Statute of Limitations by StateFiling deadlines · cited to statute

Small claims · all states

Small claims limit by state

Small claims limits run from $2,500 (Kentucky) to $25,000 (Delaware, Tennessee); the middle state allows $10,000. Filing fees range from about $5 to $295, and 7 states bar lawyers from the hearing.

Statute of Limitations by State editorial teamUpdated 14 sources

Small claims court limits in every state

The limit is the most you can ask for in small claims, not counting court costs and (in most states) interest. Several states set different limits for individuals and businesses or for certain claim types, noted under each figure. California, for example, allows $12,500 for individuals but half that for businesses.[2][1] Texas justice courts hear cases up to $20,000.[3]

AL$6kAK$10kAZ$5kAR$5kCA$12.5kCO$7.5kCT$5kDE$25kDC$10kFL$8kGA$15kHI$5kID$15kIL$10kIN$10kIA$6.5kKS$10kKY$2.5kLA$5kME$10kMD$5kMA$7kMI$7kMN$20kMS$3.5kMO$5kMT$7kNE$7.5kNV$10kNH$10kNJ$5kNM$10kNY$10kNC$10kND$15kOH$6kOK$10kOR$10kPA$12kRI$5kSC$7.5kSD$12kTN$25kTX$20kUT$20kVT$10kVA$5kWA$10kWV$20kWI$10kWY$6k
  • $5,000 or less
  • $5,001–$7,500
  • $7,501–$10,000
  • $10,001–$15,000
  • Over $15,000
Small claims limits, filing fees and lawyer rules by state (checked November 2026)
StateLimitFiling feeLawyersSource
Alabama$6,000$6,000 or less, exclusive of interest and court costs, in the small claims docket of the District Court. Larger claims (up to $20,000) go on the regular District Court civil docket.Set by statute plus county add-ons, so totals vary by county. Statutory docket-fee tiers: claims up to $1,500, $1,500.01–$3,000, and $3,000.01–$6,000 (Ala. Code § 12-19-71). Example county totals (Pickens County, one defendant): $92 / $166 / $255; Chilton County lists $220 for the top tier. Extra defendants and service cost more.AllowedCourt page · Ala. Code § 12-12-31(a); Ala. Code § 12-19-71 (fees); Alabama Small Claims Rules
Alaska$10,000$10,000 or less (not counting interest and court costs) in District Court or Magistrate Court. A larger claim may be filed in small claims only if you give up the excess over $10,000.$50 if the claim is $2,500 or less; $100 if the claim is more than $2,500.AllowedCourt page · AS 22.15.040; Alaska District Court Civil Rules 8–22
Arizona$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in the Small Claims Division of the Justice Court (raised from $3,500). Claims up to $10,000 can be filed on the regular Justice Court civil docket.Set by state base fee plus county surcharges; varies by county. Maricopa County Justice Courts: $58 to file a small claims complaint; $46 to answer.LimitedCourt page · A.R.S. §§ 22-503, 22-512, 22-519
Arkansas$5,000$5,000 or less, excluding interest and costs, in the Small Claims Division of the District Court.Varies by district court, typically about $30–$65 (Arkansas Attorney General guide).Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · Ark. Code Ann. § 16-17-704; Ark. Dist. Ct. R. 10; Ark. Sup. Ct. Admin. Order No. 18
California$12,500$12,500 for a natural person; $6,250 for businesses and other entities. No one may file more than two claims over $2,500 in a calendar year.$30 (claims up to $1,500), $50 ($1,500.01–$5,000), $75 (over $5,000); $100 if you filed more than 12 small claims in California in the past 12 months.Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.220, 116.221, 116.230, 116.530, 116.710
Colorado$7,500$7,500 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in the Small Claims Division of County Court. A plaintiff may file no more than 2 small claims a month and 18 a year in a county.Plaintiff: $31 (claims up to $500) or $55 ($500.01–$7,500). Defendant's answer/counterclaim fees are separate. Court-ordered mediation costs each side $60.LimitedCourt page · C.R.S. §§ 13-6-403, 13-6-407; C.R.C.P. 501–521; C.R.S. § 13-32-101(1)(c)(IV) (fees)
Connecticut$5,000$5,000 for most money claims (not libel or slander). Up to $15,000 for certain home-improvement claims against contractors (C.G.S. § 51-15(d)(2)).$95 entry fee (recoverable if you win). Defendant's motion to transfer to the regular docket: $125.AllowedCourt page · Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 51-15(d), 52-259(b); Conn. Practice Book §§ 24-1 to 24-33
Delaware$25,000$25,000 in the Justice of the Peace Court for contract, debt, property-damage negligence (no physical injury), replevin and trespass claims. Delaware has no separate small claims court; the JP Court handles these cases.Debt claims: $35 (under $1,000), $40 ($1,000–$5,000), $45 (over $5,000).AllowedCourt page · 10 Del. C. §§ 9301, 9571, 9801
