State guide
Florida
This is general information, not legal advice. Florida tries smaller civil cases in county court, and the Florida Small Claims Rules are the simplified procedure for many of them. The Office of the State Courts Administrator publishes a statistical glossary that defines small claims, in the courts' own reporting system, as all matters involving claims up to and including $8,000 in damages, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees. The glossary's heading notes the earlier 'up to $5,000' label and states that the $8,000 line took effect January 1, 2020. County courts also hear larger civil cases under their general jurisdiction. The small-claims rules are the informal track inside that court, not a separate courthouse.
Checked against official sources on October 11, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- Which court hears it
- County court, under the Florida Small Claims Rules
- Dollar limit we could verify
- The Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator glossary defines small claims as matters involving claims up to and including $8,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees. The glossary notes that the line was up to $5,000 and became $8,000 effective January 1, 2020.
- Statute or court page
- Official page →
- Filing or self-help page
- Official page →
The glossary's definition is a reporting definition drawn from the rules and statutes the office uses to count cases. It includes complaints for interpleader and other matters involving claims up to $8,000. It is the statewide description this directory relies on, because it is an official court-administration document that states the figure in words and numbers. Local clerks still decide whether your statement of claim is accepted on the small-claims calendar. Bring a demand that states a number at or under $8,000 before interest, costs, and attorney fees, unless a lawyer tells you a particular claim is counted differently.
Florida's small-claims process is meant to be faster than an ordinary county-court lawsuit. The rules require a statement of claim that tells the defendant the basis and the amount. If the claim rests on a writing, attach the document or the relevant part. A person who is not represented signs their own papers. The hearing is before a county judge. You may hire a lawyer, and the other side may do the same. Discovery is narrower than in a full civil case, especially when neither side has a lawyer. Read the current Small Claims Rules before you assume an old pamphlet's $5,000 line is still the rule.
A judgment from the small-claims calendar is a county-court judgment. Collecting it can mean a writ that the clerk issues and the sheriff serves. The glossary does not describe collection, and this directory does not invent a statewide fee or a number of days to appeal. Ask the clerk of the county court that entered the judgment for the writs that court uses and for the appeal paper's deadline as printed on the judgment or the rules. If your claim is above $8,000 before fees and interest, file it as an ordinary county-court civil case if it fits that court's jurisdiction, or in circuit court if it does not.
Official resources in Florida
Office of the State Courts Administrator glossary defining small claims as up to and including $8,000.
State courts home page for county-court information and rules.
Official statutes, including the county-court jurisdiction provisions.
Key facts for Florida
- Florida small claims are heard in county court.
- The state-courts glossary defines them as claims up to and including $8,000.
- Interest, costs, and attorney fees are outside that damages figure.
- The glossary dates the move from $5,000 to $8,000 as effective January 1, 2020.
- The definition includes interpleader and other matters inside the dollar line.
- A higher county-court or circuit civil case is the path for a larger claim.
What to do next
- State your demand so the clerk can see it is within $8,000 before interest, costs, and attorney fees.
- Attach the writing your claim depends on.
- Ignore older pamphlets that still say $5,000.
- Ask the clerk how a county-court judgment from this calendar is collected.
Looking for your city or county in Florida?
We haven't found official court-level pages for Florida we can verify yet, so we don't show local numbers here rather than guess. Here's what to use instead, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above. It applies across Florida, but cities and counties can add their own steps, fees or deadlines.
- Call to confirm Ask the official office. They have the current local rule, fee and form.Florida Office of the State Courts Administrator
Website →Phone not shown: use the contact page on the official website above.Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Florida page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us and include a link to the official page. We check every tip before it goes up.
Helpful guides
- What small claims court is
- How dollar limits work
- Who can sue and be sued
- A demand letter before you file