What Is Small Claims Court in Miami-Dade County, Florida?
Small claims cases in Miami-Dade County are handled by the County Court, which is part of the judicial system in Florida.
Small claims court is designed to resolve minor monetary disputes quickly and informally, allowing individuals to represent themselves without needing an attorney.
The small claims system aims to:
- Provide a low-cost and efficient way to resolve disputes
- Allow individuals and businesses to represent themselves
- Reduce complex legal procedures
- Resolve cases faster than traditional civil courts
In many situations, small claims court helps people settle disputes involving relatively small amounts of money without the time and expense of a full civil lawsuit.
Maximum Claim Amount in Miami-Dade County Small Claims Court
In Florida small claims courts, including those in Miami-Dade County, the maximum claim amount is:
- Up to $8,000, not including court costs, interest, or attorney’s fees.
If your claim exceeds $8,000, the case may need to be filed in the county civil court division instead of small claims court.
Who Can File a Small Claims Case?
The following parties may file a small claims case in Miami-Dade County:
- Individuals 18 years or older
- Businesses and corporations
- Landlords seeking unpaid rent or property damages
- Tenants seeking the return of security deposits
- Out-of-state individuals or businesses, if the defendant lives in Miami-Dade County or the dispute occurred there
Minors must have a parent or legal guardian file the claim on their behalf.
Common Types of Small Claims Cases
Small claims court in Miami-Dade County typically handles disputes involving money such as:
- Unpaid debts or loans
- Breach of contract
- Property damage
- Landlord-tenant disputes involving money
- Security deposit disagreements
- Unpaid services or contractor disputes
- Consumer complaints
Small claims courts generally do not hear criminal cases, family law matters, or disputes involving non-monetary relief.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Small Claims Case in Miami-Dade County
Step 1: Determine If Small Claims Court Is the Right Court
Before filing your case, make sure it qualifies for small claims court.
Your case should meet the following criteria:
- The amount being claimed is $8,000 or less
- The case involves monetary damages
- The defendant lives, works, or does business in Miami-Dade County, or the dispute occurred there
In many situations, the court also recommends attempting to resolve the dispute before filing a lawsuit, such as sending a written demand letter.
Step 2: Prepare Your Evidence and Documentation
Collect all documents that support your claim before filing.
Examples include:
- Written agreements or contracts
- Receipts or invoices
- Emails or text messages
- Photographs or videos of damages
- Repair estimates
- Witness statements
Having clear evidence will make it easier for the judge to understand your claim.
Step 3: Obtain and Complete the Required Forms
To start a small claims case, you must complete a Statement of Claim form.
These forms are available from:
- At Room 06.240 of the Osvaldo N. Soto Miami-Dade Justice Center; and
- At the district court locations
The form will ask for:
- Plaintiff’s name and contact information
- Defendant’s name and address
- The amount of money being claimed
- A brief explanation of the dispute
Providing an accurate address for the defendant is essential so the court can properly notify them.
Step 4: File the Forms With the Court
Once your paperwork is completed, you must file the forms with the Miami-Dade County Clerk of the Court through the Court’s website (https://www.miamidadeclerk.gov/clerk/e-filing.page)
Typical filing fees are based on the claim amount:
Small Claims Filing Fees
- Filing fee for claims < $100 - $55
- Filing fee for claims ($100.01 - $500) - $80
- Filing fee for claims ($500.01 - $2,500) - $175
- Filing fee for claims ($2,500.01 - $8,000) - $300
Some online filing tools include:
- DIY Florida DIY Florida is a free, interactive online service (MyFLCourtAccess.com) that helps self-represented litigants create and electronically file court documents, including Small Claims Statements of Claim for disputes up to $8,000. (***https://www.myflcourtaccess.com/authority/diy))*
**) - TurboCourt - TurboCourt for Florida is used for preparing and filing small claims cases (disputes $8,000 or less) in many Florida counties. It acts as an interactive “do-it-yourself” service that guides you through questions to complete, and often e-file, the necessary documents. (https://turbocourt.com/go.jsp?act=actShowStateGlobal&tmstp=1772838956215&id=170)
Court locations:
- Joseph Caleb Center Court
5400 NW 22nd Avenue, Suite # 103
Miami , Florida 33142 - Coral Gables District Court
3100 Ponce de Leon Blvd.
Coral Gables, Florida 33134 - Hialeah District Court
11 E. 6th Street
Hialeah, Florida 33010 - North Dade Justice Center
15555 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite # 100
North Miami, FL 33160 - South Dade Justice Center
10710 SW 211th Street, Suite #1200
Miami, Florida 33189 - Juan Fernandez-Barquin, ESQ. Clerk of the Court and Comptroller of Miami-Dade County
20 NW 1st Avenue
Miami, Florida 33128
What Happens After Filing?
After your claim is filed:
- The clerk schedules a pre-trial hearing
- The defendant is notified of the lawsuit
- The court may encourage mediation or settlement before trial
Step 5: Serve the Defendant
The defendant must receive official notice of the lawsuit.
Service may be completed by:
- Certified mail
- A sheriff or process server
- The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office
The court must receive proof that the defendant was served before the case can proceed.
Step 6: Prepare for the Small Claims Hearing
Before attending your hearing, organize all your materials.
Bring:
- Copies of your documents and evidence
- Contracts, receipts, or invoices
- Photos or videos
- Witnesses, if applicable
- Multiple copies of documents for the judge and defendant
Additional tips:
- Arrive early to court
- Dress professionally
- Clearly explain the facts of your case
- Remain respectful throughout the hearing
Step 7: Attend the Hearing
Small claims hearings in Miami-Dade County are typically less formal than other court proceedings.
During the hearing:
- The judge calls the case.
- The plaintiff presents their evidence first.
- The defendant presents their defense.
- Both sides may provide documents or witnesses.
In many cases, the judge may issue a decision the same day or shortly afterward.
Step 8: Understanding the Judgment
After reviewing the case, the judge will issue a judgment.
Possible outcomes include:
- The plaintiff receives a monetary judgment
- The defendant wins the case
- The judge awards partial damages
The judgment will specify the amount owed and any additional court costs.
Step 9: Collecting Your Judgment
Winning your case does not automatically guarantee payment.
If the defendant does not pay voluntarily, you may need to take additional steps such as:
- Wage garnishment
- Bank account garnishment
- Property liens
- Payment agreements
The responsibility for collecting the judgment usually falls on the winning party.
Free and Helpful Resources
- Florida Self-Help Center – Forms and instructions (https://www.flcourts.gov/Courts-System/florida-courts-help/other-resources/Small-Claims))
Final Thoughts
Filing a small claims case in Miami-Dade County can be a practical and effective way to resolve financial disputes without hiring an attorney.
While the process requires preparation and organization, the small claims system was designed to make the court process accessible and manageable for everyday individuals.
With proper documentation and clear presentation of your claim, many people successfully recover money owed through small claims court.
How SmallClaimsHero Can Help
SmallClaimsHero makes the small claims filing process easier by providing:
- Step-by-step guidance for filing your claim
- Helpful instructions and checklists
- Tools to organize your documents and evidence
- Support that reduces mistakes and saves time
Instead of navigating the legal process alone, SmallClaimsHero helps you file your case confidently and efficiently.