2026 Guide Mississippi 25 Dispute Types
Mississippi Small Claims Court — Dispute Guides
Select who you're suing for a guide tailored to Mississippi's court rules, the $3,500 limit, and your specific dispute type.
$3,500
SC limit
$35–$60
Filing fee
Justice Court
Court name
Who Are You Suing in Mississippi?
Landlord
$500–$5,000 Security deposits, unpaid repairs & habitability disputes
Mississippi guide →
Contractor
$500–$10,000 Incomplete work, shoddy repairs & contractor fraud
Mississippi guide →
Employer
$200–$7,500 Unpaid wages, last paycheck & withheld commissions
Mississippi guide →
Amazon
$50–$2,000 Damaged goods, undelivered orders & third-party seller disputes
Mississippi guide →
Car Dealer
$500–$10,000 Undisclosed damage, deposit disputes & lemon car issues
Mississippi guide →
Insurance Company
$500–$10,000 Claim denials, underpayment & bad faith delays
Mississippi guide →
Neighbor
$200–$5,000 Property damage, fence disputes & nuisance claims
Mississippi guide →
Mechanic / Auto Shop
$200–$5,000 Overcharges, unauthorized repairs & damage while in their care
Mississippi guide →
Roommate
$200–$5,000 Unpaid rent, stolen deposits & property damage
Mississippi guide →
Airline
$100–$3,000 Canceled flights, baggage loss & denied boarding compensation
Mississippi guide →
Airbnb / VRBO
$200–$3,000 Host disputes, property damage & refund denials
Mississippi guide →
Moving Company
$500–$8,000 Damaged belongings, inflated bills & hostage loads
Mississippi guide →
Online Seller (eBay, Facebook, Craigslist)
$100–$3,000 Misrepresented items, non-delivery & fraud
Mississippi guide →
Dog Owner
$200–$10,000 Bite injuries, property damage & vet bills
Mississippi guide →
Friend or Family Member
$100–$5,000 Unpaid loans, bounced checks & personal money disputes
Mississippi guide →
Uber or Lyft
$100–$5,000 Accidents, overcharges & property damage
Mississippi guide →
Hotel
$100–$5,000 Injury, overcharges & accommodation disputes
Mississippi guide →
Store / Retailer
$50–$3,000 Return disputes, defective products & overcharges
Mississippi guide →
Car Accident (Other Driver)
$500–$10,000 Vehicle damage, injuries & uninsured drivers
Mississippi guide →
Cell Phone Company
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken contracts & deposit disputes
Mississippi guide →
Gym / Fitness Club
$100–$1,500 Membership cancellation disputes & unauthorized charges
Mississippi guide →
Wedding Vendor
$500–$10,000 Deposit disputes, no-shows & broken vendor contracts
Mississippi guide →
Doctor / Medical Provider
$200–$5,000 Billing errors, overcharges & surprise bills
Mississippi guide →
Property Manager
$300–$8,000 Mismanagement, fee disputes & unauthorized charges
Mississippi guide →
Internet / Cable Provider
$100–$2,000 Overcharges, broken speed promises & equipment deposits
Mississippi guide →
Mississippi Small Claims — At a Glance
Court name Justice Court
Maximum claim $3,500
Filing fee range $35–$60
Written contract SoL 3 years
Property damage SoL 3 years
Oral contract SoL 3 years
Mississippi tip
Mississippi has a $3,500 cap — one of the lower limits among US states.Frequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims limit in Mississippi?
The small claims limit in Mississippi is $3,500. This is the maximum dollar amount you can sue for in the Justice Court. If your actual damages exceed this amount, you can reduce your claim to fit within the limit or file in a higher civil court for the full amount.
How do I file a small claims case in Mississippi?
To file a small claims case in Mississippi: (1) get the plaintiff's claim form from the Justice Court or its website; (2) complete it with the defendant's full legal name and address; (3) file at the courthouse and pay the $35–$60 filing fee; (4) serve the defendant; (5) attend your hearing with all evidence.
How long do I have to file a small claims case in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, the statute of limitations for written contracts is 3 years and for oral contracts is 3 years. You must file before this deadline — courts dismiss time-barred claims regardless of merit. The clock starts from the date of the dispute or breach.
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court in Mississippi?
Attorney representation rules in Mississippi small claims court vary. Most small claims cases are handled without lawyers — the simplified process and short hearing times make self-representation practical. If the amount is significant or the issues are complex, a brief attorney consultation before the hearing (not at the hearing) can help you prepare your case.
What happens if I win but the other party doesn't pay in Mississippi?
If the other party refuses to pay your judgment, you can use enforcement tools: wage garnishment, bank account levy, or a property lien recorded with the county. All require a Writ of Execution from the court. Your judgment also earns post-judgment interest while unpaid. See our full Mississippi judgment collection guide for step-by-step enforcement instructions.