Florida Small Claims
Everything you need to know about filing in Florida County Courts
General Information Only: This page provides general educational information as of January 2025. Court rules and fees change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local County Court or the Florida Courts website.
Florida
County Courts - Small Claims Division
$8,000
As of 2023
$55-$300
Based on amount
Allowed
But not required
Often Used
Before trial
Key Information
1Who Can File
- Individuals 18 or older
- Businesses and corporations
- Government agencies
- Assignees of claims
2Venue Rules
- Where defendant resides
- Where incident occurred
- Where contract was signed
- Where property is located
Common Case Types
Security Deposits
Landlord-tenant disputes
Property Damage
Auto accidents, vandalism
Unpaid Services
Work performed, not paid
Contract Disputes
Broken agreements
Consumer Issues
Defective products
HOA Disputes
Fee and assessment issues
Statutes of Limitations
You must file your claim within these time limits from when the issue occurred:
Filing Process Overview
Complete Statement of Claim
Fill out Form 7.010 or your county's small claims form
File with Clerk
Submit to County Court Clerk and pay filing fee
Serve the Defendant
Sheriff service, process server, or certified mail
Pre-Trial Mediation
Many counties require mediation before trial
Attend Trial
Present your case if mediation doesn't resolve it
Mediation is Common
Florida courts frequently use mediation to resolve small claims disputes before trial. This can save time and lead to faster settlements. Be prepared to negotiate.
Tip: Many cases settle at mediation. Bring your best evidence and be ready to compromise.
Official Resources
Find Your County Court
Florida has 67 counties, each with its own County Court system. Find the court for your area.
View Florida CountiesLegal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and may be outdated. Laws and procedures change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local County Court or consult a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.