How to File a Small Claims Case in Orange County

Claim limit

$8,000

Filing fee

$55–$300

File online

Yes

First court date

Pretrial Conference

Filing in Orange County, step by step

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

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Orange 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. Orange County uses Plain Statement of Claim, 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. Orange County accepts filings by mail; in person at orlando courthouse, apopka, ocoee, or winter park 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. 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 Orange County

• By mail
• In person at Orlando courthouse, Apopka, Ocoee, or Winter Park locations
• Florida Courts E-Filing Portal

Walk-in filing is available at 4 locations: Orlando (main), Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Park.

What happens after you file

Orange 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 Orange County?

Orange County Clerk of Courts, County Civil Division, 425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 350, Orlando, FL 32801. Open 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Can I file small claims online in Orange County?

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

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

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