District of Columbia$10,000$10,000 or less, exclusive of interest, attorney fees and costs, for money-only claims in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch of D.C. Superior Court (raised from $5,000 in 2017). No claims affecting real property.$5 (claims of $500 or less), $10 ($500.01–$2,500), $45 (over $2,500).AllowedCourt page · D.C. Code § 11-1321; D.C. Super. Ct. Civ. R. 202
Florida$8,000$8,000 or less, exclusive of costs, interest and attorney's fees, under the Florida Small Claims Rules in County Court.Statutory maximums: $50 (claims under $100), $75 ($100–$500), $170 ($500.01–$2,500), $295 ($2,500.01–$8,000), plus a $10 clerk charge per summons and sheriff/process-server costs.AllowedCourt page · Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b); Fla. Stat. § 34.041(1)(a) (fees)
Georgia$15,000$15,000 in Magistrate Court for claims filed through December 31, 2026; rises to $25,000 for actions filed on or after January 1, 2027. No dollar limit for landlord–tenant (dispossessory) cases.Set by each county's Magistrate Court. Since July 1, 2026 the base filing deposit is capped at $22 by statute, plus the actual cost of serving each defendant (sheriff or marshal) and other add-on sums required by law, so totals differ by county.AllowedCourt page · O.C.G.A. §§ 15-10-2(5), 15-10-80, 15-10-41
Hawaii$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in the Small Claims Division of District Court. Residential security-deposit disputes between landlord and tenant have no dollar limit.$35 filing fee (statutory maximum), plus service costs.AllowedCourt page · HRS §§ 633-27, 633-28, 633-29
Idaho$15,000$15,000 for money or personal property (raised from $5,000 on July 1, 2026), in the Small Claims Department of the Magistrate Division. No punitive or pain-and-suffering damages.$69 filing fee (includes the $33 statutory small claims fee), plus service costs.Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · Idaho Code §§ 1-2301, 1-2303, 1-2308, 1-2311
Illinois$10,000$10,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, for tort or contract money claims (Ill. S. Ct. R. 281). Cook County also runs a Pro Se small claims court for claims up to $3,000.Set by each county's circuit clerk within the ranges of the Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105/27.2b), tiered by claim amount; plus service fees. Check the county circuit clerk's fee schedule.AllowedCourt page · Ill. S. Ct. R. 281–288
Indiana$10,000$10,000 on the small claims docket of Circuit/Superior Courts and in the Marion County township small claims courts.Filing costs vary by county (court costs plus service fees); small claims fees were restructured by HEA 1478 (2025) effective July 1, 2025.AllowedCourt page · Ind. Code §§ 33-29-2-4, 33-34-3-2; Ind. Small Claims Rules
Iowa$6,500$6,500 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, for actions commenced on or after July 1, 2018.$95 filing and docketing fee, plus $20 postage for mailed original notice (or sheriff's fees for personal service).AllowedCourt page · Iowa Code §§ 631.1, 631.6, 631.13, 631.14
Kansas$10,000$10,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs (raised from $4,000 on July 1, 2024). Assigned and subrogated claims are excluded. No more than 20 small claims per person per court per year.$35 docket fee if the claim is $500 or less; $55 if over $500.Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · K.S.A. 61-2703, 61-2704, 61-2707, 61-2709, 61-2714
Kentucky$2,500$2,500 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in the Small Claims Division of District Court.Set by statute (roughly $50–$70 depending on amount, plus service costs).AllowedCourt page · Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 24A.230, 24A.340
Louisiana$5,000$5,000 or less in the small claims division of a City Court (and up to $5,000 in Justice of the Peace courts); Parish courts in some parishes also have small claims divisions.Set by each court (varies widely).AllowedCourt page · La. R.S. 13:5200–5211; La. C.C.P. art. 4911
Maine$10,000$10,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs (raised from $6,000 in 2025). Cannot involve title to real estate.Filing fee set by Supreme Judicial Court rule and the Judicial Branch fee schedule (not verified).AllowedCourt page · 14 M.R.S. §§ 7482, 7484-A, 7485; Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure
Maryland$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest, costs and attorney's fees (if recoverable), in the District Court of Maryland; also landlord-tenant rent claims up to $5,000.Set by the District Court fee schedule (roughly $40–$50 to file, plus service costs).AllowedCourt page · Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405
