A mass tort is a civil lawsuit that involves hundreds or thousands of plaintiffs and one or a few defendants in which the plaintiffs have the same or similar claims against the defendant or defendants. Mass tort lawsuits are often filed as class action lawsuits (a procedural mechanism for joining the plaintiffs in one lawsuit), and are typically based on alleged wrongful acts (torts) such as exposure of the plaintiffs to harmful substances (asbestos or benzene), or defective products (pharmaceuticals or medical devices), or invasions of privacy (data breaches).

In Florida, a mass tort is a type of legal action where a large number of plaintiffs bring a claim against one or a few defendants for similar or related damages. These cases often arise from exposure to harmful substances, defective products, or invasions of privacy such as data breaches. Mass torts can be filed as class action lawsuits, which allows for the collective legal claims of many individuals to be resolved in a single court proceeding. Florida follows both state statutes and federal laws governing class actions and mass torts. The Florida Rules of Civil Procedure provide guidelines for class actions, including requirements for certification, notice to class members, and settlement procedures. Additionally, mass torts in Florida may be influenced by the federal rules and laws, such as the Class Action Fairness Act (CAFA), which can determine jurisdiction and procedural matters when the case involves parties from multiple states. It is important for plaintiffs in Florida to consult with an attorney experienced in mass torts to navigate the complexities of these cases and to ensure that their rights are adequately represented.