Florida handles small claims in county court under the Florida Small Claims Rules (Rules 7.010–7.350). The Florida Supreme Court publishes standardized forms, and which "Statement of Claim" you use depends on the type of dispute. The clerk sets a pretrial conference — not a trial — as the first step.
The short version: file the Statement of Claim that matches your dispute (Forms 7.330–7.335) with the clerk, who issues a Notice to Appear (Form 7.322) for a pretrial conference. You can claim up to $8,000. Get forms at flcourts.gov.
Which Florida Small Claims Form Do You Need?
Florida’s standardized small claims forms are numbered in the 7.3xx series. You pick the Statement of Claim that matches your type of case:
📄 Statement of Claim (Forms 7.330–7.335)
Choose by claim type: 7.330 auto negligence, 7.331 goods sold, 7.332 work done / materials furnished, 7.333 money lent, 7.334 promissory note, and 7.335. This is the document that opens your case.
📅 Notice to Appear (Form 7.322)
After you file, the clerk issues the Summons/Notice to Appear for a pretrial conference (not a trial), set no more than 50 days out under Rule 7.320. Many cases settle or are scheduled for trial at this conference.
📬 Service of process
Governed by Rule 7.070 and Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.070 — the defendant is served (for example by the sheriff or a certified process server) and a return of service is filed under Chapter 48. There is no single 7.3xx form number for the return itself.
⚖️ Default & Final Judgment (Rule 7.170 / Form 7.340)
If the defendant is served but does not appear, you can seek a default under Rule 7.170; the Final Judgment is Form 7.340.
💵 Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status
The fee-waiver application. If you cannot afford the filing fee, submit this to the clerk, who determines indigent status.
Where to Get Official Florida Forms
Florida forms are free from the official sources below. Always use the current official version, and confirm any local (county/court) variations before you file.
- Florida Courts Help — Small Claims — help.flcourts.gov
- Florida Small Claims Rules (Chapter 7) — flcourts.gov
- Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status — fee-waiver application (from the clerk)
- Your local courthouse or clerk — the small claims / court clerk can provide the current forms and tell you which ones your court requires.
Florida Small Claims Limits & Fees
| Item | Amount / rule |
|---|---|
| Claim limit | $8,000 (excludes costs, interest & attorney fees) |
| Filing fee | Tiered by claim amount (varies by county) |
| Fee waiver | Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status |
| First hearing | Pretrial conference, within ~50 days (Rule 7.320) |
The $8,000 limit is set by the Florida Small Claims Rules; claims above it go to county civil court. Filing fees are tiered by the amount claimed and set by each county (for example, a common Miami-Dade schedule runs $55 to $300) — confirm the exact fee with your local clerk of court before filing.
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Start My Claim — $19This page is general information, not legal advice. Florida small claims forms, fees, and limits change over time and can vary by county — always use the current official forms and verify requirements with your court before you file.