How do I know if my case is eligible for small claims court?

In Florida, the eligibility requirements for a case to be heard in small claims court are mainly based on the amount of money in dispute. Generally, cases in which the amount in dispute is less than $5,000 are eligible for small claims court, although some counties set the limit as low as $1,500. Additionally, cases involving services, damage to personal property, money owed, or the return of personal property can be heard in small claims court. For certain types of cases, such as evictions, small claims court can also hear claims in which the amount of money in dispute is more than $5,000. In some cases, the eligibility of a case for small claims court may depend on the type of parties involved. For example, corporations, partnerships, and any defendant who is represented by an attorney cannot file a claim in small claims court. If a dispute involves both a corporate/partnership defendant and an individual, you will likely need to file your case in a regular court. Before filing your small claims case, it’s important to understand exactly what small claims court can and cannot do. It is recommended that you discuss your legal rights and options with a lawyer to make sure that small claims court is the right choice for your case.

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