Is there a deadline for filing a claim in small claims court?

Yes, there is a deadline for filing a claim in small claims court in Florida. Generally, a person has four years from the date of the incident or breach of contract to file their claim with the court. If the claim is based on an unpaid debt, the claimant may have up to five years from the date of the last payment received. If a claim is not filed within the four or five-year period, the court will likely refuse to hear the claim. This is known as the statute of limitations and is why it is important to file a claim as soon as possible. In addition to the general statute of limitations, there are certain types of claims that may be subject to a shorter deadline. For example, claims for negligence related to medical malpractice must generally be filed within two years of the act or omission that caused the injury. While a longer deadline may be available in some cases, it is still important to file a claim as soon as possible in order to preserve your rights. If you wait too long, you may be forever barred from recovering damages from the wrongdoer.

Related FAQs

How do I collect a small claims court judgment from a business?
Is it necessary to have a lawyer to represent me in small claims court?
Can I represent a business in small claims court?
Can I countersue the other party in a small claims court case?
How can I enforce a small claims court judgment out-of-state?
What is the difference between mediation and arbitration in small claims court?
What is the process for collecting a judgment from an out-of-state party in small claims court?
What is the process for appealing a small claims court decision?
Can I submit evidence by mail in a small claims court case?
Can I take depositions in a small claims court case?

Related Blog Posts

What is Small Claims Court and How Does it Work? - July 31, 2023
Maximizing Your Chances of Success in Small Claims Court - August 7, 2023
7 Tips For Submitting a Winning Small Claims Court Case - August 14, 2023
The Pros and Cons of Taking Your Case to Small Claims Court - August 21, 2023
Preparing for Your Small Claims Court Hearing - August 28, 2023