Florida Small Claims Court Overview
Florida small claims court handles disputes up to $8,000. Cases are filed in the county court of the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action accrued. Florida Statutes Chapter 34 governs small claims procedures.
How do I file small claims in Florida?
To file a small claims case in Florida: 1) Send a demand letter to the defendant. 2) Complete the Statement of Claim form at your local county courthouse. 3) Pay the filing fee ($55-$300 based on claim amount). 4) The clerk issues a notice of hearing. 5) Serve the defendant via certified mail or process server. The entire process can be completed in 5 minutes with PettyLawsuit for just $29.
Florida Filing Fees
Claims up to $500: $55. Claims $501-$2,500: $80. Claims $2,501-$5,000: $175. Claims $5,001-$8,000: $300. Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income filers.
Florida Statute of Limitations
Written contracts: 5 years. Oral contracts: 4 years. Property damage: 4 years. Personal injury: 4 years. Fraud: 4 years. Security deposits: 1 year (15-60 day return requirement).
County Court Locations
Miami-Dade County: 73 W Flagler St, Miami, FL 33130. Broward County: 201 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Orange County: 425 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801. Hillsborough County: 800 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602. Palm Beach County: 205 N Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Duval County: 501 W Adams St, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Florida? The limit is $8,000 for most claims. How much does it cost to file? Filing fees range from $55 to $300 based on claim amount. Do I need a lawyer? No, attorneys are allowed but not required. Can I file online? Some counties offer e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. How long does a case take? Typically 30-60 days from filing to hearing.