How to File a Small Claims Case in Hillsborough County

Claim limit

$8,000

Filing fee

$55–$300

File online

Yes

First court date

Pretrial Conference

Filing in Hillsborough County, step by step

Every step below happens at Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller, County Civil/Small Claims Department or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Hillsborough 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. Hillsborough County uses Statement of Claim, Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference (COCV1256), Information for Filing Small Claims Suits $8,000.00 or Less (Help File #6). 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. Hillsborough County accepts filings in person at the george edgecomb courthouse (800 e. twiggs street, tampa), plant city (301 n. michigan ave.), or brandon (311 pauls drive) - file where the defendant resides or where the action took place; by mail to the clerk of court with a self-addressed stamped envelope; 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. Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County

• In person at the George Edgecomb Courthouse (800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa), Plant City (301 N. Michigan Ave.), or Brandon (311 Pauls Drive) - file where the defendant resides or where the action took place
• By mail to the Clerk of Court with a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Walk-in filing is available at 3 locations: George Edgecomb Courthouse - 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602 (main County Civil), Plant City - 301 North Michigan Ave., Plant City, FL 33563, Brandon - 311 Pauls Drive, Brandon, FL 33511.

What happens after you file

Hillsborough 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 Hillsborough County?

Hillsborough County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller, County Civil/Small Claims Department, George Edgecomb Courthouse, 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. Open 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (Tampa and Plant City locations; Brandon Service Center 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.).

Can I file small claims online in Hillsborough County?

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

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

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