This diversity case involves the propriety of claims for attorney’s fees in a medical malpractice action pursuant to Fla.Stat. § 768.56 (1983). The district court denied the claims. On March 27, 1985, this court certified two questions1 regarding the application of section 768.56 to the Florida Supreme Court. Folta v. Bolton, 758 F.2d 520, 523 (11th Cir.1985). The Florida Supreme Court resolved these questions in an opinion dated September 4, 1986.2 Folta v. Bolton, 493 So.2d 440, 442-44 (Fla.1986). The Florida Supreme Court further advised this court that subsequent to this court’s certification, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that awards under section 768.56 are improper for causes of action which accrued prior to July 1, 1980. Folta, 493 So.2d at 444. After reviewing the record, we find that the cause of action in this case accrued prior to July 1, 1980. Section 768.56 does not operate retroactively. Cantor v. Davis, 489 So.2d 18, 20 (Fla.1986); Florida Patient’s Compensation Fund v. Tillman, 487 So.2d 1032, 1035 (Fla.1986); Young v. Altenhaus, 472 So.2d 1152, 1154 (Fla.1985).
Accordingly, the district court’s denial of attorney’s fees pursuant to section 768.56 is AFFIRMED.