Updated May 2026 Florida
Florida Small Claims Court Limit (2026)
The maximum amount you can sue for in Florida small claims court, plus filing fees, statutes of limitation, and court-specific tips.
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
$8,000
Court Limit
5 yrs
Written Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
4 yrs
Oral Contract SOL
Statute of limitations
Small Claims Court Limit Calculator
Select your state to see the maximum amount you can sue for and applicable statutes of limitation.
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Court Limit
Written Contract SOL
Oral Contract SOL
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How to File → Florida Small Claims Court: What You Need to Know
In Florida, small claims cases are heard in the County Court. The maximum amount you can sue for is $8,000.
Tip
Florida filing fees are among the highest in the US — factor this into your breakeven calculation.Filing Fees in Florida
Filing fees in Florida range from $55 to $300 depending on your claim amount. Electronic filing is available.
Statutes of Limitation in Florida
You must file your claim within the applicable statute of limitations:
- Written contracts: 5 years
- Oral contracts: 4 years
- Property damage: 4 years
Florida County Courts charge on a sliding scale. Claims near the $8,000 limit face the highest fees in the range.
Claim too high for small claims?
In most states you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess amount to bring your claim within the Florida limit. It's often worth it to avoid the higher cost and complexity of regular civil court.Can't afford the filing fee?
Ask the court clerk for a fee waiver application (In Forma Pauperis). Most Florida courts waive fees for filers whose income is below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Source: Florida official court website ↗
Frequently Asked Questions — Florida Small Claims
What is the small claims court limit in Florida?
The small claims court limit in Florida is $8,000. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the County Court. Claims exceeding this limit must be filed in a higher civil court.
How much can I sue for in Florida small claims court?
You can sue for up to $8,000 in Florida small claims court. If your actual damages are higher, you can voluntarily reduce (waive) the excess to fit within the limit — often worth doing to avoid the cost and complexity of regular civil court.
What is the statute of limitations for small claims in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations is 5 years for written contract claims and 4 years for oral contract claims. Always file before the deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit.
How do I file a small claims case in Florida?
To file in Florida: (1) get a Plaintiff's Claim form from the County Court clerk or court website, (2) pay the filing fee ($55–$300), (3) serve the defendant, and (4) attend your hearing. See our Florida how-to-file guide for full step-by-step instructions.
What is the County Court in Florida?
Florida's small claims court is called the County Court. It handles civil monetary disputes quickly and affordably, without the formality of regular civil court. Most parties represent themselves without an attorney.
Can I sue for more than $8,000 in Florida small claims?
No — the $8,000 cap is absolute in Florida. You can file in a higher civil court if your claim is larger, or voluntarily reduce your claim to fit within the limit and waive the excess. Splitting one claim into multiple small claims cases to circumvent the cap is not permitted.
Also See for Florida
Florida Filing Fees
Exact court fees to open your case
How to File in Florida
Step-by-step Florida filing guide
Florida Fee Waiver
Waive filing fees if you can't afford them
Being Sued in Florida?
Defendant rights and response guide
Collect a Judgment in Florida
Enforce your judgment after winning
Florida Divorce Fees
Court costs for filing divorce
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