Overview

In Florida, a small claims case is a county court action for civil disputes up to $8,000, excluding costs, interest, and attorneys’ fees. The process is intentionally streamlined: you file a short Statement of Claim, the clerk sets an early pretrial conference, and many cases resolve through on-the-spot mediation. If settlement fails, the court schedules a simple trial. Small claims is designed to be fast, practical, and accessible to self-represented people and small businesses.

Key procedural features include an initial pretrial conference (mediation may occur then) and a requirement that whoever appears for a party has full settlement authority. Discovery is limited, though a judge can expand it. You can file at the clerk’s office or electronically through the statewide e-filing portal where permitted. The emphasis is on clear facts, concise evidence, and timely service of process so the court can reach a practical resolution without the formality of extensive motion practice.

Who Benefits and Who Can Apply

Who benefits. Individuals, tenants, landlords (for money claims only), consumers, and small businesses with straightforward money disputes often gain the most. Typical matters include unpaid invoices, deposits, vehicle/repair disputes, simple contract claims, and minor property damage at or under $8,000. The forum’s speed and informality reduce friction and cost for low-dollar cases.

Who can apply (including on behalf of someone else). Any adult may file within the dollar limit. A business can sue; for court appearances, Florida practice generally allows a principal (e.g., officer, member, or managing partner) or an authorized employee with written authority to appear in small claims; however, appeals by entities typically require a licensed attorney. Parents/guardians may file on behalf of minors when appropriate, and fiduciaries (e.g., personal representatives) may file for estates where the claim concerns the estate’s interests.

Benefits of Small Claims in Florida

• Speed & simplicity: short pleadings, early pretrial, and on-site mediation encourage quick outcomes.
• Lower cost profile: filing and service fees are generally modest compared to higher civil divisions; many allowable costs can be added to a judgment if you win.
• Flexible resolution: payment plans and stipulated judgments are common, matching the practical realities of low-dollar disputes.

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Confirm your claim fits small claims (≤ $8,000 and money-only)

Before you invest time or filing fees, you must confirm that your dispute actually belongs in Florida’s small-claims division. The small-claims process is intentionally streamlined to handle straightforward money disputes—things like unpaid invoices, botched repairs, or security-deposit refunds—without the cost or complexity of full civil litigation. The first gate is the monetary limit: the principal amount of your claim cannot exceed $8,000, exclusive of court costs, interest, or attorney’s fees the court may later award. This ceiling is set by Rule 7.010 of the Florida Small Claims Rules and is non-negotiable. If you demand more than $8,000, the clerk must classify your case as county or circuit civil, which carries higher fees and stricter procedural rules. You may, however, choose to waive the excess voluntarily and proceed in small claims to gain faster scheduling and simpler hearings.

Confirm also that you are seeking money only. Small claims courts cannot issue injunctions, restraining orders, or orders to perform work (“specific performance”). If you need the defendant to finish a job or return specific property, you likely need county or circuit civil jurisdiction. The court can, however, award the value of that property in dollars. The distinction matters because judges in this division focus on quantifiable losses that can be proven with ordinary documents—receipts, contracts, photographs, or bank statements—not expert reports or lengthy discovery.

Next, pressure-test whether your story fits the format. Ask yourself:

• Can I summarize what happened in two or three sentences without legal jargon?
• Is there a clear date the money became due or the service failed?
• Do I have tangible proof—like texts, emails, or invoices—that support my version?
• Can the witnesses I need appear in person or virtually within a few weeks?

If any answer is “no,” you may be forcing a complex dispute into a forum designed for speed. Cases involving multiple contracts, expert opinions, or ongoing business relationships often exceed what a small-claims hearing can resolve in its brief timeframe.

Just as important is identifying the right defendant. Many claims fail not on facts but on naming the wrong party—for instance, suing “Joe’s Auto” instead of “Joe’s Auto Repair, LLC.” Before filing, confirm the legal name through the Florida Division of Corporations (Sunbiz) or the local property appraiser’s database. Write it exactly as registered, including “Inc.” or “LLC,” and list a physical address suitable for service. If you are suing an individual, verify their current residence; post-office boxes are not valid for service of process.

