companies	Policies may cover damages (homeowner’s, liability)

Florida Case Example:
In 2017, Andrew Coffey died at Florida State University (FSU) after being forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon at a Pi Kappa Phi event. His family received a confidential settlement, and Pi Kappa Phi was permanently banned from FSU.

The same fraternity that killed Andrew Coffey has chapters at Florida universities today—including UF, UCF, and UM.

What to Do If Your Child Was Hazed in Florida

Step 1: Get Medical Help Immediately

If your child is injured, go to the ER or urgent care.
Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) and alcohol poisoning can be deadly—don’t wait.
Document everything: Take photos of injuries, save medical records, and keep receipts.

Step 2: Preserve All Evidence

✅ Texts, GroupMe, Snapchat, Instagram DMs – Screenshot everything. Do not delete.
✅ Photos/Videos – If any exist of hazing activities, save them immediately.
✅ Witnesses – Get names and contact info of other pledges or bystanders.
✅ Fraternity/Sorority Documents – Pledge manuals, schedules, rules.
✅ Social Media – Do NOT post about the incident. Anything you post can be used against you.

⚠️ WARNING: Do NOT confront the fraternity or university alone. They will destroy evidence, coordinate stories, and intimidate witnesses.

Step 3: Contact a Florida Hazing Lawyer Immediately

Time is critical. Florida has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims.
Evidence disappears fast. Fraternities delete texts, universities “lose” records, witnesses forget.
Insurance companies will lowball you. They’ll offer a quick settlement to make the case go away—don’t accept it without legal advice.

📞 Call Attorney 911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com

We work on contingency—you pay NOTHING upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Why Florida Families Choose Attorney 911 for Hazing Cases

1. We’re Currently Fighting a $10 Million Hazing Case—Right Now

We are actively litigating against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston for a student hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure after being waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, and struck with wooden paddles.
We know how to win these cases—and we’ll bring the same fight to Florida.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorneys—We Know Their Playbook

Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena both worked for insurance companies before switching sides to represent victims.
We know exactly how they try to deny or minimize claims—and we know how to beat them at their own game.

3. Nationwide Representation—We Serve Florida Families

While we’re based in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we represent hazing victims nationwide, including Florida.
We travel to Florida for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
Federal court authority allows us to pursue cases in any state.

4. Aggressive, Proven Results

$10 million lawsuit currently pending against Pi Kappa Phi.
Multi-million dollar settlements in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Former BP Texas City explosion litigation—we know how to take on large institutions.

5. We Understand the Trauma of Hazing

Hazing victims often blame themselves or fear retaliation.
We protect our clients—your identity can remain confidential.
We fight for justice so no other Florida family has to go through this.

Florida Hazing Case Examples: What Compensation Is Possible?

Case 1: Andrew Coffey (FSU / Pi Kappa Phi – 2017)

What Happened: Forced to drink an entire bottle of bourbon; died from alcohol poisoning.
Outcome: Confidential settlement (estimated in the millions); Pi Kappa Phi banned from FSU.
Why It Matters: Shows that Florida universities and fraternities can be held accountable.

Case 2: Maxwell Gruver (LSU / Phi Delta Theta – 2017)

What Happened: Forced to drink during “Bible Study” pledge event; died from alcohol poisoning (BAC 0.495).
Outcome: $6.1 million jury verdict; “Max Gruver Act” passed in Louisiana (felony hazing law).
Why It Matters: Juries award millions for hazing deaths—Florida families can expect the same.

Case 3: Timothy Piazza (Penn State / Beta Theta Pi – 2017)

What Happened: Forced to drink 18 alcoholic drinks in 82 minutes; fell down stairs repeatedly; fraternity waited 12 hours to call 911.
Outcome: $110+ million settlement; “Timothy J. Piazza Antihazing Law” passed in Pennsylvania.
Why It Matters: Strong evidence = massive settlements—Florida cases with clear documentation can win big.

Case 4: Our Current Case – Leonel Bermudez (UH / Pi Kappa Phi – 2025)

What Happened: Waterboarded, forced to do 500 squats, struck with paddles; hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure.
Outcome: $10 million lawsuit pending; Pi Kappa Phi chapter permanently closed.
Why It Matters: Florida families can expect similar results—we’re already fighting this fight.

What Damages Can Florida Hazing Victims Recover?

