A small claims case is a legal action filed in county court to settle minor legal disputes where the dollar amount involved is $8,000 or less. This amount does not include filing costs, interest, and attorneys' fees.
You may also file a complaint by calling our office at 561-233-5500 Monday – Friday AM to PM, excluding County recognized holidays. An on-call Code Enforcement Officer is also available at 561-233-5523 for general questions Monday – Friday AM to PM, excluding County recognized holidays.
Your answer must be in writing and must be filed (received) on time with the Clerk of Courts at the Courthouse of the County listed at the top of the Summons (For example, Duval County Courthouse, etc.).
A small claims action begins by filing a Statement of Claim. Small claim cases should be filed with the clerk in the appropriate county. Filing fees for small claims actions are established in the Florida Statutes and local county ordinances. The clerk of court may be able to provide information on filing fees.
The statement of claim should be typed or printed in black ink. Make certain you file your claim against the right party. Copies of contracts, notes, leases, receipts, or other evidence in support of your claim must be attached to your statement of claim, and copied to each person sued and the court.
You, the plaintiff, must file a “Statement of Claim” form, available at your Clerk's office. This must be fully completed and signed to receive a pre-trial conference date. If your claim is based upon written documentation, attach a copy of the contract to the Statement of Claim form. You may file by mail or in person.
Litigants or parties representing themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney are known as pro se litigants. "Pro se" is Latin for "in one's own behalf." The right to appear pro se in a civil case in federal court is contained in a statute 28 U.S.C. § 1654.