Educational purposes only. This information does not constitute legal advice.
Small Claims Court Dollar Limits by State
Know how much you can sue for in small claims court before filing.
What is Small Claims Court?
Small claims court is a simplified legal process designed to handle disputes involving smaller dollar amounts without requiring formal legal procedures or attorneys. It's faster, cheaper, and less formal than regular civil court.
Dollar Limits by State
| State | Dollar Limit | Filing Fee | Attorneys? |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $12,500 (individuals) | $30–$75 | Not allowed |
| Texas | $20,000 | $46–$112 | Allowed |
| Florida | $8,000 | $55–$300 | Allowed |
| New York | $10,000 (City Courts) | $20–$35 | Allowed |
| Illinois | $10,000 | $89–$264 | Allowed |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | $60–$120 | Allowed |
| Ohio | $6,000 | $35–$75 | Allowed |
| Georgia | $15,000 | $50–$150 | Allowed |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | $96–$150 | Rarely appear |
| Michigan | $7,000 | $30–$75 | Not allowed |
What Cases Can You Bring to Small Claims?
- Security deposit disputes with landlords
- Property damage (car accidents, etc.)
- Unpaid loans between individuals
- Breach of contract for services
- Defective merchandise or services
- Unpaid wages (in some states)
What Cases Cannot Be Filed in Small Claims?
- Criminal matters
- Divorce or custody disputes
- Claims above the dollar limit
- Cases requiring injunctive relief (in most states)
Tips for Success in Small Claims Court
- Document everything: Keep receipts, contracts, photos, texts, emails
- Send a demand letter first: Courts like to see you tried to resolve it
- File in the right court: Typically where defendant lives or where the transaction occurred
- Bring witnesses: Anyone who can corroborate your story
- Be organized: Bring copies of all documents for the judge and defendant
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |