How to File a Small Claims Case in Broward County

Claim limit

$8,000

Filing fee

$55–$300

File online

Yes

First court date

Pretrial Conference

Filing in Broward County, step by step

Every step below happens at Broward County Clerk of Courts, County Civil/Small Claims Division or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Broward County small claims handles claims up to $8,000 (excluding costs, interest and attorneys' fees). Above that, the case belongs in a different division and the clerk will refuse it.
2. 2. Name the defendant exactly. A judgment against a misspelled name or a trade name that is not the legal entity is difficult to collect. For a business, use the registered legal name.
3. 3. Fill out the claim form. Broward County uses County Court / Small Claims Information (Broward, CTY CIVIL 320-05), Statement of Claim and Summons – Notice to Appear for Pre-Trial Conference/Mediation (Broward County Civil Forms package). The blank forms are free. What you write in the statement of what happened is what gets the case accepted or sent back.
4. 4. File it and pay. Broward County accepts filings in person at the central (fort lauderdale), north regional (deerfield beach), south regional (hollywood), or west regional (plantation) courthouse - the case is heard where it is filed; by mail to any of the four county civil offices (statement of claim signed and notarized; filing fee and service fee as separate money orders/cashier's checks); florida courts e-filing portal. The fee is $55–$300.
5. 5. Serve the defendant. Filing does not notify the defendant — service does, and the case cannot proceed without it. Broward County charges $40 per defendant. The filer. Clerks in Florida do not arrange service.

If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy must be attached to the claim form when you file.

Where to file in Broward County

• In person at the Central (Fort Lauderdale), North Regional (Deerfield Beach), South Regional (Hollywood), or West Regional (Plantation) courthouse - the case is heard where it is filed
• By mail to any of the four County Civil offices (Statement of Claim signed and notarized; filing fee and service fee as separate money orders/cashier's checks)
• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Walk-in filing is available at 4 locations: Central Courthouse - 201 S.E. 6th Street, Room 3170, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, North Regional Courthouse - 1600 W. Hillsboro Blvd., Room 160, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, South Regional Courthouse - 3550 Hollywood Blvd., Room 100, Hollywood, FL 33021, West Regional Courthouse - 100 N. Pine Island Road, Room 170, Plantation, FL 33324.

What happens after you file

Broward County sets your court date when you file, so you leave the counter knowing it. The first appearance is pretrial conference, which is not the trial — it is where the court finds out whether the case can settle. If the defendant loses, they have 10 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.

Why not just do it yourself?

The forms are free. Why pay anything?

The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.

What happens if I get it wrong?

You refile and pay $55–$300 again. That is the actual cost of guessing.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Small claims is designed for people representing themselves, and most attorneys will not take a case this size.

Common questions

Where do I file a small claims case in Broward County?

Broward County Clerk of Courts, County Civil/Small Claims Division, 201 S.E. 6th Street, Judicial Complex West Building, 3rd Floor, Room 3170, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Open 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays).

Can I file small claims online in Broward County?

Yes. Broward County accepts filings through Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, and filers representing themselves may register.

How long does a small claims case take in Broward County?

It depends on the court's calendar and on how quickly the defendant is served. Your first date is set at filing.

How much can I sue for in Broward County?

Up to $8,000, excluding costs, interest and attorneys' fees.