$7,500Claim Limit
$40–$90Filing Fee
3 yrsSOL Period
30 daysAppeal Window
South Carolina Small Claims Rules
| Court Name | Magistrate Court — Small Claims Division |
| Claim Limit | $7,500 ($7,500 for businesses) |
| Filing Fee | ~$40–$90 (varies by claim amount and county) |
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years for most contract disputes |
| Attorneys | ✓ Attorneys allowed Attorneys are allowed |
| Service of Process | Sheriff or certified mail |
| Appeal Deadline | 30 days from judgment |
| Judgment Valid For | 10 years |
| Online Filing | ✗ In-person at courthouse |
| Official Court Website | https://www.sccourts.org → |
South Carolina Security Deposit & Wage Rules
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Penalty for Violation | Up to 3× the deposit |
| Wage Claims SOL | 3 years |
💡 Before suing in South Carolina, send a written demand letter first. Generate one free →
What You Need to Know About South Carolina Small Claims
South Carolina small claims are heard in Magistrate Court with a $7,500 limit. South Carolina has strong tenant protections — landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits can face up to triple damages. The 3-year SOL applies to most contract disputes. Filing fees vary by county and claim amount.
Filing Tips for South Carolina
1
South Carolina's triple damage provision for deposit disputes is one of the strongest tenant protections nationally
2
File in the magistrate court of the county where the defendant resides
3
The 3-year SOL is average nationally — act promptly to preserve your rights
4
Bring 3 copies of all documents to the hearing — one for you, one for the judge, one for the defendant
Common Cases in South Carolina
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