Evaluate the collectability of your target. A judgment is valuable only if you can collect it. Check whether the defendant has wages, a business, or property in Florida. A small-claims judgment is enforceable statewide for up to 20 years, but it does not create money automatically—you may need garnishment or levy procedures later. If the defendant is unemployed or asset-poor, a quick settlement might be more practical than chasing payment.

Finally, weigh the trade-offs. Small claims offers speed—many cases finish within 60–90 days—and minimal paperwork, but it limits remedies and appeal rights. If your dispute is slightly above the cap, ask whether recovering that extra few hundred dollars justifies months of additional litigation. Many savvy plaintiffs choose to cap their claim at $8,000 to benefit from mediation, early hearing dates, and lower attorney exposure. Others with legally complex matters (construction defects, multi-party contracts) wisely opt for the slower but fuller county-civil process.

In summary, Step 1 is your “fit check.” Verify that your dispute involves a liquidated sum under $8,000, concerns money damages only, targets the correct legal entity, and is backed by clear evidence. Doing this homework prevents procedural detours and sets the stage for an efficient, credible presentation once you file.

Step 2: Map your facts and calculate damages with evidence

A small claims case in Florida rises or falls on how clearly you document your losses. Judges and mediators work under intense time limits—often hearing several cases an hour—so your presentation must make the facts and dollar amounts immediately obvious. Begin by building a concise “fact map.” Create a three-column chart titled Date, Event, and Exhibit. Every major transaction or communication should occupy a single line: “03/15/2025 — Paid $1,200 deposit for roof repair — Ex. A (receipt).” This one-page chronology becomes the backbone of your case; it communicates sequence and logic faster than any narrative.

Next, assemble a “damages ledger.” This is your accounting of the exact dollars you are claiming, supported by documentation. Divide it into clear categories—principal, replacement or repair cost, refund owed, and any interest or court costs you are legally permitted to claim. For example: “Principal: $1,200; Replacement cost: $480 (roof patch invoice, Ex. D); Court costs: $185.” Avoid inflating numbers or adding speculative amounts such as time spent or stress suffered; Florida small claims courts award only quantifiable monetary losses. Judges often award less when they sense rounding or exaggeration.

Then gather your proof. Favor clean, legible documents over long printouts. Receipts, bank statements, canceled checks, or screenshots showing payments and communications are ideal. Label each piece of evidence in the top-right corner—Exhibit A, B, C—and reference those labels in your timeline. Color or number-coding by theme (contracts in the A series, communications in the B series, payments in the C series) helps you flip quickly in court. Organize digital files so you can print a complete binder if the judge requests physical copies.

Include photographs or videos where they add clarity—such as property damage, poor workmanship, or defective goods. Use high-resolution images printed on letter paper so details are visible without zooming. Caption each photo with a date and brief description: “Ex. F — Ceiling leak directly below unrepaired section (4/22/2025).” Judges appreciate clarity more than quantity; five crisp, dated photos beat fifty unorganized phone screenshots.

Finally, summarize your entire claim in one or two sentences at the bottom of your notes: “I paid $1,200 for roof repair on March 15. The contractor never completed the work or refunded the payment, despite multiple written requests.” Everything else—your exhibits, ledger, and timeline—should point back to those sentences. This clarity ensures that when your case is called, you can articulate the who, what, when, and how much in under a minute. The more disciplined your fact and damage mapping, the easier it becomes for a judge to award what you’re owed.

Step 3: Choose the correct county (venue) and defendant name

Venue—the choice of which county court hears your case—is not optional. Filing in the wrong county can result in transfer, dismissal, or wasted fees. Florida’s small claims venue rules are straightforward but strict: you must file where (1) the defendant resides, (2) the cause of action arose, or (3) the property in dispute is located. This ensures that cases are heard in the most logical and fair location.

