How to File a Small Claims Case in Miami-Dade County

Claim limit

$8,000

Filing fee

$55–$300

File online

Yes

First court date

Pretrial Conference

Filing in Miami-Dade County, step by step

Every step below happens at Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts, County Civil Division or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Miami-Dade 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. Miami-Dade County uses Statement of Claim, Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference. 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. Miami-Dade County accepts filings in person at ons justice center or district court locations; 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. Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County

• In person at ONS Justice Center or district court locations
• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Walk-in filing is available at 6 locations: ONS Justice Center Central Court (Miami), Hialeah District Court, Coral Gables District Court, North Dade Justice Center, South Dade Justice Center, Joseph Caleb Center Court.

What happens after you file

Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County?

Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts, County Civil Division, 20 NW 1st Ave, Room 6.240, Miami, FL 33128. Open 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays.

Can I file small claims online in Miami-Dade County?

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

How long does a small claims case take in Miami-Dade 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 Miami-Dade County?

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