Georgia Small Claims Court Limit
Magistrate Court
Injury: 2 years
Georgia's Magistrate Court has no limit on security deposit cases — landlord-tenant security deposit disputes can exceed the $15,000 general cap.
What makes Georgia different
Georgia stands out with its $15,000 small claims limit - one of the highest in the country - and an exception for security deposit disputes where there is no dollar cap at all. This makes Magistrate Court a powerful option for tenants seeking to recover deposits regardless of amount. Cases are heard by magistrates rather than judges, and the process is designed to be informal and accessible. Georgia also allows counterclaims in small claims, so defendants can file their own claim against you in the same proceeding. If either party loses, they can appeal to Superior Court for a completely new trial. Filing fees are modest at $50-$100.
Typical timeline
After filing, the court issues a summons. The defendant must be served at least 5 days before the hearing. Hearings are generally set within 30-45 days of filing.
Statute reference
Ga. Code Ann. § 15-10-2; § 15-10-40 et seq.
Official court website
https://georgiacourts.gov/courts/magistrate-court/About Georgia Small Claims Court
Georgia small claims are heard in Magistrate Court and cover disputes up to $15,000 — among the higher limits nationally. Attorneys are allowed. Georgia has no cap on security deposit disputes, making it a strong venue for tenants. The 6-year statute of limitations for written contracts is generous. Filing fees vary by county but are generally under $100. Cases are typically decided by a magistrate, and losing parties have the right to appeal to Superior Court.
Source: Ga. Code Ann. § 15-10-2. 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 Georgia 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 |