$8,000Claim Limit
$55–$115Filing Fee
4 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
Florida Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | County Court — Small Claims Division |
| Claim Limit | $8,000 ($8,000 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$55–$115 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 4 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Sheriff or process server |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 20 years |
| Online Filing | ✓ Available — File Online → |
| Official Court Website | https://www.flcourts.org → |
Florida Security Deposit Rules
| Return Deadline | 15 days (no deductions) / 30 days (with deductions) |
| Penalty for Violation | Actual damages plus attorney fees |
| Wages SOL | 2 years |
💡 Before suing your landlord over a security deposit in Florida, always send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About Florida Small Claims
Florida small claims are handled in County Court. The limit is $8,000. Florida has a pre-trial mediation requirement in many counties — you may be asked to attempt mediation before a judge hears your case. Judgments are valid for 20 years.
Filing Tips for Florida
1
Many Florida counties require a pre-trial mediation session — be prepared for this extra step
2
Florida's 15-day deposit deadline (no deductions) is one of the shortest in the US
3
Judgments are valid for 20 years and can be renewed — long enforcement window
4
Online filing is available in some Florida counties — check your county clerk's website
Common Cases in Florida
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