Florida Small Claims Court Limit
Small Claims Court (County Court)
Injury: 2 years
Florida has a mandatory pre-trial mediation requirement in small claims court — parties must attempt mediation before the judge hears the case. This often resolves disputes without a full hearing.
What makes Florida different
Florida is unusual in requiring mandatory pre-trial mediation before a judge will hear your small claims case. Both parties must attend a mediation session, and a trained mediator attempts to broker a settlement. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a hearing before a judge. This adds a step but resolves many disputes faster and cheaper than a trial. Florida also has some of the highest filing fees in the country - up to $300 for claims near the $8,000 limit. Attorneys are allowed, which can create an imbalance if one side hires a lawyer and the other does not. Florida courts offer evening small claims sessions in some counties to accommodate working schedules.
Typical timeline
After filing, the clerk issues a notice of hearing. The defendant must be served at least 5 days before the hearing date. Mediation is scheduled first, typically within 45-60 days of filing.
Statute reference
Fla. Stat. §34.01; Florida Small Claims Rules 7.010-7.230
About Florida Small Claims Court
Florida small claims are filed in County Court and cover disputes up to $8,000. Attorneys are permitted, and the state has a mandatory pre-trial mediation conference that both sides must attend — many cases settle at this stage. The 5-year statute of limitations for written contracts is relatively generous. Filing fees are tiered and can reach $300 for larger claims, making Florida one of the more expensive states to file in. Florida law allows wage garnishment and bank account levies to collect judgments.
Source: Fla. Stat. §34.01; Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010. Official court website →
Texas Plaintiff? Flash Justice Covers Texas.
Flash Justice currently helps people file in Texas Justice Court, which handles claims up to $20,000. If your dispute is in Texas, Flash Justice can prepare your filing.
File in Texas →How Florida Compares
| State | Limit | Court |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $25,000 | Justice of the Peace Court |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | General Sessions Court |
| Minnesota | $20,000 | Conciliation Court |
| Texas | $20,000 | Justice of the Peace Court |
| Utah | $20,000 | Small Claims Court |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Magistrate Court |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | Small Claims Court |
| California | $12,500 | Small Claims Court |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Magisterial District Court |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | Small Claims Court |