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Confirm the amount in controversy is within small-claims jurisdiction
Small claims covers claims up to $8,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorneys' fees.
Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →File the Statement of Claim on the approved form with the clerk
Note the pretrial conference date the clerk sets — appearance is mandatory
Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →Prepare documents supporting the claim or defense
Be ready to mediate
Courts routinely order mediation at the pretrial conference.
Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →If not resolved, get the trial date and pretrial deadlines in writing
Steps marked “check the division's instructions” vary by judge — that variance is exactly what BenchPath tracks. Search your county and division for the specific requirements before relying on the generic sequence. Not legal advice.