Small Claims Court in Orange County

In Orange County, FL small claims cases are filed in Civil Court. Orange County has four Civil Courthouses that handle small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Orange Court System.

Small Claims

In Orange County, FL you can file a small claims case in County Civil Court to resolve legal disputes where the amount of money involved is $8,000 or less. This amount doesn't include any additional costs, interest, or attorneys' fees.

You don’t need a lawyer to go to Small Claims Court because it's designed for individuals to represent themselves without the need for legal representation.

Small claims cases can be filed by:

• Individuals who are 18 years or older
• Partnerships (you'll need to provide the full name, address, and phone number for each partner)
• Corporations (you'll need to provide the full legal business name, address, and phone number)

You must also provide this same information for the person or entity you're filing a claim against.

• If your claim is based on a written document, make sure to attach a copy of that document to your Statement of Claim.
• If you or your attorney don’t show up on the court date, the judge may dismiss your claim.
• If you and the other party reach a settlement at any point during the proceedings, you must notify the Clerk's Office in writing.
• Be sure to inform the Clerk’s Office in writing if your mailing address changes.
• If a judgment is made against someone, they have 10 days to file a motion for a new trial and 30 days to file an appeal. Keep in mind, the Clerk's Office can't help you with filing an appeal.

Cases Handled in Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court handles a variety of disputes, such as:

• Breaches of written or verbal contracts
• Recovering down payments
• Property damage from car accidents
• Loss or damage to personal property
• Complaints about defective products or poor-quality services
• Payment issues for services provided
• Claims involving bounced checks
• Disputes over unpaid rent
• Recovering a tenant’s security deposit

Where to file

• You can file a small claims case at our courthouse locations in Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Park. For complete details, check out our Locations page.

• You also have the option to file a small claims case by mail or through the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal if you're a registered user.

• The Clerk’s Office offers a Self Help Center specifically designed to assist Orange County residents who don't have a private attorney. The staff at the Self Help Center can help you file forms, and notary and copy services.

Cost

Here are the filing fees for Small Claims cases:

• $55.00 for claims under $100.00
• $80.00 for claims ranging from $100.00 to $500.00
• $175.00 for claims ranging from $500.01 to $2,500.00
• $300.00 for claims ranging from $2,500.01 to $8,000.00
• $130.00 for replevin actions (recovering property) with claims up to $1,000.00

Additional Fees:

• $10.00 for issuing a summons on new and existing cases
• $295.00 for counterclaims, cross-claims, or third-party complaints exceeding $2,500.00
• $85.00 for replevin, attachment, and distress
• $10.00 additional fee per timeshare estate named, on top of civil claims fees
• $2.50 for each additional defendant beyond five

Appeals:

• $284.00 for filing a Notice of Appeal (payable to the Clerk of Courts)
• $18.00 additional filing fee for each severance granted

Garnishment:

• $85.00 in accordance with F.S. 77.28

Miscellaneous:

• $0.15 per copy provided by the Clerk's Office
• $1.00 per page for copies of court records (not larger than 14"x18.5")
• $2.00 for certification
• $7.00 for an exemplified certificate (one-page judgment)
• $2.00 to sign and seal a subpoena
• $1.00 per form provided by the Clerk
• $3.50 to administer an oath (with ID)
• $0.50 for pulling files in excess of 10 per day (per file)
• $170.00 for an eminent domain registry deposit fee
• $70.00 for a judicial sale (foreclosure)
• $42.00 to enforce a foreign judgment
• $42.00 for sealing or expunging a record
• $100.00 for Pro Hac Vice (out-of-state attorney - F.S. 25.241)
• $60.00 for a court-ordered mediation process (per person, per session)
• $50.00 reopen fee for County Court
• $50.00 reopen fee for Small Claims between $500.00 and $8,000.00
• $25.00 reopen fee for Small Claims under $500.00
• $8.50 for bond approval by the Clerk

Filling a Case

• The complete names, addresses, phone numbers and business name (if applicable) of both the plaintiff and defendant are required.
• Copies of any contracts, notes, leases, receipts or other evidence you have in support of your claim must be furnished to each person you are suing as well as to the court.

