How to File a Small Claims Case in Palm Beach County

Claim limit

$8,000

Filing fee

$55–$300

File online

Yes

First court date

Pretrial Conference

Filing in Palm Beach County, step by step

Every step below happens at Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County - County Civil/Small Claims (County Civil Court) or through the system it uses.

1. 1. Check the amount is within the limit. Palm Beach 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. Palm Beach County uses Statement of Claim and Summons/Notice to Appear for Pretrial Conference (purchased from the Clerk's Self Service Center - not a free download). 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. Palm Beach County accepts filings in person at any county civil court location (main courthouse room 3.2300, or the north, south, or west county branch courthouse), monday-friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; by mail (include a self-addressed stamped envelope so document copies and the notice of pre-trial hearing date can be returned); electronically via the florida courts e-filing portal (www.myflcourtaccess.com). 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. Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County

• In person at any County Civil Court location (Main Courthouse Room 3.2300, or the North, South, or West County branch courthouse), Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• By mail (include a self-addressed stamped envelope so document copies and the notice of pre-trial hearing date can be returned)
• Electronically via the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (www.myflcourtaccess.com)

Walk-in filing is available at 4 locations: Main Courthouse - 205 N. Dixie Hwy., Room 3.2300, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, North County Courthouse - 3188 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 (Civil 561-624-6650), South County Courthouse - 200 W. Atlantic Ave., Room 1S-124, Delray Beach, FL 33444 (Civil 561-274-1588), West County Courthouse - 2950 State Road 15, Room S-100, Belle Glade, FL 33430 (561-996-4843).

What happens after you file

Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County?

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, Palm Beach County - County Civil/Small Claims (County Civil Court), Main Courthouse, 205 N. Dixie Highway, Room 3.2300, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Open 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding designated holidays).

Can I file small claims online in Palm Beach County?

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

How long does a small claims case take in Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County?

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