Question 1 of 8. Carries forward to the intake.
- Claim limit
- $8,000
- Filing fee
- $55–$300
- Court
- County Civil Court
- File online
- Yes
Orange County filing fees
Source: myorangeclerk.com official clerk site
| 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 407-836-2000 before you file.
Where to file
Orange County Clerk of Courts, County Civil Division
425 N. Orange Ave., Suite 350, Orlando, FL 32801
407-836-2000
7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
- 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.
The forms you need
Orange County requires 2 forms to open a small claims case:
- Plain Statement of Claim
- Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference
We keep the current Orange 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 Orange County filing packet — $49
Everything above, assembled and filled in with your facts:
- Both Orange 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 Orange 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 Orange County?
$8,000, excluding costs, interest and attorneys' fees.
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. Also at Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Park. You can also file online.
Do I need a lawyer for small claims in Orange 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 2026-08-17 · Sourced from myorangeclerk.com official clerk site and Fla. Stat. Ch. 34 (County Courts). See how we verify.