Small Claims Court in Pasco County

In Pasco County, FL small claims cases are filed in Civil Court. Pasco County has two 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 Pasco Court System.

Small Claims

If you have a minor dispute involving $8,000 or less (not counting court costs, interest, or attorney fees), Small Claims Court could be a great option. It’s designed to be straightforward and easy to use—so much so that it’s often called the “people’s court.” You don’t need a lawyer to file a claim, but if you want one, you’re certainly allowed.

Getting Started

To start your case, you can get the necessary forms at the County Civil Department in the Clerk’s Office or download them directly from our website. The key form you’ll use is the Statement of Claim.

You’ll need to sign this form either:

• In person, at the Clerk’s Office, in front of a Deputy Clerk, or
• Somewhere else, but then it must be notarized to be official.

Where to File

You must file your case in the county where the dispute happened. If you accidentally file in the wrong county, the defendant can ask the court to move your case to the correct one.

Who Can File?

• Anyone 18 years or older can file a claim.
• Businesses can file under the company’s name.
• Parents or legal guardians can file on behalf of minors.

Everyone involved in the case—whether filing or being sued—needs to sign the required documents. These signatures must be done:

• In person at the Clerk’s Office, in front of a Deputy Clerk, or
• Elsewhere, but with notarized documents.

Cases Handled in Small Claims Court

Small Claims Court is designed to help everyday people resolve common legal disputes quickly—and without needing a lawyer. If your disagreement involves $8,000 or less (not counting interest, court costs, or attorney fees), Small Claims Court might be just the right place to settle it.

Here are some of the most typical cases Small Claims Court deals with:

• Disagreements over written or verbal contracts
• Trouble getting a down payment refunded
• Damage to your car or property from an accident
• Lost or damaged personal belongings
• Issues with defective products or poor-quality services
• Not being paid for work you’ve completed
• Problems related to bounced checks
• Disputes over unpaid rent
• Trying to get your security deposit back from a landlord

If any of these sound familiar, Small Claims Court offers a straightforward, affordable way to seek a resolution and get your issues settled.

Filing

When you’re ready to file, one of the most important things is making sure you name the right person or business in your claim. Take a moment to double-check their full legal name and current address. This helps avoid delays and makes sure your case is filed correctly the first time.

Suing a Business?

If you’re suing a business, you’ll need their official legal information, including the name of their Registered Agent—the person or company authorized to accept legal documents on the business’s behalf.

To find this info, you can:

• Call the Florida Secretary of State at (850) 245-6051, or
• Visit www.sunbiz.org

Don’t Forget Your Supporting Documents!

• Bring copies of anything that backs up your case, such as:
  • Contracts or agreements
  • Receipts or invoices
  • Photos showing damage or proof
  • Emails, text messages, or other communications
• You’ll need:
  • One copy for the court file, and
  • One copy for each person or business you’re suing (the defendant).

Having the right paperwork and accurate info can really help your case move along smoothly.

Summons and Service Fees

After you file your Small Claims case, the next important step is to make sure the person or business you’re suing—the defendant—is officially notified. This is called service of summons, and it’s required by law so the defendant knows there’s a case against them.

Your Options for Serving the Summons

1. Certified Process Server or Sheriff’s Office
   • In Pasco County, the Sheriff’s Office can handle delivering the summons for you.
     • The cost is $40.00 per defendant.
     • This fee must be paid separately, either by cash, cashier’s check, or money order made out to Pasco County Sheriff.
     • If the defendant lives in a different county, you’ll need to contact the Sheriff’s Office there to find out their procedures and fees.
2. Certified Mail (Florida Residents Only)
   • If the defendant lives in Florida, you can choose to have the Clerk’s Office send the summons by Certified Mail.
     • You’ll be responsible for paying any postal fees charged by the Clerk’s Office for this service.

What If the Defendant Isn’t Served?

• Sometimes, the first attempt to serve the summons doesn’t work. If that happens:
  • You can request an alias summons, which is basically a second chance to serve the defendant.
  • There’s a $10.00 fee per defendant for this.
  • If you’re using the Pasco County Sheriff, the $40.00 fee applies again for each additional attempt.

