Florida small claims Playbook

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The Playbook coaches you as you organize and present your own case. Members: the prep guides that work in any state are in Part 1 of the Playbook below, and Part 2 covers Florida's forms, filing steps, service and hearing. For the basics, see the Florida overview.

Can a business sue in Florida small claims?

Businesses use the same court, limit, fees, and forms. No lawyer is required in the trial court:

  • A business can appear through a principal (an officer, member, managing member, or partner) or an employee authorized in writing by a principal, using Form 7.350.
  • If the business collects claims it bought, was assigned, or manages, the court may require it to have a lawyer.
  • A business needs a lawyer to appeal.

Florida small claims forms

The Small Claims Rules include statewide forms, including sample Statements of Claim (Forms 7.330 to 7.337) and the Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference (Form 7.322). Most clerks also post their own fillable Statement of Claim. Florida Small Claims Rules, July 1, 2026 (PDF).

Florida small claims form, filled-in sample (thumbnail)See a filled-in sample form

What happens after you file in Florida?

Filing is only the first step. After the clerk accepts your claim, the other side has to be formally told about the case, you show up on your hearing date with your proof, and the judge decides. If you win, collecting the money is a separate step, and either side may have a limited chance to appeal. Deadlines and methods differ from court to court, so when something below isn't spelled out, check your court's rules.

New to this? Our plain-language guides walk through each stage: how to fill out and file your claim form, how to serve small claims papers, and what to say on hearing day.

How much should I ask for in Florida small claims?

Ask for what you can prove: receipts, invoices, estimates and a simple running total. If your loss is bigger than the Florida limit described above, look closely at your options before filing, because what happens to the extra amount depends on your court's rules. Our guide to how much you can sue for in small claims explains the basics, and the damages calculator (free quick total; the itemized version is in your Playbook) helps you add up your numbers.

Where should I start?

If you're not sure whether small claims fits your problem, begin with Start Here. It points you to the right path whether you're ready to sue, just got sued, or already won. Need a different state? See every state guide.

Largest counties in Florida

These are the most populous counties in Florida. Courts, fees and local forms can differ by location, so always confirm details with the court that serves the defendant's area.

  1. Miami-Dade County (county guide coming soon)
  2. Broward County (county guide coming soon)
  3. Hillsborough County (county guide coming soon)
  4. Palm Beach County (county guide coming soon)
  5. Orange County (county guide coming soon)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2023 county population estimates (July 1, 2023), co-est2023-alldata.

Checklist

Before you file

  • A county that fits one of the venue options
  • Your Statement of Claim, with any contract or written document attached
  • A notary, if your clerk requires one
  • The filing fee, $10 per summons, and the service cost
  • The defendant's address for service

For the pretrial conference and trial

  • Your summons and notice
  • Contracts, receipts, photos, and messages, with copies
  • Your witnesses, for the trial
  • A one-page list of each amount you're asking for, up to $8,000
  • Representing a business? A principal, or an employee with Form 7.350

What's in the Florida Playbook section

  • Part 1: Prep guides that work in any state
  • Part 2: Florida specifics
    • Sample filing (made-up example)
    • Timeline
    • Hearing outline
    • Florida printables
    • Florida day-of plan

Want the whole game plan for Florida? The Florida Playbook takes you from filing to hearing day: what to gather, how to label your exhibits, a one-page timeline, and a day-of plan for your hearing. One yearly membership covers every state guide. See the Playbook

Small Claims Coach is built to help you handle your case yourself, without a lawyer — but if your situation is complicated, does not fit our samples, or a deadline is close, you may want to call a lawyer.

Small Claims Coach uses public information to build the Playbook, which coaches you as you organize and present your own case. We are not your lawyer, there is no attorney-client relationship, and we don't want the details of your case.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice.