You can bring a dispute over money into Florida county court when the amount is $8,000 or less. This path moves faster than full civil trials and uses simpler court legal terms so you can represent yourself if you choose.
Your action starts when you prepare and file a Statement of Claim with the clerk in the correct county. That filing sets the first date and triggers service of a summons and notice on each defendant. Budget for filing fees and separate service-of-process costs, which vary by county.
The court may set a quick pretrial or order mediation, and defendants can answer with counterclaims or set-offs. If you win, the court issues a judgment but will not collect money for you. Check local rules, find form process info at the clerk’s office, and consider resources find lawyer if collection or complex legal terms helpful arise.
Florida Small Claims Overview: Eligibility, Limits, And Where To File
For disputes with damages of $8,000 or less, florida small claims are handled in county court under a simpler process. The $8,000 limit excludes filing costs, interest, and attorneys’ fees.
You must bring your matter in the proper county — often where the defendant lives, where a business operates, or where the event occurred. Venue errors can lead to dismissal or transfer, so confirm the right location before you proceed.
The clerk court may provide checklists, timelines, and local forms that supplement the statewide small claims rules. The clerk court can also explain filing fees set by Florida Statutes and local ordinances.
Statewide-approved forms are provided Florida Small court documents, but local counties may add required pages. Visit your local Clerk of Court website for court locations self-help and locations self-help centers, hours, and helpful videos court that explain terms helpful videos and filing steps.
For legal questions, use florida law help resources or consult a lawyer florida law to review venue, service, and evidence basics before your first appearance.
How To File A Small Claims Case: A Step-by-step Process
Prepare a Statement of Claim that names each party, states the amount sought, and summarizes the facts that support your request. Attach clear dates, invoices, and any proof you will bring to court. A well‑written small claims statement makes the hearing easier for a judge or mediator.
Take the signed document to the clerk court in the proper county, pay the filing fee, and get the hearing date. The clerk court may explain payment methods and local submission rules. Follow the Florida small claims rules when completing forms and attaching the Statement of Claim.
Arrange service of process for every person or business named. Use the summons/notice that lists the hearing time and include a copy of your small claims statement. Budget for service‑of‑process fees and confirm the return of service is filed so the record shows proper notice.
Attend the scheduled pretrial and be ready to discuss settlement or mediation. Defendants may respond with counterclaims, set‑offs, or third‑party pleadings. If you win, plan for enforcement—courts do not collect money for you. Consider consulting provided legal services about collection options.
Forms, Rules, And Help: Resources To Get It Right In Florida
Access approved statewide templates in the Florida small claims rules and then check your county for required edits. State forms cut errors, and DIY Florida online interviews can generate a Statement of Claim or an Answer quickly.
Visit your local clerk court; clerk court may provide printed packets and point you toward self-help centers near your courthouse. Those centers offer form packets, notary options, and filing guidance, but staff cannot give legal advice.
Explore legal services resources and search for legal aid near you before your hearing. Free legal answers and other legal answers legal tools explain evidence, service requirements, and pretrial preparation in plain language.
Review Florida Statutes and Florida Bar small claims information for fee schedules and jurisdiction limits. Keep copies of any DIY-generated forms and confirmation pages so you can correct or refile quickly if the court requests changes.
These resources help you prepare, but the court will not collect judgments for you. Consider law help free consultations or low-cost referrals from legal services resources if you need post-judgment collection assistance.
Conclusion
A clear checklist and local clerk guidance will help you move forward with confidence at each stage.
Confirm you meet the $8,000 jurisdictional limit and that county court is the correct venue. Visit the clerk court for fees, forms, and service options so deadlines and near notice representing details match court expectations.
Review the small claims rules, watch videos court locations for courthouse logistics, and prepare documents for mediation or trial. Keep copies of filings and proof of service.
If collection may be needed after judgment, find lawyer florida or use aid near contact resources. Provide near contact feedback and contact feedback florida so feedback florida courts can improve services. Plan enforcement steps early; limitation services provided will not collect for you.
