Small Claims Court in Seminole County

In Seminole County, FL small claims cases are filed in Civil Court. Seminole County has one Civil Courthouse that handles 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 Seminole Court System.

Small Claims

If you have a disagreement involving $8,000 or less (not including court costs, interest, or attorney fees), Small Claims Court might be just what you need. It’s designed to be simple and accessible—so much so that it’s often called the “people’s court.” You don’t need a lawyer to file a case, but you're welcome to have one if you prefer.

How to Get Started

To begin, you’ll need to fill out a few forms. You can pick them up at the County Civil Department in the Clerk’s Office, or download them directly from our website. The most important form is the Statement of Claim. Once you’ve filled it out, you’ll need to sign it either:

• In person at the Clerk’s Office, in front of a Deputy Clerk, or
• Somewhere else, as long as the signature is notarized.

Where to File Your Case

You must file your case in the county where the issue happened. If you file in the wrong place, the other party (the defendant) can ask the court to move it to the correct county.

Who Can File a Claim?

• Anyone 18 or older
• Businesses (file under the business name)
• Parents or legal guardians (on behalf of minors)

Everyone involved in the case—whether filing or being sued—must sign the necessary documents. These signatures must be either:

• Done in person at the Clerk’s Office, in front of a Deputy Clerk, or
• Signed elsewhere and notarized.

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 meant to make resolving everyday legal disputes simple, quick, and affordable—no lawyer required. If your case involves $8,000 or less (not including court costs, interest, or attorney fees), this could be the right place to settle things.

Common Reasons People Use Small Claims Court:

You might be surprised by how many common problems can be handled here, including:

• Disagreements over written or verbal agreements
• Trouble getting a deposit or down payment refunded
• Damage to your car or property caused by someone else
• Lost or damaged personal items
• Faulty products or services that didn’t meet expectations
• Not being paid for work you’ve done
• Bounced checks
• Unpaid rent
• Trying to recover your security deposit from a landlord

If any of these situations sound like yours, Small Claims Court offers a practical, no-fuss way to pursue a resolution—without the expense and complexity of higher courts.

Filing

Before you file your claim, one of the most important steps is making sure you name the right person or business. Take a moment to double-check their full legal name and current address—this helps avoid delays and ensures your case is filed correctly the first time.

Filing Against a Business?

If you’re suing a business, you’ll need their official legal details—including the name of their Registered Agent (the person or company authorized to receive legal papers on their behalf).

You can find this information by:

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

Gather Your Supporting Documents

To help your case go smoothly, be sure to bring copies of anything that supports your claim, such as:

• Contracts or written agreements
• Receipts or invoices
• Photos showing damage or proof
• Emails, text messages, or other written communication

You'll need:

• One copy for the court, and
• One copy for each person or business you're suing

Having the right paperwork and accurate info upfront can make a big difference—and help your case move forward without unnecessary hiccups.

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

Once you’ve filed your Small Claims case, the next step is making sure the person or business you’re suing—called the defendant—is officially notified. This legal process is known as service of summons, and it's required to move your case forward.

How to Serve the Summons

You have two main options for serving the summons:

1. Certified Process Server or the Sheriff’s Office
   • In Seminole County**, the Sheriff’s Office can serve the summons for you.
   • Cost: $40.00 per defendant
   • Payment: Must be paid separately—by cash, cashier’s check, or money order made out to Seminole County Sheriff
   • If the defendant lives in another county, you’ll need to contact that county’s Sheriff’s Office for their fees and procedures.
2. Certified Mail (Florida Residents Only)
   • If the defendant lives in Florida, the Clerk’s Office can send the summons via Certified Mail.
   • You’ll be responsible for any postal fees the Clerk’s Office charges for this service.

What If the Defendant Isn’t Served?

Sometimes, the first attempt doesn’t work. If that happens:

• You can request an alias summons—basically a second try.
• Fee: $10.00 per defendant
• If you’re using the Sheriff’s Office (e.g., Seminole County) again, the $40.00 service fee applies for each additional attempt.

Pretrial

Once your case is filed, the court will schedule a pretrial hearing—and both you and the defendant are required to attend. This hearing is a key part of the Small Claims process.

What to Expect at the Pretrial Hearing

When your case is called, the Clerk will ask the defendant whether they admit or deny owing the debt:

• If the defendant admits they owe the debt:
  • The judge may issue a judgment right then and there.
• If the defendant denies it:
  • The case will usually move forward to either trial or mediation, depending on the situation.

What If the Defendant Hasn’t Been Served?

The court can’t proceed with your case unless the defendant has been properly served with the summons before the hearing date. If service hasn’t been completed: - You’ll need to request an alias summons from the Clerk’s Office (this gives you another chance to serve the defendant). - Cost: $10.00 per defendant

Make sure you complete service in time to avoid delays or rescheduling of your case.

Mediation

At your pretrial conference, the court may give you the option to try mediation—a simple and informal way to resolve your dispute without going to trial.

What Is Mediation?

Mediation involves a neutral third party, called a mediator, who helps both sides talk things through. The mediator doesn’t take sides or make decisions—they’re just there to guide the conversation and help everyone try to reach an agreement.

Why Try Mediation?

• It’s less formal and usually less stressful than a trial
• You and the other party stay in control of the outcome
• If you agree on a solution, your case can be settled on the spot—no trial needed
• You’re welcome to bring a lawyer, but it’s not required

What If You Don’t Reach an Agreement?