Hazing victims in Florida may be entitled to compensation for:

1. Economic Damages (Tangible Losses)

Medical bills (ER, hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
Future medical expenses (dialysis, kidney transplant, long-term care)
Lost wages (time missed from work or internships)
Lost earning capacity (if injuries affect future career)
Educational costs (tuition, scholarships lost due to hazing)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain & Suffering)

Physical pain (from injuries, medical treatment)
Emotional distress (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
Humiliation & shame (from degrading hazing rituals)
Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in normal activities)
Disfigurement (scars, burns, permanent injuries)

3. Punitive Damages (Punishment for Egregious Conduct)

Awarded when hazing is intentional, reckless, or malicious.
Florida law allows punitive damages for gross negligence.
Example: If a fraternity knew about prior hazing incidents and did nothing, punitive damages may apply.

Total Potential Compensation:

Minor injuries: $50,000–$250,000
Serious injuries (hospitalization, surgery): $250,000–$2 million
Catastrophic injuries (permanent disability, death): $2 million–$20+ million

Florida Hazing FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can I sue if my child “consented” to hazing?

A: YES. Florida law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the fraternity and university can still be held liable.

Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?

A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on or off campus. If the fraternity organized it, they’re responsible.

Q: Can I sue the university if they didn’t know about the hazing?

A: YES. Universities have a duty to monitor Greek life. If they failed to investigate prior incidents or ignored warning signs, they can be held liable for negligent supervision.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Florida?

A: 2 years from the date of the hazing incident. If your child died from hazing, you have 2 years from the date of death. Do not wait—evidence disappears quickly.

Q: Can I afford a lawyer?

A: YES. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case. Florida families pay $0 unless we recover compensation for you.

Q: Will my child get in trouble for reporting hazing?

A: NO. Florida has immunity laws for hazing whistleblowers. Your child cannot be punished for reporting hazing in good faith.

Q: Can I sue if my child wasn’t a student at the university yet?

A: YES. In our current case, the victim was a “ghost rush”—not yet enrolled at UH. If a fraternity recruits and hazes non-students, they can be held liable.

Q: What if the fraternity is already suspended?

A: It doesn’t matter. Even if the chapter is closed, the national organization, university, and individual members can still be sued.

Florida Hazing Warning Signs: What Parents Should Watch For

Hazing often starts with subtle signs before escalating into abuse. If your child is pledging a fraternity, sorority, or student group in Florida, watch for:

✅ Sudden secrecy – Avoiding questions about activities, lying about whereabouts.
✅ Extreme fatigue – Sleeping all day, missing classes, looking exhausted.
✅ Physical injuries – Bruises, cuts, burns, or unexplained pain.
✅ Emotional changes – Anxiety, depression, withdrawal from friends/family.
✅ Financial strain – Unexplained expenses (buying alcohol, paying for events).
✅ Decline in grades – Missing assignments, failing classes.
✅ Alcohol/drug use – Coming home drunk, smelling like alcohol.
✅ Strange rituals – Wearing odd clothing, carrying unusual objects.

If you notice these signs, your child may be a victim of hazing. Act immediately.

Florida Hazing Resources: Where to Get Help

Emergency Help:

🚨 Call 911 if your child is in immediate danger.
🏥 Go to the ER if they show signs of injury or alcohol poisoning.

Reporting Hazing in Florida:

📞 Florida Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
🌐 Florida Board of Governors Hazing Reporting: https://www.flbog.edu
📧 University-Specific Reporting:

UF: https://studentconduct.ufl.edu
FSU: https://dos.fsu.edu
UM: https://studentaffairs.miami.edu
UCF: https://osc.sdes.ucf.edu

Legal Help for Florida Hazing Victims:

📞 Attorney 911 Hazing Hotline: 1-888-ATTY-911
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Free Consultation: attorney911.com

Florida Hazing Lawyer: We Fight for Justice. We Protect Victims.

Hazing is not a rite of passage. It’s not “boys being boys.” It’s not “building brotherhood.”

It’s abuse. It’s assault. It’s illegal. And it must stop.

If your child was hazed in Florida, you have the power to hold the abusers accountable. You can protect other students from going through the same nightmare. You can send a message that Florida will not tolerate hazing.

We are Attorney 911. We are fighting this battle right now—and we’re ready to fight for Florida families.