Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 17, 2023

Plaintiffs have time limits in which to file a civil claim, collectively called "statutes of limitations." The purpose of these laws is to ensure that claims are made while evidence is still relatively vital and to prevent the constant "threat" of a lawsuit long after the disputed event has occurred. Georgia civil statute of limitations laws impose a two-year time limit for personal injuries and fraud, with a four-year statute of limitations for trespassing, debt collection, and injuries to personal property.

This article provides a brief overview of Georgia's civil statute of limitations.

Georgia Civil Statute of Limitations: At a Glance

See the complete list of civil statutes of limitations laws in Georgia in the table below. FindLaw's Accidents and Injuries section contain an extensive collection of related articles and resources.

Injury to Person	Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Libel/Slander	One year (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Fraud	Two years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33)
Injury to Personal Property	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-32)
Professional Malpractice	Two years, max. of five years from the act (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-71)
Trespass	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-30)
Collection of Rents	-
Contracts	Written: Six years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-24) Oral: Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-26)
Collection of Debt on Account	Four years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-25)
Judgments	Five years foreign judgment (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-20)

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.