Small Claims Court Limits by State
The complete 2026 guide to maximum claim amounts in every state - from $2,500 to $25,000
Quick Answer: Small Claims Court Limits
Small claims court limits range from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Tennessee and Delaware). The most common limit across all states is $10,000, with 14 states and DC using this threshold. California allows individuals to file claims up to $12,500, while businesses are limited to $5,000. Texas sets its limit at $20,000.
Understanding Small Claims Court Limits
A small claims court limit is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in small claims court. Every state sets its own limit, which determines whether your dispute qualifies for this simplified, low-cost court process. If your claim falls within the limit, you can file without an attorney in most cases, saving thousands of dollars in legal fees. Claims that exceed the limit must typically be filed in regular civil court.
Small claims court limits vary dramatically by state because each state legislature independently decides the threshold based on local economic conditions, court resources, and policy goals. States like Tennessee and Delaware set generous limits of $25,000 to make courts accessible for larger disputes, while Kentucky's $2,500 limit reflects a more restrictive approach. Some states also impose different limits based on who is filing - for example, California caps business claims at $5,000 while allowing individuals up to $12,500.
If your claim exceeds your state's small claims court limit, you have several options. You can file in regular civil court (which typically requires a lawyer and higher fees), voluntarily reduce your claim amount to fit within the limit (waiving the excess), or attempt to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation before filing. Understanding your state's limit before filing is essential to choosing the right court and gathering the correct court forms for your case.
Small Claims Court Limits All 50 States + DC
Updated for 2026. States are listed alphabetically. Gold highlights indicate highest limits, red indicates lowest.
| State | Dollar Limit | Filing Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Alabama(AL) | $6,000 | $47-$247 | - |
Alaska(AK) | $10,000 | $75-$150 | - |
Arizona(AZ) | $5,000 | $18-$62 | - |
Arkansas(AR) | $5,000 | $30-$65 | - |
California(CA) | $12,500 | $30-$75 | Businesses limited to $5,000 |
Colorado(CO) | $7,500 | $31-$55 | - |
Connecticut(CT) | $5,000 | $95 | - |
Delaware(DE) | $25,000▲ Highest | $35-$50 | Highest limit tied with Tennessee |
District of Columbia(DC) | $10,000 | $5-$45 | - |
Florida(FL) | $8,000 | $55-$300 | - |
Georgia(GA) | $15,000▲ Highest | $45-$75 | - |
Hawaii(HI) | $5,000 | $35 | - |
Idaho(ID) | $5,000 | $69-$89 | - |
Illinois(IL) | $10,000 | $20-$75 | - |
Indiana(IN) | $10,000 | $35-$85 | - |
Iowa(IA) | $6,500 | $20-$95 | - |
Kansas(KS) | $4,000▼ Lowest | $36-$56 | - |
Kentucky(KY) | $2,500▼ Lowest | $20-$40 | Lowest limit in the U.S. |
Louisiana(LA) | $5,000 | $25-$75 | - |
Maine(ME) | $6,000 | $50-$70 | - |
Maryland(MD) | $5,000 | $34-$44 | - |
Massachusetts(MA) | $7,000 | $40-$150 | - |
Michigan(MI) | $7,000 | $30-$70 | - |
Minnesota(MN) | $15,000▲ Highest | $65-$80 | - |
Mississippi(MS) | $3,500▼ Lowest | $25-$50 | - |
Missouri(MO) | $5,000 | $20-$50 | - |
Montana(MT) | $7,000 | $10-$30 | - |
Nebraska(NE) | $3,900▼ Lowest | $26-$44 | - |
Nevada(NV) | $10,000 | $36-$83 | - |
New Hampshire(NH) | $10,000 | $55-$100 | - |
New Jersey(NJ) | $5,000 | $15-$50 | Security deposit cases limited to $3,000 |
New Mexico(NM) | $10,000 | $25-$75 | - |
New York(NY) | $10,000 | $15-$20 | Town/village courts limited to $5,000 |
North Carolina(NC) | $10,000 | $76-$156 | - |
North Dakota(ND) | $15,000▲ Highest | $10-$50 | - |
Ohio(OH) | $6,000 | $25-$60 | - |
Oklahoma(OK) | $10,000 | $37-$58 | - |
Oregon(OR) | $10,000 | $33-$55 | - |
Pennsylvania(PA) | $12,000 | $35-$75 | - |
Rhode Island(RI) | $5,000 | $30-$40 | - |
South Carolina(SC) | $7,500 | $40-$80 | - |
South Dakota(SD) | $12,000 | $25-$50 | - |
Tennessee(TN) | $25,000▲ Highest | $45-$100 | Highest limit tied with Delaware |
Texas(TX) | $20,000▲ Highest | $31-$54 | - |
Utah(UT) | $11,000 | $60-$100 | - |
Vermont(VT) | $5,000 | $25-$75 | - |
Virginia(VA) | $5,000 | $46-$85 | - |
Washington(WA) | $10,000 | $35-$50 | - |
West Virginia(WV) | $10,000 | $15-$45 | - |
Wisconsin(WI) | $10,000 | $65-$95 | - |
Wyoming(WY) | $6,000 | $10-$20 | - |
Data current as of 2026. Limits may change; verify with your local court before filing. Filing fees are approximate ranges.
