Florida Small Claims Court: Limits, Fees & Process
Researched by the LawLintel Data Team · Sources verified 2026-08-24
- Claim limit
- $8,000exclusive of costs, interest and attorneys' fees
- Filing fee
- $50–$295statutory tiers by claim amount
- Attorneys
- Allowed (not required)
- Court
- County Court
Florida small claims are county-court cases governed by the Florida Small Claims Rules, with a limit of $8,000 exclusive of costs, interest and attorneys' fees. Filing fees are set by statute (§ 34.041) and tier with the claim: $50 up to $100, $75 to $500, $170 to $2,500, and $295 above $2,500.
Florida's small-claims procedure is built around a pre-trial conference held about 4–6 weeks after filing, where most cases settle or get set for a short trial. Attorneys are allowed but not required, and clerks provide standard forms (Statement of Claim) at the counter or online.
Costs & fees
| Item | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Filing fee — claims to $100 | $50 | Official fee |
| Filing fee — $100.01 to $500 | $75 | Official fee |
| Filing fee — $500.01 to $2,500 | $170 | Official fee |
| Filing fee — $2,500.01 to $8,000 | $295 | Official fee |
| Summons issuance + servicesheriff or certified process server | $10 + $40–$100 per defendant | Estimate |
Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Venue | County where the defendant resides, the cause of action arose, or the contract was made |
| Pre-trial conference | Both parties must appear ~4–6 weeks after filing; failure to appear risks default/dismissal |
| Jury | Either party may demand a jury trial |
| Appeal | Final judgment appealable within 30 days to the District Court of Appeal (record review) |
The process, step by step
- File the Statement of Claim. File with the clerk of the county court and pay the statutory tiered fee; indigent filers can apply for civil indigent status.
- Serve the defendant. Sheriff or certified process server; certified mail by the clerk is allowed for Florida defendants.
- Attend the pre-trial conference. Mediation is commonly ordered on the spot; unresolved cases get a trial date.
- Trial and judgment. Trials are short and informal; rules of evidence are relaxed under the Small Claims Rules.
- Collect. Judgment liens, garnishment and execution are separate post-judgment steps with their own fees.
Forms & where to file
County Court in the county where the defendant lives, the events happened, or the contract was made (file with the Clerk of Court).
Frequently asked questions
What is the small claims limit in Florida?
$8,000, exclusive of costs, interest and attorneys' fees, under Small Claims Rule 7.010.
How much are Florida small claims filing fees?
Statutory tiers: $50 (claims to $100), $75 (to $500), $170 (to $2,500), $295 (over $2,500). Summons issuance and service add roughly $50–$110 per defendant.
What happens at the pre-trial conference?
It's a mandatory first appearance about a month after filing — the judge confirms the dispute, orders mediation in many counties, and sets trial if the case doesn't settle. Missing it can mean default or dismissal.
Can I appeal a Florida small claims judgment?
Yes — within 30 days, to the District Court of Appeal. It's a review of the record for legal error, not a new trial, so appeals are comparatively rare.
Related information
Sources & verification
- Florida Small Claims Rules (limit — Rule 7.010)
- Fla. Stat. § 34.041 — county court filing fees
- Florida Courts Help — Small Claims
Official fees and statutory rules above are traceable to the listed authorities; figures marked as estimates are LawLintel editorial estimates, not government fees. Laws and fees change — last verified 2026-08-24. See our methodology and legal disclaimer.
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.