Florida Small Claims CourtFile Smarter. Win Faster.
Florida's small claims court handles disputes up to $8,000 with informal hearings and quick resolutions. No law degree required.
Florida Small Claims — At a Glance
Key limits, fees, and rules you need to know before filing.
How to File a Small Claims Case in Florida
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your claim is processed correctly.
Determine If Your Claim Qualifies
Your claim must be $8,000 or less. Small claims cannot handle criminal matters, family law, or injunctions.
Locate the Right County Court
File in the county where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the incident occurred.
Complete Form SC-100
Download and fill out the Statement of Claim (Form SC-100) from the Florida Courts website or pick it up at the clerk's office.
File and Pay Fees
File with the Clerk of the County Court. Fees range from $55 to $300 depending on claim amount.
Pretrial Conference
Florida requires both parties to attend a pretrial conference where you'll try to settle. If no settlement, a hearing date is set.
Trial Hearing
Present your case with all evidence. Florida small claims hearings are informal — speak directly to the judge.
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Everything you need to know about filing, deadlines, and costs in Florida.
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A History of Small Claims in Florida
Florida's County Courts, which house the small claims division, were established by the Florida Constitution of 1968 as part of a major judicial reorganization. Prior to that, small disputes were handled by a patchwork of local justices of the peace.
The state has continuously modernized its small claims procedures. Florida raised its limit to $5,000 in 2003 and again to $8,000 in 2020 following advocacy from consumer rights groups.
Florida's informal pretrial conference requirement — where both parties must meet before trial — is a distinctive feature designed to encourage settlements and reduce case backlogs in the busiest court system in the Southeast.
Overview
Florida's small claims court is a division of the County Court and handles civil cases involving $8,000 or less. Florida is known for having one of the most informal and accessible small claims processes in the country.
Court
County Court — Small Claims Division
Florida Small Claims Courts
Find the court closest to you, or file online through CourtLinked.
Gulf County Court
Pinellas County Court (Clearwater)
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about small claims in Florida.
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Small Claims Court Guides
Expert articles on filing, winning, and navigating small claims court.
Small Claims Filing – A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing a small claims case doesn't have to be intimidating. With the right preparation and guidance, you can navigate the process confidently and get the resolution you deserve. Here's a straightforward, step-by-step guide to filing a small claims case in the United States.
Small Claims Court – What You Need to Know
support@courtlinked.com Sat, May 23, 2:16 AM (4 days ago) to me Daily Small Claims Articles – May 23, 2026 📝 ARTICLE 1: Small Claims Court – What You Need to Know Small claims court is one of the most accessible parts of the American legal system — designed specifically for everyday people to resolve disputes without hiring an expensive attorney. Whether you're chasing an unpaid debt, dealing with a security deposit dispute, or seeking compensation for damaged property, small claims court offers a fast, affordable path to justice.
Small Claims Filing Made Simple — A Step-by-Step Guide
Filing a small claims case is more straightforward than many realize. Whether you are pursuing an unpaid debt, a breach of contract, or property damage, understanding the procedural steps is essential to recovering your funds.
Small Claims Court — Your Fast Track to Justice Without a Lawyer
If you have ever been owed money by a contractor who failed to finish a job, a landlord who unfairly withheld a security deposit, or a business that sold you a defective product, small claims court may be your best solution. It is one of the most accessible, affordable, and efficient sectors of the American legal system, yet many people overlook it simply because they are unfamiliar with the process.
Courtlinked.com - Small Claims
If you've never been to small claims court before, the process can seem intimidating. But once you understand the steps, you'll realize it's designed to be straightforward and accessible — even for people without legal training
Every State Has Different Small Claims Rules — Here's What You Need to Know
Small claims court is one of the most accessible parts of the American legal system, but it's far from uniform. Each of the 50 states sets its own rules governing who can file, how much you can sue for, and how the process works.
Don't Navigate the Courts Alone
CourtLinked guides you through every step of filing your Florida small claims case — from paperwork to court-ready documents.
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