Start by identifying the defendant’s correct address. Use the most recent information from contracts, invoices, or correspondence. For individuals, it’s their current residence—not a past one. For businesses, check the Sunbiz registry (Florida Department of State Division of Corporations) for the official entity name, business address, and registered agent. If your invoice lists “Sunshine Pools,” but Sunbiz shows “Sunshine Pools of Tampa, LLC,” that full legal name and agent address must appear on your claim. Filing against a “doing business as” (DBA) name can make enforcing a judgment nearly impossible.

If multiple defendants share responsibility—say, a contractor and the company employing them—you may include both, but each must have an address where service can be accomplished. Confirm those addresses before filing. If one defendant has moved out of county or state, verify whether Florida retains jurisdiction (for example, if the transaction or property was located in Florida).

Consider also where the events occurred. If a car repair went wrong in Orlando, you can typically sue in Orange County even if the shop owner has since moved to another part of Florida. For landlord-tenant disputes involving security deposits, file where the rental property is located. These location rules also affect how you’ll serve the defendant—choosing a distant or incorrect county can mean higher service costs or failed attempts, delaying your pretrial date.

Finally, visit your chosen county clerk’s website to confirm filing logistics. Each county may have slightly different administrative rules: some require in-person appointments or additional local cover sheets. Confirm filing hours, accepted payment methods, and whether e-filing or drop-box submission is available. Doing this diligence before you file avoids rejections and keeps your timeline intact.

The defendant’s name and the filing county form the “jurisdictional spine” of your case. Get them right the first time and you’ll proceed smoothly through service, mediation, and trial. Get them wrong and you may spend months correcting avoidable errors. Treat this step as legal housekeeping that underwrites the entire case—accuracy here pays off every time you need to enforce or collect your judgment later.

Step 2: Map your facts and calculate damages with evidence

A small claims case in Florida rises or falls on how clearly you document your losses. Judges and mediators work under intense time limits—often hearing several cases an hour—so your presentation must make the facts and dollar amounts immediately obvious. Begin by building a concise “fact map.” Create a three-column chart titled Date, Event, and Exhibit. Every major transaction or communication should occupy a single line: “03/15/2025 — Paid $1,200 deposit for roof repair — Ex. A (receipt).” This one-page chronology becomes the backbone of your case; it communicates sequence and logic faster than any narrative.

Next, assemble a “damages ledger.” This is your accounting of the exact dollars you are claiming, supported by documentation. Divide it into clear categories—principal, replacement or repair cost, refund owed, and any interest or court costs you are legally permitted to claim. For example: “Principal: $1,200; Replacement cost: $480 (roof patch invoice, Ex. D); Court costs: $185.” Avoid inflating numbers or adding speculative amounts such as time spent or stress suffered; Florida small claims courts award only quantifiable monetary losses. Judges often award less when they sense rounding or exaggeration.

Then gather your proof. Favor clean, legible documents over long printouts. Receipts, bank statements, canceled checks, or screenshots showing payments and communications are ideal. Label each piece of evidence in the top-right corner—Exhibit A, B, C—and reference those labels in your timeline. Color or number-coding by theme (contracts in the A series, communications in the B series, payments in the C series) helps you flip quickly in court. Organize digital files so you can print a complete binder if the judge requests physical copies.

Include photographs or videos where they add clarity—such as property damage, poor workmanship, or defective goods. Use high-resolution images printed on letter paper so details are visible without zooming. Caption each photo with a date and brief description: “Ex. F — Ceiling leak directly below unrepaired section (4/22/2025).” Judges appreciate clarity more than quantity; five crisp, dated photos beat fifty unorganized phone screenshots.

Finally, summarize your entire claim in one or two sentences at the bottom of your notes: “I paid $1,200 for roof repair on March 15. The contractor never completed the work or refunded the payment, despite multiple written requests.” Everything else—your exhibits, ledger, and timeline—should point back to those sentences. This clarity ensures that when your case is called, you can articulate the who, what, when, and how much in under a minute. The more disciplined your fact and damage mapping, the easier it becomes for a judge to award what you’re owed.