Massachusetts$7,000$7,000 or less in the small claims session of District Court, Boston Municipal Court or Housing Court. No dollar limit for property-damage claims caused by a motor vehicle.$40 for claims up to $500, $50 for $500.01–$2,000, $75 for $2,000.01–$7,000 (G.L. c. 218, § 22; c. 262, § 4C).AllowedCourt page · Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 218, §§ 21–25
Michigan$7,000$7,000 or less (since January 1, 2024) in the Small Claims Division of District Court; the statute's step-up schedule ends at $7,000.Statutory filing fee: $25 (up to $600), $45 ($600.01–$1,750), $65 (over $1,750), plus postage for each defendant served by the clerk (MCL 600.8420). Some courts add an electronic-filing system fee.Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · MCL 600.8401, 600.8408, 600.8420, 600.8427
Minnesota$20,000$20,000 in Conciliation Court ($4,000 if the claim involves a consumer credit transaction).$65 state filing fee (Minn. Stat. § 357.022) plus a county law library fee that varies by county.AllowedCourt page · Minn. Stat. §§ 491A.01 subd. 3a, 491A.02, 357.022; Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 501–527
Mississippi$3,500$3,500 or less in Justice Court (Mississippi has no separate small claims court).Set by statute/county (about $50–$80 plus service).AllowedCourt page · Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9
Missouri$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in small claims (Associate Circuit Court), tort or contract.Set by statute and local court (roughly $30–$45 plus service).AllowedCourt page · Mo. Rev. Stat. § 482.305
Montana$7,000$7,000 or less, exclusive of costs, in small claims court (Justice Court), when the defendant can be served in the county. District courts may also have a small claims division with the same limit.Set by statute (about $10–$30 plus service).LimitedCourt page · Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-502
Nebraska$7,500$7,500 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in the Small Claims Court (a division of County Court) for cases filed on or after July 1, 2025. The limit was $6,000 from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.Set by statute and court fee schedule (roughly $25–$30 to file, plus service costs).Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-2802, 25-2803, 25-2805
Nevada$10,000$10,000 or less for money-only claims in Justice Court small claims.Set by each justice court (Las Vegas and other townships charge different amounts by claim size).AllowedCourt page · Nev. Rev. Stat. §§ 73.010, 73.012, 73.040
New Hampshire$10,000$10,000 or less in the Small Claims division of the Circuit Court (District Division).About $95 filing fee (Circuit Court fee schedule).AllowedCourt page · N.H. Rev. Stat. § 503:1
New Jersey$5,000$5,000 or less in the Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part (Superior Court, Law Division); security-deposit cases also up to $5,000. Claims up to $20,000 go to the Special Civil Part.Set by court rule; New Jersey Courts publications list $35 or $50 for one defendant plus $5 for each additional defendant, plus service charges. Check the court's current fee schedule.AllowedCourt page · N.J. Ct. R. 6:1-2(a)(2)
New Mexico$10,000$10,000 or less in Magistrate Court; $10,000 in the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. New Mexico has no separate small claims court.Set by statute/court (about $67 total for a civil filing).AllowedCourt page · N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 35-3-3, 34-8A-3
New York$10,000$10,000 in New York City Civil Court; $5,000 in Nassau and Suffolk District Courts and in City Courts outside NYC; $3,000 in Town and Village Courts.$15 for claims up to $1,000 and $20 over $1,000 (NYC, District and City Courts); $10 / $15 in Town and Village Courts.AllowedCourt page · N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act § 1801; Uniform City Ct. Act § 1801; Uniform Justice Ct. Act § 1801
North Carolina$10,000$10,000 or less in small claims before a magistrate in District Court (claims assigned by the chief district judge).$96 filing fee plus $30 per defendant for sheriff service (statewide statutory costs).AllowedCourt page · N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 7A-210, 7A-228, 7A-305
North Dakota$15,000$15,000 or less for money claims, tenant damage claims, or cancellation of an agreement involving fraud, in Small Claims Court (district court judges).About $10 filing fee plus service costs.AllowedCourt page · N.D. Cent. Code §§ 27-08.1-01, 27-08.1-04
Ohio$6,000$6,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, for money-only claims in the small claims division of a municipal or county court. A counterclaim over $6,000 moves the whole case to the regular docket.Set by each municipal/county court (commonly about $30–$90 including service).AllowedCourt page · Ohio Rev. Code §§ 1925.02, 1925.17
