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What is the small claims limit and filing fees in Florida
Use the free tool — Small Claims Letter FL
What Florida small claims covers
Florida small claims handles disputes up to $8,000, heard in county court, without needing a lawyer. This is the track for a deposit not returned, a contractor who took the money and left, a seller who shipped nothing, or a roommate who skipped on the bills.
The $8,000 limit
If what you're owed is $8,000 or less, small claims is the right court. If it's more, the case falls outside small claims entirely — a different court process applies, and you should confirm with a professional or the clerk's office how that works.
Filing fees
Filing fees are set by the amount of the claim, and they vary slightly from county to county. The material behind this guide doesn't list exact dollar figures for every fee tier — the clerk of court in the county where you file is the final authority on what you'll owe and how to pay it.
The pre-trial conference
Small claims cases in Florida include a pre-trial conference along the way — a step before the actual trial. Details of what happens at that conference, and what's expected of you, are best confirmed with your county clerk's self-help centre.
Deadlines: the demand letter and the statute of limitations
Before you file, a demand letter with a response date shows the court you tried to resolve things first. Separately, your kind of claim has its own statute of limitations under Fla. Stat. 95.11 — miss it, and you may lose the right to sue at all. Confirm exact deadlines with your county clerk or a professional before relying on them.
What's outside small claims
- Claims over $8,000
- Claims against a government entity
- Most landlord evictions
- Business invoices — use Invoice Chaser instead
Free help is also available through your county clerk's self-help centre and floridalawhelp.org.
What to do next
The free tool behind this guide reads your own description of what happened — who, how much, why, when, what you've asked for, and what proof you have. It drafts a firm demand letter with a response date computed, points to the small-claims rules and statute of limitations that fit your kind of claim, and lists what to gather for filing: where to file, the statement of claim, service, and the pre-trial conference. This is not legal advice and cannot predict what a judge will decide — confirm anything specific to your case with your county clerk or a professional.
Small Claims Letter FL is an informational tool based on the Florida Small Claims Rules, Fla. Stat. 34.041, 83.49 and 95.11 as of 2025–26. It is not legal advice and does not file anything. Filing fees and procedures vary slightly by county; the clerk of court is the authority. It is for individuals; businesses chasing invoices should use Invoice Chaser. It is not affiliated with any court or agency.