States with the Highest Limits
Tennessee
$25,000Highest limit in the U.S., tied with Delaware
Delaware
$25,000Highest limit in the U.S., tied with Tennessee
Texas
$20,000Second highest limit nationwide
Georgia
$15,000Top 5 highest limit in the country
Minnesota
$15,000Top 5 highest limit, tied with Georgia and North Dakota
States with the Lowest Limits
Kentucky
$2,500Lowest small claims court limit in the entire U.S.
Mississippi
$3,500Second lowest limit
Nebraska
$3,900Fourth lowest limit nationwide
Kansas
$4,000Fifth lowest small claims court limit
What If Your Claim Exceeds the Limit?
File in Regular Civil Court
If your claim exceeds the small claims limit, you can file in regular civil court. This usually requires an attorney and involves higher filing fees and more formal procedures, but there is no cap on the amount you can recover.
Reduce Your Claim Amount
You can voluntarily reduce (or "waive") your claim to fit within the small claims limit. For example, if you're owed $13,000 in a state with a $10,000 limit, you could file for $10,000 and forfeit the remaining $3,000. This avoids the cost of regular court.
Split Your Claims (If Allowed)
Some states allow you to split a larger claim into multiple smaller cases, each within the small claims limit. However, many states prohibit this practice, so check your state's rules before attempting to divide a single dispute into multiple filings.
Negotiate a Settlement
Before filing, consider sending a demand letter and negotiating directly. Many disputes are resolved through negotiation or mediation without ever going to court. A well-crafted demand letter can motivate the other party to settle for an amount you both agree on.
Know Your Limits. File With Confidence.
Now that you know your state's small claims court limit, take the next step. PettyLawsuit helps you file your case in minutes - no lawyer required.
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Guide
Compiled by the PettyLawsuit Legal Research Team from official state court websites and judicial council publications. Dollar limits verified against current statutes for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
50-State Verified
Data verified against state statutes
Attorney Reviewed
Content reviewed for legal accuracy
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims court limit in my state?
Small claims court limits vary by state, ranging from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Tennessee and Delaware. Most states set their limit between $5,000 and $10,000, with $10,000 being the most common threshold across the United States. Use our complete 50-state table above to find the exact limit for your state.
What is the small claims court limit in California?
The small claims court limit in California is $12,500 for individuals. However, businesses, corporations, and other entities are limited to $5,000 per claim. California also limits individuals to filing no more than two claims over $2,500 per year in small claims court. The filing fee ranges from $30 to $75 depending on the claim amount.
What is the highest small claims court limit?
Tennessee and Delaware are tied for the highest small claims court limits in the United States at $25,000. Texas follows closely with a $20,000 limit, and Georgia, Minnesota, and North Dakota each allow claims up to $15,000. These higher limits make small claims court accessible for more substantial disputes.
Can I sue for more than the small claims limit?
No, you cannot sue for more than your state's small claims court limit in small claims court. If your claim exceeds the limit, you have several options: file in regular civil court (which may require an attorney), reduce your claim amount to fit within the limit (waiving the excess), or attempt to negotiate a settlement directly with the other party.
Does the small claims limit include court costs?
No, the small claims court limit refers only to the maximum amount you can sue for in damages. Court costs, filing fees, and service fees are separate and not counted toward the limit. If you win your case, many courts allow you to recover your filing fees and court costs in addition to the judgment amount.
Are there different limits for businesses?
Yes, some states impose different (usually lower) limits for businesses filing in small claims court. For example, California limits businesses to $5,000 while individuals can sue for up to $12,500. New Jersey has different limits for security deposit cases ($3,000) versus other claims ($5,000). Always check your state's specific rules for business filers.
Do small claims court limits change?
Yes, state legislatures periodically update small claims court limits, usually increasing them to keep pace with inflation. For example, several states have raised their limits in recent years. It's important to verify the current limit for your state before filing, as the limit in effect at the time of filing is what applies to your case.
What if my claim is slightly over the limit?
If your claim is slightly over the small claims court limit, you can choose to 'waive' the excess amount and reduce your claim to fit within the limit. For example, if your state's limit is $10,000 and your claim is $11,500, you could file for $10,000 and waive the remaining $1,500. This is often worth it to avoid the higher costs and complexity of regular civil court.