Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $8,000
- Filing fee
- $55–$300
- Court
- County Civil Court
- File online
- Yes
Miami-Dade County filing fees
Source: miamidadeclerk.gov official Clerk of the Courts site: Small Claims page, Civil & Family Court page, and the Clerk's official 'How to File a Small Claims Action' brochure (CLK/CT 881, Rev. 12/25) and current Statement of Claim (CLK/CT 333, Rev. 06/26) / Summons-Notice to Appear (CLK/CT 423, Rev. 06/26) PDF forms.
| Your claim | You pay |
|---|---|
| Under $100 | $55 |
| $100 – $500 | $80 |
| $500.01 – $2,500 | $175 |
| $2,500.01 – $8,000 | $300 |
Fees change. Confirm the current amount with the clerk at 305-275-1155 before you file.
Where to file
Miami-Dade Clerk of the Courts, County Civil Division
20 NW 1st Ave, Room 6.240, Miami, FL 33128
305-275-1155
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, excluding holidays
- 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.
The forms you need
Miami-Dade County requires 2 forms to open a small claims case:
- Statement of Claim
- Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference
We keep the current Miami-Dade County versions of both. The forms are not the hard part — filling them out is. The Statement of Claim has to describe what happened in the language the court expects, and that is where most first-time filers get sent home to try again.
If your claim is based on a written agreement, a copy must be attached to the Statement of Claim.
Serving the defendant
The filer. Clerks in Florida do not arrange service.
- County sheriff (civil process division)
- Certified process server appointed/approved in the circuit
- Certified mail, where permitted for the case type
Certified mail without complete proof of service will stall the case.
Why not just download the free form?
The forms are free. Why pay?
The forms are free. Knowing what to write in them is not. Most rejected filings are rejected on the claim narrative, not the paperwork.
Can't I just hire a lawyer?
Most attorneys will not take a $8,000 case, and the ones who will cost more than the claim.
What if I get it wrong?
You refile and pay the fee again. That is the actual cost of guessing.
What happens next
Your pretrial conference date is set when you file, so you leave the counter knowing when to come back. If the defendant loses, they have 10 days to move for a new trial and 30 days to appeal.
The Miami-Dade County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Both Miami-Dade County forms, with your claim written in the language the court expects
- A demand letter built from the same facts
- Filing checklist with this court's address, hours, and fee
- What to bring to your pretrial conference
Answer a few questions first. See your claim written out before you pay anything.
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case in Miami-Dade County?
Between $55 and $300, depending on your claim amount. Under $100: $55. $100 – $500: $80. $500.01 – $2,500: $175. $2,500.01 – $8,000: $300.
What is the small claims limit in Miami-Dade County?
$8,000, excluding costs, interest and attorneys' fees.
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. Also at Hialeah District Court, Coral Gables District Court, North Dade Justice Center, South Dade Justice Center, Joseph Caleb Center Court. You can also file online.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Miami-Dade County?
No. Small claims is designed for people to represent themselves.
Who serves the defendant?
The filer. Clerks in Florida do not arrange service.
Reviewed by Small Claims Desk · Last reviewed 2026-08-20 · Sourced from miamidadeclerk.gov official Clerk of the Courts site: Small Claims page, Civil & Family Court page, and the Clerk's official 'How to File a Small Claims Action' brochure (CLK/CT 881, Rev. 12/25) and current Statement of Claim (CLK/CT 333, Rev. 06/26) / Summons-Notice to Appear (CLK/CT 423, Rev. 06/26) PDF forms. and Fla. Stat. Ch. 34 (County Courts). See how we verify.