Step 3: Choose the correct county (venue) and defendant name

Venue—the choice of which county court hears your case—is not optional. Filing in the wrong county can result in transfer, dismissal, or wasted fees. Florida’s small claims venue rules are straightforward but strict: you must file where (1) the defendant resides, (2) the cause of action arose, or (3) the property in dispute is located. This ensures that cases are heard in the most logical and fair location.

Start by identifying the defendant’s correct address. Use the most recent information from contracts, invoices, or correspondence. For individuals, it’s their current residence—not a past one. For businesses, check the Sunbiz registry (Florida Department of State Division of Corporations) for the official entity name, business address, and registered agent. If your invoice lists “Sunshine Pools,” but Sunbiz shows “Sunshine Pools of Tampa, LLC,” that full legal name and agent address must appear on your claim. Filing against a “doing business as” (DBA) name can make enforcing a judgment nearly impossible.

If multiple defendants share responsibility—say, a contractor and the company employing them—you may include both, but each must have an address where service can be accomplished. Confirm those addresses before filing. If one defendant has moved out of county or state, verify whether Florida retains jurisdiction (for example, if the transaction or property was located in Florida).

Consider also where the events occurred. If a car repair went wrong in Orlando, you can typically sue in Orange County even if the shop owner has since moved to another part of Florida. For landlord-tenant disputes involving security deposits, file where the rental property is located. These location rules also affect how you’ll serve the defendant—choosing a distant or incorrect county can mean higher service costs or failed attempts, delaying your pretrial date.

Finally, visit your chosen county clerk’s website to confirm filing logistics. Each county may have slightly different administrative rules: some require in-person appointments or additional local cover sheets. Confirm filing hours, accepted payment methods, and whether e-filing or drop-box submission is available. Doing this diligence before you file avoids rejections and keeps your timeline intact.

The defendant’s name and the filing county form the “jurisdictional spine” of your case. Get them right the first time and you’ll proceed smoothly through service, mediation, and trial. Get them wrong and you may spend months correcting avoidable errors. Treat this step as legal housekeeping that underwrites the entire case—accuracy here pays off every time you need to enforce or collect your judgment later.

Step 6: Serve the defendant correctly and on time

Proper service of process is what gives the Florida court power over the defendant. Without valid service, a judge cannot enter any enforceable order—even if the defendant knows about the lawsuit. Rule 7.070 of the Florida Small Claims Rules incorporates the same strict requirements used in larger civil cases, so precision matters.

Begin service immediately after filing. Obtain from the clerk one copy of the Summons/Notice to Appear for each defendant, along with a filed copy of your Statement of Claim. Deliver these to either (1) the sheriff’s civil process division in the county where the defendant can be found, or (2) a certified private process server authorized by that county’s chief judge. Sheriff’s offices typically charge $40–$60 per defendant; private servers may charge slightly more but move faster and provide online tracking.

Give your server complete information: the defendant’s full legal name, street address, alternate addresses (workplace, registered agent, or mailing address), and a short physical description if available. For business defendants, attach a Sunbiz printout showing the registered agent’s address and note that the papers must be delivered specifically to that agent. If the defendant is a corporation with multiple offices, the registered agent’s address is the safest choice—service on a random employee may later be ruled invalid.

Florida permits only limited alternatives when personal delivery fails. After at least two good-faith attempts at different times of day, you may request substituted service—delivery to a co-resident 15 or older at the defendant’s home—followed by mailing a copy to the same address. For business defendants, leaving papers with the person in charge at the office is acceptable under §48.081 Fla. Stat. If the defendant cannot be found despite diligent search, you may petition the court for permission to serve by publication, though that process is slower and costlier.

Track every attempt. Good servers provide an affidavit listing dates, times, and results (“Attempt 1 – 5/2 at 6 p.m. – no answer; lights on”). Review this return carefully before filing; minor typos in addresses or names can void service. File the Return of Service with the clerk as soon as it is signed and notarized. Until that document is in the file, the judge cannot proceed at pretrial.