Pretrial

Once your case is filed, the court will set a pretrial hearing that both you and the defendant must attend. This hearing is an important, required part of the process.

At the Pretrial Hearing

• When your case is called, the Clerk will ask the defendant if they admit or deny owing the debt:
  • If the defendant admits the debt, the judge may enter a judgment right then and there.
  • If the defendant denies it, your case will likely move forward to either trial or mediation.

What If the Defendant Hasn’t Been Served?

Your case cannot move forward unless the defendant has been properly served with the summons before the hearing. If service hasn’t been completed:

• You can request an alias summons from the Clerk’s Office (a second chance to serve the defendant).
• There is a $10.00 fee per defendant for this. Be sure to complete service in time to avoid delays in your case.

Mediation

At your pretrial conference, the court might offer you the chance to try mediation—a simple, informal way to resolve your dispute without going to trial.

In mediation, a neutral third party called a mediator helps both sides talk through the issue. The mediator doesn’t make decisions or take sides—they just guide the conversation to help everyone find common ground.

Why Consider Mediation?

• It’s less formal and usually less stressful than a trial
• Both sides have more control over the outcome
• f you reach an agreement, your case can be settled right then and there, no trial needed
• You can bring a lawyer if you want, but it’s not required

What Happens If You Don’t Reach an Agreement?

No worries—if mediation doesn’t fully resolve the case, any remaining issues will be scheduled for a trial where a judge will make the final decision.

Confidentiality

Everything said during mediation is confidential, unless the law says otherwise. It’s a safe space to work things out without worry.

Court Fees

Note: All fees are subject to change based on new legislation.

Filing Fees by Case Type:

• Administrative Appeal: $281
• Eminent Domain Action: $400
• General Circuit Civil (claims over $50,000): $400
• General County Civil (claims between $8,000 and $15,000): $300
• General County Civil (claims between $15,000 and $50,000): $400
• Malpractice 90-Day Extension: $42
• Other Real Property Actions (not involving foreclosure):
  • $50,000 or less: $400
  • Between $50,000 and $250,000: $905
  • $250,000 and above: $1,905

Other Fees

• Additional defendants (more than five), per defendant: $2.50
• Attorney Pro Hac Vice (permission to practice in a case temporarily): $100
• Bond Approval: $8.50
• Circuit Civil Counterclaim/Crossclaim/Third-Party Claim: $395
• County Civil Counterclaim/Crossclaim/Third-Party Claim (over $2,500): - $295
• Eminent Domain Deposit Fee, per deposit: $170
• Enforcement of Foreign Judgment Service Fee: $42
• Motor Vehicle Repair Act (preparing and recording): $17
• Notice of Lis Pendens (recording fees):
  • First page: $5
  • Additional pages: $4 each
  • Additional names (more than 4), per name: $1
• Judicial Sale Fee: $70
• Electronic Sale Fee: $70
• Payment Plan Contract Fee: $25
• Reopen Fee (with some exemptions): $50
• Registry of Court Fee (placing funds into Registry):
  • First $500: 3%
  • Each additional $100: 1.5%
• Satisfaction, Dismissal, Foreign Judgment, or Release of Lis Pendens (recording fees):
  • First page: $10
  • Additional pages: $8.50 each
  • Additional names (more than 4), per name: $1
• Sealing Court File or Expungement of Record: $42
• Subpoena Issuance (sign and seal only), per subpoena: $2
• Subpoena Preparation and Issuance (prepare, sign, seal), per subpoena: $7
• Summons Issuance (sign and seal only), per summons: $10
• Summons Preparation and Issuance (prepare, sign, seal), per summons: $17
• Surplus Fund Fee: $28
• Surplus Fund Disbursement Fee, per disbursement: $15
• Transfer of Lien Certificate:
  • First certificate: $20
  • Each additional certificate: $10
• Writ Issuance (Garnishment, Replevin, Attachment & Distress Writs), per writ: $85

Payment Options

• You can pay court fees using:
  • Bank checks
  • Cash (do not mail cash)
  • Credit or Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) — Note: a 3.5% transaction fee applies for card payments through MyFloridaCounty
  • In-state business checks
  • Money orders
  • Personal in-state checks (with proper ID)

Important:

• Registry payments must be made with certified funds only, such as cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders.

