Small Claims Court Limits by State
Small claims court dollar limits vary significantly across the United States, ranging from $2,500 in Kentucky to $25,000 in Tennessee and Delaware. These limits determine the maximum amount you can sue for in small claims court. If your claim exceeds the limit, you must either waive the excess amount or file in a higher court.
Complete 50-State Limits Table
Alabama: $6,000 (District Court). Alaska: $10,000 (District Court). Arizona: $3,500 (Justice Court). Arkansas: $5,000 (District Court). California: $12,500 (Superior Court - Small Claims). Colorado: $7,500 (County Court). Connecticut: $5,000 (Superior Court - Small Claims). Delaware: $25,000 (Justice of the Peace). Florida: $8,000 (County Court). Georgia: $15,000 (Magistrate Court). Hawaii: $5,000 (District Court). Idaho: $5,000 (Magistrate Court). Illinois: $10,000 (Circuit Court). Indiana: $8,000 (Small Claims Court). Iowa: $6,500 (Small Claims Court). Kansas: $4,000 (District Court). Kentucky: $2,500 (District Court). Louisiana: $5,000 (City/Parish Court). Maine: $6,000 (District Court). Maryland: $5,000 (District Court). Massachusetts: $7,000 (Boston Municipal/District). Michigan: $6,500 (District Court). Minnesota: $15,000 (District Court). Mississippi: $3,500 (Justice Court). Missouri: $5,000 (Associate Circuit). Montana: $7,000 (Justice Court). Nebraska: $3,900 (County Court). Nevada: $10,000 (Justice Court). New Hampshire: $10,000 (District Court). New Jersey: $5,000 (Special Civil Part). New Mexico: $10,000 (Metropolitan/Magistrate). New York: $10,000 (City Court - NYC). North Carolina: $10,000 (District Court). North Dakota: $15,000 (District Court). Ohio: $6,000 (Municipal Court). Oklahoma: $10,000 (District Court). Oregon: $10,000 (Justice/Circuit Court). Pennsylvania: $12,000 (Magisterial District). Rhode Island: $5,000 (District Court). South Carolina: $7,500 (Magistrate Court). South Dakota: $12,000 (Circuit Court). Tennessee: $25,000 (General Sessions). Texas: $20,000 (Justice Court). Utah: $11,000 (Justice Court). Vermont: $5,000 (Superior Court). Virginia: $5,000 (General District). Washington: $10,000 (District Court). West Virginia: $10,000 (Magistrate Court). Wisconsin: $10,000 (Circuit Court). Wyoming: $6,000 (Circuit Court).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest small claims court limit? Tennessee and Delaware at $25,000. What is the lowest? Kentucky at $2,500. What if my claim exceeds the limit? You can waive the excess or file in a higher court. Do limits change? Yes, states periodically update limits — check your state's current law.