If your pretrial date approaches and service is still pending, do not panic—ask the clerk to continue the hearing so service can be perfected rather than risking dismissal. Judges appreciate proactive communication. In multi-defendant cases, one defendant being unserved does not delay the others, but you should notify the court of partial service status at the first appearance.

Common mistakes include: mailing the papers yourself (not allowed unless expressly ordered), serving by regular mail only, or delivering papers to the wrong person. Each error can restart your timeline. Treat service as a miniature project—assign it, follow up, verify completion, and document every step. Doing so virtually guarantees that your case moves to pretrial without procedural hurdles.

Step 7: Attend the pretrial conference (mediation happens early)

The pretrial conference is the first time you appear before a judge in a Florida small-claims case. It usually occurs within 30–60 days of filing and serves two purposes: (1) to confirm that every party has been properly served and is ready to proceed, and (2) to encourage early settlement through on-site mediation. Attendance is mandatory; failure to appear can lead to dismissal (for plaintiffs) or default judgment (for defendants).

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring your driver’s license, a notebook, one spare copy of the Statement of Claim, and your key exhibits (receipts, contracts, photos). Dress neatly but comfortably. When the clerk calls the docket, answer clearly: “Present, Your Honor.” The judge will confirm service status and then refer most cases to mediation that same day. Mediation is free and confidential. A volunteer or court-approved mediator will escort you and the defendant to a separate room to explore settlement options.

Use mediation strategically. Begin with your concise two-sentence summary—what happened and what you want. Bring copies of invoices or messages that illustrate your point. Listen carefully; many defendants concede partial liability or propose payment plans once they see your preparation. You are not required to accept any offer, but if you reach agreement, insist that it be written, signed, and filed before leaving. A signed mediation agreement becomes enforceable as a court order under Rule 1.730, Fla. R. Civ. P.

If mediation fails, the mediator reports “no agreement,” and the judge will immediately schedule a trial date—often 30 to 90 days out. The judge may also issue limited procedural orders: deadlines to exchange exhibits, witness lists, or discovery requests. Take careful notes; missing those mini-deadlines can bar you from using evidence later. Politely ask the judge to clarify anything unclear (“Your Honor, may I confirm the trial date and exhibit exchange deadline?”).

Always bring authority to settle. If you represent a business or family member, you must have written authorization to negotiate and sign. Judges can sanction parties who appear without it. Keep your demeanor calm and professional even if the other side is hostile—the mediator and judge are evaluating credibility from the moment you walk in.

Before leaving, double-check the next hearing date on your paperwork and verify that your mailing and email addresses are correct in the docket. Obtain a stamped copy of any mediation agreement or scheduling order. When you get home, create a folder labeled “Trial Preparation” and place inside it: the case schedule, mediation notes, and any new evidence requests.

Handled properly, pretrial is not just a procedural hurdle—it’s an opportunity. Many cases settle here because both parties finally sit in the same room with a neutral mediator. Even if yours does not, you’ll walk out knowing exactly what to expect and how to prepare for the next stage.

Step 8: Prepare for trial with a focused, document-first case theory

Trial preparation is where discipline and simplicity win. Florida small-claims hearings are fast—often limited to fifteen minutes—so you must make every document and sentence count. Begin by writing a one-page “case theory” summarizing three things: what happened, why it matters, and what exact dollar figure you want the court to award. Example: “Plaintiff paid $1,200 for roof repair on 3/15/25; defendant failed to perform; plaintiff seeks refund plus $185 costs.” This statement becomes your compass: every exhibit, question, and comment must reinforce it.

Next, design your exhibit binder. Divide it into tabbed sections—A (Contracts), B (Payments), C (Communications), D (Photos). Each exhibit should be legible, dated, and clearly referenced in your timeline. Judges appreciate when litigants hand up well-organized packets rather than loose papers. Make three identical sets: one for the court, one for yourself, and one for the opposing party. Insert an index page listing exhibit numbers, short descriptions, and page counts.