That’s okay. If you can’t resolve everything during mediation, any remaining issues will move forward to trial. The judge will then make the final decision.

Is Mediation Confidential?

Yes. Everything discussed in mediation is confidential, unless the law says otherwise. It’s a private, judgment-free space to try and work things out.

Court Fees

The fee to file a Small Claims case depends on the amount you’re suing for:

• If you’re claiming less than $100.00, the filing fee is $55.00.
• For claims between $100.00 and $500.00, the fee is $80.00.
• If your claim is between $500.01 and $2,500.00, the filing fee is $175.00.
• For claims between $2,500.01 and $8,000.00, the filing fee is $300.00.

After Filing

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

Pretrial Hearing & Mediation

At your pretrial hearing, you'll have the opportunity to take part in the County Court Mediation Program. Mediation is a relaxed, informal meeting led by a neutral mediator who helps both sides discuss the issue and try to reach a resolution—without going to trial.

• Mediation is voluntary, but it can be a great way to settle the dispute quickly and with less stress.
• If you or the other party choose not to mediate, or if mediation doesn’t fully resolve the issue, your case will move forward to trial.

Getting Ready for Trial

If your case proceeds to trial, being prepared is essential. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Bring witnesses who can support your version of events.
• Collect and organize all relevant documents, including contracts, receipts, photos, text messages, emails, or anything else that backs up your claim.
• Be ready to clearly explain your side of the story directly to the judge.
• Ask the defendant questions about the dispute if necessary.
• Present any documents you referred to during the pretrial hearing.

Why Preparation Matters

Being organized, calm, and clear in court can make a big difference. The better you explain your side—and support it with facts—the better your chances of a smooth and fair outcome.

Trial

If you and the defendant choose not to mediate—or if mediation doesn’t fully resolve the issue—your case will move forward to trial. The court will schedule a date, and it’s important to be fully prepared to present your side.

What to Bring to Trial

Come to court with everything you need to support your case, including:

• All your evidence – Anything that helps prove your side of the story.
• Any witnesses – People who can back you up or confirm key details.
• Important documents – This can include contracts, receipts, photos, emails, text messages, or any written communication—especially anything you referred to during the pretrial hearing.

What to Expect in the Courtroom

During the trial:

• You’ll explain your side of the story directly to the judge.
• You’ll have the chance to ask the defendant questions about the dispute.
• You’ll present your evidence clearly and in an organized way.

Final Tips

This is your opportunity to make your case and help the judge understand why they should rule in your favor. Stay calm, be clear, and make sure you bring everything you need. Being well-prepared can go a long way toward a fair and successful outcome.

Judgment

If you and the other party settle the case 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 will give you an information sheet explaining your options for collecting the money. Keep in mind, collecting a judgment can sometimes be tricky, so you might want to talk to a lawyer for help. Important: The court does not collect money for you—you’re responsible for enforcing the judgment yourself.

What to Do After Winning Your Case

If the court rules in your favor or grants 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 lets law enforcement 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 Seminole County or any Florida county where the defendant lives or owns property. This can place a lien on their real estate for up to 10 years.
• The Clerk’s Office does not charge a fee to issue 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 your judgment is entered and recorded, and any writs are issued, the court will not assist further with collection. The court doesn’t locate the defendant’s property or guarantee you’ll get paid. Enforcing the judgment is your responsibility—so be sure to follow these steps carefully or get legal advice if you need help.

Collect Judgment

When you win a money judgment, the court orders the losing party (called 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 process 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 you can.
• This creates a lien on the debtor’s real estate (land and buildings), helping protect your claim against other creditors.
• While not required, filing early improves your priority over other liens.

Step 2: Locate Seizable Property

• You must find property that the sheriff can legally seize—the sheriff won’t find it for you. Seizable property includes:
  • Real property like land and buildings
  • Personal property such as cars, boats, furniture, jewelry, and more
• Keep in mind some property is protected by law and cannot be seized:
  • The debtor’s homestead (primary residence) is exempt.
  • The debtor can protect 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 taken—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 tells the sheriff to seize property to satisfy your judgment. Then:
  • Deliver the writ to the sheriff’s office where the property is located.
  • Provide clear details about 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, you need to check for any other liens or secured interests on it:
  • Search judgment liens at sunbiz.org
  • Search UCC security interests at floridaucc.com
• You must notify all prior lien holders of the sale and provide the sheriff with 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 to.

Step 6: Distribution of Sale Proceeds

• The sheriff pays out the money in this order:
  1. Sheriff’s fees and costs (you get your deposit back if covered)
  2. $500 to you for court costs (a fixed amount regardless of actual expenses)
  3. Creditors with liens filed before yours, paid in the order their liens were recorded
  4. You get paid if there’s money left after prior liens are satisfied
• If the money runs out before you’re fully paid, you won’t receive more.

Why File Your Judgment Lien Early?

The sheriff pays liens in the order they were filed. If you don’t record your lien promptly, another creditor might file first and get paid before you. Filing early helps protect your chance to recover your money.

Courthouse Locations:

Seminole County Small Claims

301 N Park Ave
Sanford, FL 32771
(407) 665-4300
https://www.seminoleclerk.org/departments/courts/civil-court/small-claims/

BUILDING HOURS Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM, except court holidays.

CITIES SERVED

• Sanford
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Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Seminole County

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