Oklahoma$10,000$10,000 or less in the Small Claims division of District Court.Set by statute/county (roughly $60–$90 plus service).AllowedCourt page · Okla. Stat. tit. 12, § 1751
Oregon$10,000Up to $10,000 may be filed in the small claims department of Circuit Court; claims of $750 or less must be filed there. No class actions.$57 for claims of $2,500 or less; $102 for claims over $2,500 (also charged to a defendant who requests a hearing) (ORS 46.570).LimitedCourt page · Or. Rev. Stat. §§ 46.405, 46.415, 46.455, 46.485, 46.570
Pennsylvania$12,000$12,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in Magisterial District Courts; $12,000 in Philadelphia Municipal Court small claims.Set by each county (often about $60–$150 depending on amount and number of defendants, plus service).AllowedCourt page · 42 Pa. C.S. §§ 1515(a)(3), 1123(a)(4)
Rhode Island$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, for contract claims, consumer (retail sale/service) claims, negotiable-instrument claims and tax claims, in the Small Claims Court of the District Court.Set by the District Court (about $35 plus service costs).AllowedCourt page · R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-1
South Carolina$7,500$7,500 or less in Magistrates Court (contract, personal injury/property damage, penalty and attachment actions).Set by statute/court administration (about $80 to file plus service costs).AllowedCourt page · S.C. Code Ann. § 22-3-10
South Dakota$12,000$12,000 or less, not including allowable costs or attorney fees, in small claims (Magistrate Court).About $30–$40 to file plus service costs.AllowedCourt page · S.D. Codified Laws § 15-39-45.1
Tennessee$25,000Tennessee has no separate small claims court; General Sessions Court hears civil money claims up to $25,000 in all counties (no limit for eviction / forcible entry and detainer).Set by each county's General Sessions clerk (often about $100–$200 including service).AllowedCourt page · Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-501(d)(1)
Texas$20,000$20,000 or less, exclusive of interest (court costs not counted), in Justice Court small claims cases. Cases filed before September 1, 2020 were capped at $10,000.Set by each county; typically about $54 to file plus a service fee for each defendant (often $75+ for constable/sheriff service).AllowedCourt page · Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3(a)
Utah$20,000$20,000 or less, including attorney fees but not court costs or interest, for money-only claims in small claims court (Justice Court or the small claims department of District Court).Set by the Utah courts fee schedule according to claim amount (see the courts' 'Fees' page).AllowedCourt page · Utah Code § 78A-8-102
Vermont$10,000$10,000 or less for money damages in the small claims procedure of the Superior Court, Civil Division (no slander or libel). Consumer-credit and medical debt collection over $5,000 is not allowed in small claims.Set by statute (about $100 filing fee for a claim; lower for small amounts).AllowedCourt page · Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 12, § 5531
Virginia$5,000$5,000 or less, exclusive of interest, in the Small Claims Division of General District Court. General District Court itself hears claims up to $50,000 (since July 1, 2025) where lawyers are allowed.Set by statute; about $50–$60 in total (filing, service and library/courthouse fees vary slightly by locality).Not allowed at the hearingCourt page · Va. Code §§ 16.1-122.2, 16.1-122.4
Washington$10,000$10,000 for a natural person; $5,000 for businesses and other plaintiffs (RCW 12.40.010).$35 filing fee plus a county dispute-resolution surcharge of up to $15 (so $35–$50).LimitedCourt page · RCW 12.40.010, 12.40.020, 12.40.080, 12.40.120, 12.36.020; RCW 7.75.035
West Virginia$20,000$20,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs, in Magistrate Court (West Virginia has no separate small claims court).Set by statute (about $50–$75 plus service).AllowedCourt page · W. Va. Code § 50-2-1
Wisconsin$10,000$10,000 or less for most money claims; $5,000 or less for tort and personal-injury claims; no limit for evictions (Wis. Stat. § 799.01).Statewide fees (about $94.50 for claims up to $10,000, plus service).AllowedCourt page · Wis. Stat. §§ 799.01, 799.06, 799.207
Wyoming$6,000$6,000 or less, exclusive of costs, under the small claims procedure in Circuit Court.Set by statute/circuit court (about $10–$20 to file plus service).AllowedCourt page · Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-201 to 1-21-205