Identify your witnesses early. Anyone with firsthand knowledge—yourself, a technician, a neighbor who observed the damage—should be prepared to testify briefly and specifically. Reach out to confirm availability on the trial date. If a witness will not come voluntarily, file a subpoena request with the clerk at least two weeks in advance and arrange for service with the sheriff or a certified server. Tender the $5 statutory witness fee when required; failure to do so can invalidate the subpoena.

Anticipate the other side’s defenses. Think through likely arguments—payment, performance, defective product, or “not my responsibility.” Prepare one-sentence factual rebuttals supported by documents. Example: “Defendant claims refund issued 4/1/25; bank records (Ex. C) show no deposit.” Practice these aloud so you can answer quickly if questioned. If you borrowed money or accepted partial payment, prepare to acknowledge it and show your recalculated balance.

Rehearse your testimony. Practice telling your story chronologically, not argumentatively. Keep it conversational but structured: who, what, when, how much. Avoid reading from notes; speak to the judge, not the paper. Judges remember witnesses who appear organized, honest, and concise. Five focused minutes of clear facts outweigh twenty of scattered emotion.

Finally, handle logistics. Confirm the courtroom location and parking, bring ID, extra pens, and a notepad. Silence your phone. Arrange childcare or work leave so you are not rushed. Review local administrative orders for small-claims trial decorum; some counties require digital copies or pre-filed exhibit lists. Completing these small tasks in advance allows you to focus entirely on clarity and persuasion when the hearing begins.

A document-first, calmly delivered presentation demonstrates credibility and respect for the court’s limited time—qualities that often tip borderline cases in your favor.

Step 9: Present your case on hearing day—clear, calm, and chronological

On the day of trial, punctuality and organization matter as much as the law itself. Arrive at least thirty minutes early, check the posted docket, and let the bailiff know you are present. Bring your three exhibit binders, timeline, damages ledger, and any witnesses. When called, walk to the table confidently, place your materials neatly, and wait for the judge to begin.

When invited to speak, start with a short opening statement—thirty seconds describing the essence of your case: “Your Honor, this is a refund dispute. I paid $1,200 for roof work never performed. I’m requesting reimbursement plus costs.” Avoid argument or emotion; just outline the story. Then move chronologically through your evidence. Offer each document before discussing it: “Exhibit A is the signed contract dated 3/10/25 showing payment.” Hand a copy to the clerk or opposing party when prompted.

Testify clearly and answer the judge’s questions directly with dates or exhibit numbers. If opposing counsel objects, stop talking and let the judge rule; professionalism earns trust. Keep witnesses brief—limit them to firsthand observations, not opinions. If a defendant admits part of your claim, note it politely for the record. Judges appreciate restraint.

After presenting your evidence, summarize succinctly: restate the timeline, cite key exhibits, and state your exact requested judgment (“$1,200 plus $185 in filing and service costs”). Hand the judge a short written summary or damages sheet if permitted—it reinforces precision. Do not interrupt the other party’s presentation; take notes instead so you can address inaccuracies on rebuttal.

During closing, focus on fairness and proof: “I met my burden by showing payment, non-performance, and loss. The exhibits confirm these facts.” Avoid personal attacks or emotional appeals. Judges value calm persistence over theatrics. Even if the defendant is hostile, remain composed; demeanor influences credibility.

If you win, ask politely that the judgment include taxable costs and statutory interest under §55.03 Fla. Stat. The judge will either announce a ruling immediately or mail it later. If you lose, request clarification of reasoning and note the date judgment is entered—you may have limited time to appeal (typically 30 days).

Whatever the outcome, maintain professionalism. The court staff may interact with you again during collection or post-judgment motions; courtesy today pays dividends later.

