Updated May 2026 Broward County, FL County Court
Broward County, FL Small Claims Court (2026)
Sue for up to $8,000 in Broward County Court — no attorney required. Court address in Fort Lauderdale, filing fees, mediation process, and step-by-step filing guide.
$8,000
Claim limit
$55-$400
Filing fee
60-90 days
Hearing wait
5 yrs
Written contract SOL
LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team
Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed:
Not legal advice. Court fees and procedures are sourced from official Florida court websites and state statutes (Fla. Stat. Ch. 34; Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010 et seq.). Verify current information at flcourts.gov before filing. See our data methodology →
Broward County Court — Civil Division (Small Claims)
Address (Main)
201 SE 6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Contact & Hours
Phone: (954) 831-7788
Mon—Fri: 8:00 a.m. — 5:00 p.m.
Closed state holidays
Filing Fee Schedule
Up to $100: $55
$101-$500: $80
$501-$2,500: $175
$2,501-$5,000: $300
$5,001-$8,000: $400
Service of Process
Sheriff service: ~$40
Process server: $50-$100
Certified mail (some cases): $10-$15
Florida small claims includes a mandatory mediation step
Unlike most states, Florida requires small claims parties to attend a pre-trial mediation session before seeing a judge (Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090). In Broward County, the mediation is handled by trained mediators and is free or low-cost for qualifying filers. Many cases settle at mediation without needing a full hearing — prepare your documentation as thoroughly as if going to trial.
How to File Small Claims in Broward County, FL
1
Confirm your claim is $8,000 or under
Florida County Court small claims jurisdiction covers money disputes up to $8,000 (raised from $5,000 in January 2020 per Fla. Stat. § 34.01). Claims above $8,000 go to the Circuit Court Civil Division. You cannot reduce a larger claim to fit small claims.
2
Complete the Statement of Claim (Form 7.322)
Download the Statement of Claim (Florida Form 7.322) from flcourts.gov or pick one up at 201 SE 6th St. Enter the defendant's full legal name and address, the amount claimed, and a clear factual basis. Attach any supporting documents.
3
File at the courthouse and pay the fee
Bring your Statement of Claim and filing fee to the Broward County Clerk's civil division at 201 SE 6th St. Fees range from $55-$400 depending on claim amount. The clerk will assign your case number, a pre-trial conference date, and a mediation appointment.
4
Arrange service on the defendant
Request Sheriff service ($40) at the time of filing. Service on businesses: serve the registered agent — not a store employee. Look up Florida registered agents at dos.fl.gov/sunbiz/. Service must be completed before the pre-trial conference date.
5
Attend the pre-trial conference and mediation
Florida requires a pre-trial conference — usually scheduled 3-6 weeks after filing. A mediator will help both sides reach an agreement. Come prepared with all your evidence; many cases resolve here without going to a judge. If mediation fails, you'll be scheduled for trial.
6
Prepare your evidence for trial
Three copies of all documents: contracts, invoices, photos, texts, bank records. Broward County judges run busy dockets — present a clear, organized case. If you settled at mediation, the agreed amount is entered as a court order. If not, present your case at trial and the judge rules the same day.
Florida Statute of Limitations
| Claim Type | Time Limit | Florida Statute |
|---|---|---|
| Written contracts | 5 years | § 95.11(2)(b) |
| Oral contracts | 4 years | § 95.11(3)(k) |
| Property damage | 4 years | § 95.11(3)(c) |
| Personal injury | 2 years | § 95.11(4)(a) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Broward County, FL?
The small claims limit in Broward County, FL is $8,000 — the Florida statewide cap under Fla. Stat. § 34.01, raised from $5,000 to $8,000 effective January 2020. Claims above $8,000 go to the Broward County Circuit Court Civil Division, which has stricter filing requirements.
Where do I file small claims in Broward County?
File at the Broward County Courthouse Civil Division, located at 201 SE 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 831-7788. Hours are Mon—Fri, 8:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. Broward County also has satellite courthouses in North Lauderdale and Plantation — file in the division covering the defendant's address or where the dispute occurred.
How much does it cost to file small claims in Broward County?
Florida small claims filing fees (Fla. Stat. § 34.041): $55 for claims up to $100; $80 for $101-$500; $175 for $501-$2,500; $300 for $2,501-$5,000; $400 for $5,001-$8,000. Sheriff service adds approximately $40 per defendant. Total upfront cost: $95-$440.
Is mediation required in Broward County small claims court?
Yes. Florida small claims court typically requires pre-trial mediation (Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090). In Broward County, after filing, cases are referred to mediation before reaching a judge. Mediation is free or low-cost for small claims. Many cases settle at mediation — if you reach agreement, it is entered as a court order. If mediation fails, the case proceeds to a hearing before the judge.
How long does small claims court take in Broward County?
Broward County small claims cases typically take 60-90 days from filing to hearing. After filing, you'll be scheduled for a pre-trial conference and mediation session. Budget 3-4 months for a fully contested case that goes to a judge.
Can I file small claims online in Broward County?
Broward County offers e-filing through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal at myflcourtaccess.com. E-filing is available for small claims and adds a small convenience fee on top of court fees. In-person filing is also available at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse.
Trusted by millions
Ready to File? Prepare Your Documents First
LegalZoom helps you draft a demand letter and small claims filing forms — reviewed by attorneys. A strong demand letter resolves many disputes before you set foot in court.
★★★★☆41M+ customers