How the small claim court limit works

If your claim is larger than the limit, you can either give up (waive) the amount above the limit and stay in small claims, or file in the regular civil court. You cannot split one claim into two cases to get under the limit; courts treat that as one claim. Counterclaims above the limit are usually moved to the regular court.

Some states have several courts that hear small cases. New York has separate limits for New York City and for town and village courts,[7] and Tennessee’s general sessions courts hear larger cases than most states’ small claims divisions.[13] Delaware’s Justice of the Peace Court hears debt and contract cases up to $25,000.[11]

Fees for small claims

Filing fees run from about $5 to $295, usually rising with the amount claimed, plus a fee to serve the defendant (often $10–$75 by certified mail, sheriff or constable). Many states charge more to frequent filers. If you cannot afford the fee, every state has a fee waiver (sometimes called “indigency” or in forma pauperis) based on income or public benefits. If you win, the court usually adds your filing and service costs to the judgment.

Recent increases

These states changed their small claims limit in 2023 or later: Arizona ($5,000, effective 2025-09-26); California ($12,500, effective 2024-01-01); Idaho ($15,000, effective 2026-07-01); Kansas ($10,000, effective 2024-07-01); Maine ($10,000, effective 2025-09-24); Michigan ($7,000, effective 2024-01-01); Minnesota ($20,000, effective 2024-08-01); Nebraska ($7,500, effective 2025-07-01); Vermont ($10,000, effective 2023-06-05). Limits rise with inflation only when the legislature or supreme court acts, so many states have not changed theirs in a decade.

Lawyers, appeals and collecting

7 states bar attorneys from representing parties at a small claims hearing (Arkansas, California, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Virginia), and 5 more limit them; see small claims attorney rules by state. Appeals differ too: in some states only the defendant can appeal, often for a new trial in a higher court within 10 to 30 days. Winning is not the same as being paid; collecting may require a wage garnishment, bank levy or lien, each with its own forms and fees.

Ready to file? Read how to file a claim in small claims court, and check your deadline first: small claims cases must still be filed within the statute of limitations by state. State guides: small claims court California, small claims court Texas, small claims court Florida.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest small claims limit?
Delaware, Tennessee: $25,000. Some states also allow larger amounts in a justice or magistrate court using simplified procedures.
What is the small claim court limit in most states?
The median state allows $10,000. Most states fall between $5,000 and $10,000.
How much are fees for small claims?
Filing fees run from about $5 to $295, plus a service fee. Fee waivers are available for people with low income, and a winning plaintiff usually recovers the fees in the judgment.
Can I sue for more than the small claims limit?
Only by giving up the excess or filing in regular civil court. Splitting one claim into several cases to stay under the limit is not allowed.

Sources

  1. California small claims: official court information · California Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  2. Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 116.220, 116.221, 116.230, 116.530, 116.710 · California statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  3. Texas small claims: official court information · Texas Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  4. Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031(a)(1); Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3(a) · Texas statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  5. Florida small claims: official court information · Florida Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  6. Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b); Fla. Stat. § 34.041(1)(a) (fees) · Florida statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  7. New York small claims: official court information · New York Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  8. N.Y. City Civ. Ct. Act § 1801; Uniform City Ct. Act § 1801; Uniform Justice Ct. Act § 1801 · New York statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  9. Georgia small claims: official court information · Georgia Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  10. O.C.G.A. §§ 15-10-2(5), 15-10-80, 15-10-41 · Georgia statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  11. Delaware small claims: official court information · Delaware Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  12. 10 Del. C. §§ 9301, 9571, 9801 · Delaware statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026
  13. Tennessee small claims: official court information · Tennessee Judicial Branch, checked November 2026
  14. Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-501(d)(1) · Tennessee statutes / court rules (official), checked November 2026