Step 10: Post-judgment—collect efficiently and document everything

Winning your small-claims case is only half the journey; collecting on the judgment turns that paper victory into real compensation. Once the judge signs the final judgment, request a certified copy from the clerk for your records. Within a few days, send the defendant a courteous written demand for payment, attaching the judgment and specifying where and how to pay. Many defendants pay promptly once they realize the order is final and enforceable.

If payment does not arrive, Florida law offers several enforcement tools. You may:

• Schedule a judgment debtor examination under Fla. R. Civ. P. 1.560 to question the defendant under oath about income, bank accounts, and assets.
• Obtain a writ of execution allowing the sheriff to seize non-exempt property or bank funds to satisfy the judgment.
• Record a certified copy of the judgment in the county’s official records to create a lien against any real property the debtor owns there.
• Seek a wage garnishment order if the debtor is employed and not exempt under federal or state law.

Keep a detailed ledger of every enforcement cost—sheriff’s fees, certified mail, and interest. These amounts often become recoverable. Under §55.03 Fla. Stat., judgments accrue interest at the statutory rate set annually by the Chief Financial Officer; update this figure periodically to calculate accurate balances. If partial payments are made, record dates and remaining principal clearly.

Communication often solves collection faster than enforcement. A short letter proposing a structured payment plan (for example, “$200 per month for six months”) can yield cooperation without further filings. Always confirm any plan in writing and specify default consequences. Do not accept cash without issuing receipts; keep every exchange documented.

When full payment is received, promptly file a Satisfaction of Judgment with the clerk so the public record reflects closure. This protects both parties and demonstrates your professionalism. If the debtor remains insolvent, remember that Florida judgments can remain valid for up to twenty years with proper renewal—time may eventually work in your favor as the debtor acquires assets.

In rare cases where collection is impossible, at least your judgment serves as proof of wrongdoing, which can assist with credit disputes or future negotiations. More often, persistence pays: periodic follow-ups, precise paperwork, and polite firmness usually produce results. Think of post-judgment work as phase two of the same disciplined process that got you the ruling—organized, lawful, and steady until every dollar is recovered.

Costs Associated

Typical out-of-pocket costs include: a tiered filing fee (which rises with the claim amount), summons issuance, service of process (sheriff or certified process server), copying/certification fees for exhibits, and potential mediation charges if applicable locally. If you prevail, ask the court to tax allowable costs in your favor. Your actual total will depend on county schedules and the service method you choose. Keep receipts; you may need them to support a cost award and to update your judgment balance later.

Time Required

Most cases reach a pretrial conference within weeks of filing, and many settle there or shortly after mediation. If trial is needed, expect a hearing date within weeks to a few months depending on service success, party availability, and local calendars. Failed service, continuances, or limited discovery requests can add time. Filing early, serving promptly, and arriving organized are the best levers to keep your matter moving.

Limitations

• Monetary cap and scope: principal limited to $8,000 and generally money-only relief; complex or equitable matters may belong in higher divisions.
• Procedure: discovery is limited unless expanded by order; evidentiary foundations still matter despite informality.
• Representation nuances: nonlawyer representatives for entities may be limited in some contexts; appeals typically require counsel for entities.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

• Wrong county or misnamed defendant causing transfer, dismissal, or collection headaches later.
• Bad or late service leading to continuances or dismissal; fix by planning service like a project with milestones and backups.
• E-filing rejections for technical issues; file early and verify acceptance to protect dates.
• Settlement authority problems at pretrial; bring written authorization and a realistic settlement range.
• Winning but not collecting; use lawful enforcement tools and maintain liens and records until paid in full.

Authoritative Resources

• Florida Courts – Small Claims (overview & help)
• Florida Small Claims Rule 7.090 (pretrial; settlement authority; timelines)
• Florida Small Claims Rule 7.050 (commencement; business representation)
• Miami-Dade Clerk – Small Claims (local guidance)
• Miami-Dade Clerk – Civil/Small Claims Fee Schedule
• Fla. Stat. § 55.081 (20-year judgment lien limit)
• Fla. Stat. § 55.10 (Judgments; liens; priority)