If someone owes you money, damaged your property, or caused another civil dispute, you may be able to use Florida small claims court instead of filing a larger civil case. Small claims procedures are designed for relatively smaller disputes and use simplified court rules.
For 2026, Florida court materials describe small claims as civil actions involving up to $8,000 in damages, excluding costs, interest, and attorney fees. Florida county courts also have broader civil jurisdiction for cases up to $50,000, but a claim above the small-claims limit is generally handled under different county-court procedures.
What is the Florida small claims limit in 2026?
The small claims jurisdictional amount is $8,000 or less, excluding court costs, interest, and attorney fees where applicable.
The $8,000 figure is different from the general county court civil jurisdictional limit. Under the 2026 Florida Statutes, county courts have jurisdiction over civil actions involving up to $50,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees. Small claims is a more specific procedure within county court for qualifying claims up to $8,000.
Before filing, calculate the actual amount you are asking the court to award. Do not assume that adding interest, filing costs, or attorney fees to the underlying dispute automatically puts the case over the small-claims limit.
What kinds of cases can go to small claims court?
Small claims can cover many ordinary civil disputes involving money or property. Examples can include unpaid debts, damage to property, disputes over services, certain contract disputes, and other claims that fall within the small-claims jurisdictional amount.
Not every legal dispute belongs in small claims. Some cases have special rules, different jurisdictional requirements, or remedies that may not fit the small-claims procedure.
Where do you file a Florida small claims case?
Venue matters. Florida small claims rules address where an action may be filed, and the correct county can depend on factors such as where the defendant lives, where the relevant events occurred, or where property involved in the dispute is located.
For landlord-tenant disputes, the location of the rental property can be particularly important. Check the applicable court rules and the clerk’s instructions for the county where you intend to file.
What is a statement of claim?
A small claims case begins with a statement of claim rather than the type of lengthy complaint used in many larger civil cases.
Your statement should clearly tell the defendant what the dispute is about and how much you are seeking. If your claim is based on a written document, the applicable rules may require you to attach a copy or the relevant portion of that document.
Keep the explanation factual and organized. A useful statement generally identifies the parties, explains what happened, states why the defendant owes money or is responsible for the property at issue, and identifies the amount claimed.
What Happens After You File a Florida Small Claims Case?
If the dispute concerns a rental deposit, see our Florida security deposit return guide.
Filing the case is only the beginning. The defendant generally must be properly served before the case can proceed to judgment against that defendant.
After service, the court may set a pretrial conference or other required hearing. Small claims cases use simplified procedures, but deadlines still matter. Read every notice from the clerk and court carefully and keep copies of everything you file or receive.
Is mediation available in Florida small claims cases?
Mediation may be available or ordered in appropriate cases. Mediation gives the parties an opportunity to reach an agreement without going through a full trial.
If the parties reach a settlement, the agreement can be handled through the court’s procedures. If they do not settle, the case can continue toward trial.
Some Florida judicial circuits publish their own explanations of small claims procedures, mediation, and court services. Because local procedures can vary, check the official court website for the county where your case is filed.
What happens at a small claims trial?
If the dispute is not resolved, the court may hold a trial. Both sides have an opportunity to present their evidence and explain their position.
Bring documents that support your claim or defense, such as contracts, invoices, receipts, photographs, messages, emails, estimates, payment records, and other relevant evidence. Organize the documents so you can quickly identify what each one proves.
If witnesses have relevant firsthand knowledge, determine in advance how their testimony will be presented under the applicable rules. Do not assume that simply having a witness available guarantees the court will consider every statement the witness wants to make.
What if the defendant does not show up?
A defendant’s failure to appear does not mean the plaintiff automatically receives every amount requested. The court still applies the law and may require the plaintiff to establish the claim and damages.
Proper service is also critical. If the defendant was not properly served, the case may not be able to proceed against that defendant as planned.
What if I am being sued in Florida small claims court?
If you receive small claims papers, do not ignore them. Read the statement of claim, note every hearing date and deadline, and gather documents that support your position.
You may have defenses, counterclaims, or other procedural rights depending on the dispute. If the amount or legal issues are significant to you, consider speaking with a Florida attorney before the hearing.
How much does it cost to file?
Filing fees and other court costs can depend on the type and amount of the claim. Florida statutes establish filing fees, while the clerk’s office can provide the current fee information and explain accepted payment methods.
Because court fees can change, verify the amount with the clerk of the Florida county where you plan to file rather than relying on an old online fee schedule.
Practical checklist before filing a small claims case
- Confirm that your claim fits within the $8,000 small-claims limit, excluding costs, interest, and attorney fees.
- Identify the correct county and venue.
- Gather contracts, receipts, photographs, messages, invoices, and other evidence.
- Calculate the amount you are actually claiming.
- Prepare a clear statement explaining what happened and why the defendant is responsible.
- Check the clerk’s current filing requirements and fees.
- Make sure the defendant is properly served.
- Attend every required hearing and follow court deadlines.
Florida small claims court is simpler, but it is still a real court case
Small claims court is designed to make smaller civil disputes more manageable, but it is still a legal proceeding. The outcome can affect money, property, and legal rights. Good preparation, accurate records, proper service, and attention to deadlines can make the process easier to navigate.
For more Florida-specific information, visit our Florida state laws page. You can also review our existing guide on Florida eviction notice rules and the eviction process if your dispute involves a rental property.
Official Florida sources
- Florida Statutes § 34.01 — County court jurisdiction
- Florida Courts
- Twelfth Judicial Circuit — County Civil and Small Claims information
- Eleventh Judicial Circuit — County Civil and Small Claims information
Legal disclaimer: This article provides general legal information for educational purposes. Court procedures, filing requirements, fees, venue rules, and applicable deadlines can depend on the facts and the county where a case is filed. This is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Verify current requirements with the appropriate Florida court or clerk and consider consulting a qualified Florida attorney for advice about your situation.
Image credit: DeSoto County Courthouse image by JohnTPaff, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.