Florida Small Claims

In Florida, a Small Claims court is designed to resolve civil disputes with low monetary value in a faster, more accessible way compared with traditional lawsuits. Each state sets its own rules; therefore, understanding Florida’s framework helps consumers, tenants, landlords, and small businesses recover money. This also aids the enforcement of contracts and resolving disagreements efficiently without hiring an attorney.

In Florida, small claims cases are heard in the County Court under the state’s Small Claims Rules, which place importance on early judicial oversight and encourage settlement before trial.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Florida?

Florida small claims actions are civil litigations filed in the County Court when someone is seeking money damages and replevin of personal property within the court’s jurisdictional limit. Often, disputes involve unpaid loans or invoices, security deposit issues, workmanship/contract disagreements, and minor property damages.

The process is simplified, and courts may schedule a mandatory initial pretrial conference. The goal is to achieve early mediation or settlement before a trial.

Small Claims Court Limits in Florida

In Florida, small claims cases have a jurisdictional limit in which the amount claimed is $8,000 or less, excluding court costs, interest, and attorney’s fees. Claims above that benchmark are filed either in the other County Court or Circuit Court. This $8,000 jurisdictional cap is outlined in the County Clerk self-help resources and official court guide.

Who may appear? Parties may proceed with or without legal counsel. Unlike some states, Florida permits attorneys to represent litigants in small claims. However, the process is streamlined with a mandatory pretrial conference that promotes early resolution.

Under Rule 7.150, a jury trial is available in small claims cases only if it is requested in time. Otherwise, the right to a jury is waived, and a judge decides the case.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Florida

The following steps may be utilized for filing a small claims case in Florida:

1) Confirm venue. Litigants are required to file in the county where the defendant lives, the cause of the dispute occurred, or the property involved is located. The local clerk's guidance reinforces venue rules.

2) Prepare the pleadings. Most court clerks provide packets and forms for the Statement of Claim and the Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference (Form 7.322). Florida’s official Small Claims Rules include these standardized forms. Also, a Pretrial Conference Order and Notice of Trial are often issued after initial filing.

3) File and pay fees. Filing fees are set locally and vary based on the amount in controversy. County self-help resources provide up-to-date schedules and offer guided e-filing systems with scanning instructions. Also, many clerks allow walk-in filing for self-represented litigants at the courthouse location.

4) Serve the defendant. Service may be made by a sheriff or a certified/appointed process server. Some clerks allow service by certified mail in limited cases; you may check your county rules if this applies. Furthermore, the court with jurisdiction over the case will request proof of service before a pretrial conference. This ensures the defendant is properly notified of the lawsuit and the scheduled court date.

5) Pretrial conference and mediation. After filing, the court issues a Notice to Appear for Pretrial to both parties. At pretrial, the judge addresses pleadings and refers the parties to mediation. Mediation is often mandatory unless there is a valid reason not to consider it. If a case is unresolved, the court schedules a trial and enters a Pretrial Conference Order with deadlines.

Individuals are required to bring a well-organized packet that supports their claims. Such documents include contracts, invoices, photos, messages, and names of witnesses. They are obligated to present this evidence at pretrial, even if the case was settled through mediation, as this facilitates trial proceedings.

Small Claims Court in Major Florida Cities

Since small claims cases are handled at the county level, anyone may file them with the local Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller (they serve both Circuit and County Courts). The following are the locations and resources across several Florida counties where the public may file small claims cases:

• Miami-Dade County (Miami): The clerk’s small claims page provides information on the eligibility, venue, and filing options. It offers a “Small Claims Court Process” guide that the public may download and find a list of locations where residents may file a small claims case. The locations include Miami Beach, Hialeah, and the North Dade Justice Center.
• Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach): It confirms the $8,000 limit for small claims cases; this excludes costs, interest, and attorney fees. It also offers a self-service tool for filing.
• Orange County (Orlando): “The My eClerk” portal allows the public to find civil records and other case access in the County Court. In addition, the public has access to filing and fee details on the clerk’s website.

Local clerk websites also provide links to form packets, fee schedules, and contact information for Self-Help Centers regarding legal assistance.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Florida

If the case is unresolved at pretrial or by mediation, the court may schedule a bench trial or a jury trial if properly demanded. Although trials are brief and managed by judges, the rules of evidence are flexible. Litigants are to authenticate documents and present witnesses clearly and concisely. Judges may announce a decision after a hearing or issue a short written order afterwards.

Appeals. Final small claims judgments may be appealed to the appropriate appellate division within strict jurisdictional deadlines. If you win a money judgment, it does not automatically mean that you will get paid. You are required to record the judgment (to create a lien) or pursue garnishment or execution. The County Court and the Florida Supreme Court offer brochures that explain post-judgment tools and how to enforce liens.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Florida

Most small claims case information is public unless it is sealed by law or court order. The available information on this website includes case number, party names, docket entries, hearings, and dispositions/judgments. Although access varies by county, the public may obtain small case judgment records via:

1. Civitek Florida – Online Court Records Search Portal (centralized index). To view available registers of actions, you are required to select a county to proceed. Access depends on whether a clerk has integrated their system with Civitek.
2. County Clerk Portals.
   • Orange County (Orlando): Orange County residents may retrieve small claims case records on the centralized eClerk portal. This allows individuals to search records by name or case number.
   • Pinellas County (St. Petersburg/Clearwater): Each county has a portal where the public may view records. Anyone may find the court calendar and perform a civil case search. The clerk of the court often assists litigants in navigating the litigation process by posting small claims sheets and forms on their website.
   • Miami-Dade County: The clerk’s website often provides filing instructions and links to records and civil divisions.
3. Statewide e-Filing Portal (for filers). Attorneys and registered users may file a case and submit documents using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal. While the portal is not a public search tool, it is used across Florida and serves as a centralized entry point for electronic filings and case submissions.

Sensitive information, such as personal identifiers and Social Security numbers, is redacted from online access. Certain documents may be requested in person or via formal requests to the clerk, as they are not available online. Individuals may verify case information using the official county court portal, as third-party sites may not provide up-to-date information.