After Filing

Once your case is officially filed, everyone you’re suing—whether individuals or businesses—must be formally served with a summons or notice to appear. This notice includes the date and time of your hearing and is the first official step in the legal process.

Pretrial Hearing & Mediation

At your pretrial hearing, you’ll be invited to participate in the County Court Mediation Program. Mediation is an informal, relaxed meeting led by a neutral mediator who helps both sides talk through the dispute and try to reach an agreement—without needing to go to trial.

Mediation is voluntary and can be a great option if you want a quicker, less stressful resolution. If either side opts out or mediation doesn’t fully resolve the case, your dispute will move on to trial.

Preparing for Trial

If your case does proceed to trial, coming fully prepared is key. Here’s how to get ready:

• Bring all witnesses who can support your side of the story
• Gather all relevant documents, such as contracts, receipts, photos, messages, or anything that backs up your claim
• Be ready to clearly explain your side directly to the judge
• You’ll have the chance to ask the defendant questions about the dispute
• Present any important documents you mentioned during the pretrial hearing

Being organized and prepared will help your case run smoothly and increase your chances of a fair outcome. Clear presentation is one of the most important factors in convincing the court.

Once your case is officially filed, each person or business you’re suing must be served with a summons or notice to appear. This notice includes the date and time of your hearing and is your first formal step in the legal process.

Pretrial Hearing & Mediation

At the hearing, you’ll have the chance to take part in the County Court Mediation Program. Mediation is a relaxed, informal meeting where a neutral third party (the mediator) helps both sides talk through the dispute and try to reach an agreement—without going to trial.

Mediation is voluntary and helpful, especially if you’re looking for a faster, less stressful resolution. If you and the other party choose not to mediate, or if mediation doesn’t fully resolve the case, your next step will be trial.

Preparing for Trial

If your case goes to trial, it’s important to come prepared. Here’s what you should do:

• Bring all witnesses who can support your side of the story
• Have all relevant documents ready—contracts, receipts, photos, messages, or anything that supports your claim
• Be ready to clearly explain your side directly to the judge
• You’ll also be able to ask the defendant questions about the dispute
• Present any documents you previously shared during the pretrial hearing

Being organized and fully prepared can make a big difference in how your case goes. The more clearly you can present your side, the better your chances of a smooth and fair outcome.

Trial

If you and the defendant decide not to mediate—or if mediation doesn’t fully resolve the dispute—your case will move forward to trial. The court will set a date, and it’s important to come prepared to present your side clearly.

What to Bring to Trial

• All your evidence: Anything that supports your story
• Any witnesses: People who can back you up or confirm important details
• Important documents: Contracts, receipts, photos, emails, or any written communication—especially those you mentioned during the pretrial

What to Expect During the Trial

• You’ll explain your side directly to the judge
• You can ask the defendant questions about the dispute
• You’ll present your evidence in an organized, clear way

This is your moment to make your case and show why the court should rule in your favor. Stay focused, be clear, and bring everything you need to support your claim.

Judgment

If you and the other party reach a settlement at any point, it’s important that the plaintiff notifies the Clerk of Court’s Office in writing to officially close the case.

Collecting on a Judgment

If the court awards you a judgment, the Clerk’s Office provides an information sheet explaining your options to collect the money. Keep in mind, collecting on a judgment can sometimes be complicated, so you might want to consult a lawyer for help.

Important:

The court does not collect money for you—you’re responsible for enforcing the judgment yourself.