After Filling the Case

• Once you file a small claims case, each person or business you’re suing must be served with a Summons/Notice to Appear in court on the scheduled date and time. It's your responsibility to ensure the defendant(s) receive this notice, which can be done through the Sheriff or a private process server.
• The initial court date will be a mediation/pre-trial conference, where you'll need to be prepared to present your case. If the dispute isn’t resolved at this conference, a trial date will be set. You'll need to attend the trial with all your witnesses and any documentation supporting your claim.

Trial

• A trial by jury may be requested by the plaintiff in writing at the time the case is filed. If filing by mail, send a letter to room 350 of the Orange County Courthouse.
• The defendant may request a jury trial within five days after service of the Notice to Appear, or at the mediation/pre-trial conference.

Subpoena

To issue a subpoena, you need:

1. $2.00 payment to the Orange County Clerk of Courts.
2. A prepared subpoena for the clerk to sign and seal.
3. One of the following (if available):
   • Notice of Trial
   • Notice of Taking Deposition with party details
   • Notice of Deposition Duces Tecum (for records)

If using the Orange County Sheriff's Office for service:

1. $40.00 payment per person served.
2. A self-addressed stamped envelope for return of service, mailed to: Orange County Clerk of Courts 425 N Orange Ave., Room 350 Orlando, FL 32801

For out-of-state subpoenas:

1. Notice of Deposition with date, time, and deponent's name.
2. Prepared subpoena with space for the Clerk's signature and seal.

For record production or duces tecum:

1. Notice of Records Pickup or production details.
2. Prepared subpoena with space for the Clerk's signature and seal.

If using the Sheriff's Office:

1. $55.00 payment per person served.
2. A self-addressed stamped envelope for return, mailed to the same address.

The Clerk’s Office no longer prepares subpoenas. You can mail or submit them at the front counter in Room 350.

Settlement

If at any time in the proceedings a settlement is reached between the parties, the plaintiff must notify the Clerk's Office in writing of the settlement. If responding by mail, send letter to:

Orange County Clerk of Courts
425 N. Orange Ave.
Suite 350
Orlando, FL 32801

Judgment

If you win your case and a judgment is entered in your favor, you have the option to place a judgment lien on any real property owned by the defendant. To do this, first, obtain a certified copy of your judgment from the Clerk's Civil Division. Then, take the certified copy to the Orange County Comptroller's Official Records department to have it recorded in the official records. You can also record the judgment in other counties if needed.

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Orange County

Don't allow the intricacies of the legal system to discourage you from pursuing justice and compensation for your claim. With Squabble, you have a dedicated partner to streamline the process and guide you toward resolution. Whether you're contemplating filing a claim at Orange County small claims court, Squabble is here to support you at every stage. Reach out to us today to commence your journey toward justice and compensation. Get started today and become one of the 95% of our customers who won or settled their case.

Courthouse Locations:

1. Orange County Courthouse

   425 N. Orange Ave.
   Orlando, FL 32801
   (407) 836-2000
   https://www.myorangeclerk.com/Divisions/Civil/Small-Claims

   BUILDING HOURS

   • Monday - Friday 7:30AM - 4:00PM, except court holidays.

2. Apopka Branch

   1111 N. Rock Springs Rd.
   Apopka, Florida 32712
   (407) 836-2007
   https://myorangeclerk.com/

   BUILDING HOURS

   • Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM, except court holidays.
   • For court check-in ONLY, Thursday, you can arrive at 7:30 a.m.

3. Ocoee Branch

   475 Story Rd.
   Ocoee, FL 34761
   (407)836-2007
   https://www.myorangeclerk.com/

   BUILDING HOURS

   • Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM, except court holidays.
   • For court check-in ONLY, on Wednesday, you can arrive at 7:30 a.m.

4. Winter Park Ranch

   450 N. Lakemont Ave.
   Winter Park, FL 32792
   (407)836-2007
   https://www.myorangeclerk.com/

   BUILDING HOURS

   • Monday - Friday 8:00AM - 4:00PM, except court holidays.
   • Friday 7:30 a.m. court check-in only.