Florida Small Claims Court
How It Works & How to File
Step-by-step guide to filing, serving, and preparing for small claims court in Florida — including costs, timelines, forms, and what to expect at your hearing.
$99 File Your
Florida Small Claims!
Get Started in Your State
We provide state-specific demand letter services across the country. Find your state below to see our tailored guides and packages for your exact dispute.
How Small Claims Court Works in Florida
Small claims court in Florida is part of the County Court system and is designed to provide a quick, affordable way to resolve disputes without needing a lawyer.
If your claim is $8,000 or less, you may file it as a small claims case. Claims above that must be filed in civil court.
This guide explains what you can sue for, how the process works, what forms you’ll need, and what to expect at your hearing.
This Guide Covers:
Who can file a small claims case in Florida
The maximum claim amount and court limits
What you can sue for in Florida small claims
Step-by-step filing process (including Florida forms)
Serving the defendant correctly in Florida
What happens at the hearing and judgment
What to do if you win or lose
Why many people start with a demand letter
How our Small Claims Help service can guide you
Who Can File a Small Claims Case in Florida
You can file if:
Your dispute involves $8,000 or less (not including costs, interest, or attorney’s fees)
The case is civil, not criminal
You file in the correct county — usually where the defendant lives, where the contract was signed, or where the dispute took place
What You Can Sue For in Florida
You can bring a small claims case for:
Unpaid loans, rent, or wages
Security deposit disputes with landlords
Property damage (auto accidents, personal property)
Breach of contract
Faulty or incomplete services
Unreturned or stolen property
Consumer disputes involving defective products
Florida Small Claims Court Process
Confirm Eligibility – Ensure your claim is $8,000 or less.
Identify the Right Court – File in the County Court where the defendant lives or where the dispute occurred.
Complete Forms – You’ll need a Statement of Claim form, available from the clerk of court in your county.
File Your Claim – Submit forms in person, by mail, or online (if offered by your county). Filing fees range from $55 to $300, depending on the claim amount.
Serve the Defendant – The defendant must be formally notified. Service can be done by the sheriff’s office or a certified process server (fees usually $40–$80).
Pretrial Conference – Florida requires a pretrial hearing where mediation is often encouraged. If the case is not settled, a trial date is set.
Trial/Hearing – Both parties present evidence and witnesses. Either side can use a lawyer, but many people represent themselves in small claims.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Filing to pretrial: 3–8 weeks
Judgment issued: Typically at trial or within a few weeks afterward
Appeals: Either party may appeal within 30 days of the judgment
What Happens If You Win
The court issues a judgment ordering the defendant to pay
If they don’t pay voluntarily, you can use collection tools such as wage garnishment, bank account levies, or liens
What Happens If You Lose
You may have to pay court costs
You can appeal within 30 days
Losing does not create a criminal record — it’s a civil matter only
Serving the Defendant in Florida
Service of process is required. Accepted methods include:
Sheriff’s Office – Common and affordable
Certified Process Server – Often faster if the defendant is avoiding service
Certified Mail – Sometimes allowed, depending on the county and case type
Why Many Start with a Demand Letter
While not legally required in Florida, sending a demand letter first can:
Encourage settlement without court
Show the judge you attempted to resolve the issue
Provide documentation that strengthens your case
💡 Tip: We prepare and send Florida-specific demand letters for $39. Many cases resolve without ever going to court.
How Sue.com Can Help
With our Florida Small Claims Help Package, we:
Guide you to the correct county court and forms
Walk you through filing step by step
Help you prepare evidence and arguments for trial
Provide a Trial Prep Kit to boost confidence for your court date
Offer a $39 Florida Demand Letter add-on that often resolves disputes before court
Resources - Florida Small Claims Court
Florida Courts – Small Claims
Florida Courts Forms – Statement of Claim
https://www.flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Court-Improvement/Forms
Miami-Dade County Clerk – Small Claims
Broward County Clerk of Courts – Small Claims
Orange County (Orlando) Clerk – Small Claims
Hillsborough County (Tampa) Clerk – Small Claims
Step 1
Answer a Few Simple Questions
Tell us what happened — who owes you, how much, and why. Our system guides you step-by-step with no legal jargon.
Step 2
We Draft Your Florida Demand Letter
Using your answers, we instantly generate a professionally written, legally sound Florida demand letter tailored to your situation.
Step 3
We Mail It for You
We print and mail the legal demand letter directly to the recipient via USPS — creating proof you attempted to resolve the matter before court.
Ready to Send Your Florida Demand Letter?
Need Assistance?
Need help?
Find answers
Got questions about how Sue.com works, what’s included in each package, or what happens after your letter is sent? We’ve got you covered — quick, clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
What is the maximum claim amount in Florida small claims?
Up to $8,000, not including court costs, interest, or attorney’s fees.
Do I need a lawyer in Florida small claims court?
No. You can represent yourself, though lawyers are allowed if you want one.
How much does it cost to file?
Between $55 and $300, depending on claim amount.
Is mediation required in Florida small claims?
Yes. Most counties require a pretrial conference with mediation before a trial is scheduled.
How long does the process take?
Usually 1–3 months from filing to final judgment, depending on the court’s schedule.