After Winning Your Case

If the court rules in your favor or enters a default judgment because the defendant didn’t show up, you can:

• Request a certified copy of the final judgment from the Clerk’s Office
• Request a writ of execution (available 10 days after the judgment), which allows law enforcement to seize the defendant’s property to satisfy the debt

Key Things to Know About Judgments:

• Judgments earn annual interest at a rate set by Florida law (interest - does not compound)
• You can record your judgment in Pasco County or any Florida county where the defendant lives or owns property, which can place a lien on their real estate for up to 10 years
• The Clerk’s Office does not charge for issuing a writ of execution, but the Sheriff’s Office will charge a fee and require a deposit before seizing property
• You can also file a garnishment to collect money from the defendant’s wages (if they’re not head of a family), bank accounts, or money held by a third party

Remember:

Once you’ve entered and recorded the judgment, and any writs have been issued, the court won’t help further with collection. The court does not find the defendant’s property or guarantee you’ll be paid. Enforcing the judgment is your responsibility, so be sure to follow these steps carefully or get legal advice if you need it.

Collect Judgment

When you win a money judgment, the court orders the losing party (the judgment debtor) to pay you, the judgment creditor. If they don’t pay voluntarily, you can ask the sheriff to seize their property to satisfy the debt. This is called a levy, and when the sheriff sells the seized property at auction, it’s called execution. Step 1: Record a Judgment Lien Certificate

• File a Judgment Lien Certificate with the Florida Department of State as soon as possible.
• This creates a lien on the debtor’s real estate (land/buildings).
• Filing early isn’t required but helps protect your priority over other creditors. Step 2: Locate Seizable Property
• You must find property that the sheriff can legally seize (the sheriff won’t locate it for you).
• Seizable property includes:
  • Real property (land and buildings)
  • Personal property (cars, boats, furniture, jewelry, etc.)
• Some property is exempt and can’t be taken:
  • The debtor’s homestead (primary residence) is protected by law.
  • The debtor can exempt up to $1,000 in personal property and one motor vehicle worth up to $1,000.
• If the judgment is against a corporation or partnership, all their property can be seized.
• Only property owned by the debtor can be seized—not leased or owned by others. Step 3: Get a Writ of Execution
• Take your judgment to the Clerk of Court and request a Writ of Execution.
• This order directs the sheriff to seize property to satisfy your judgment.
• Then:
  • Deliver the writ to the sheriff’s office where the property is located.
  • Provide detailed instructions describing the property and its location.
  • Deposit money with the sheriff to cover their fees (you get this back if the levy is successful). Step 4: Check for Other Creditors
• Before the sheriff sells the property, check for any other liens or secured interests:
  • Search judgment liens at sunbiz.org
  • Search UCC security interests at floridaucc.com
  • You must notify all prior lien holders of the sale and give the sheriff a signed affidavit listing these liens. Step 5: Property Sale
• The sheriff will:
  • Advertise the sale in a local newspaper.
  • Hold a public auction at the scheduled time and place.
  • Sell the property to the highest cash bidder.
• You can participate in the auction and bid if you want. Step 6: Distribution of Sale Proceeds
• The sheriff pays out the money in this order:
  • Sheriff’s fees and costs (if covered, you get your deposit back)
  • $500 to you for your court costs (fixed amount regardless of actual expenses)
  • Creditors with liens filed before yours, paid in the order their liens were recorded
  • You get paid if any money remains after prior liens are satisfied
  • If funds run out before your payment, you won’t receive any more.

Why File Your Judgment Lien Early?

• If you don’t record your lien promptly, another creditor might file first and get paid before you.
• The sheriff pays liens in the order they are filed, so early filing improves your chance to recover money.

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Pasco 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 Pasco 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. Robert D. Sumner Judicial Center

38053 Live Oak Avenue, Suite 207
Dade City, FL 33523-3805
(352) 521-4542, Option 3
https://www.pascoclerk.com/175/Small-Claims

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM, except court holidays.

2. West Pasco Judicial Center

7530 Little Road, Suite 105
New Port Richey, FL 34654-5598
https://www.pascoclerk.com/175/Small-Claims

BUILDING HOURS

• Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5:00PM, except court holidays.

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 338
New Port Richey, FL 34656-0338
Phone: (727) 847-8031, Option 3
Toll Free: (800) 368-2411, Ext. 8031

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