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Workflows›Small Claims

Small Claims Pretrial Conference

Before filing

  1. 1

    Confirm the amount in controversy is within small-claims jurisdiction

    Small claims covers claims up to $8,000, exclusive of costs, interest, and attorneys' fees.

    Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →

Filing

  1. 2

    File the Statement of Claim on the approved form with the clerk

Scheduling

  1. 3

    Note the pretrial conference date the clerk sets — appearance is mandatory

    Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →

Before the hearing

  1. 4

    Prepare documents supporting the claim or defense

At the hearing

  1. 5

    Be ready to mediate

    Courts routinely order mediation at the pretrial conference.

    Rule: Small Claims Pretrial Conference: Appearance Mandatory — Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.090 →

After the hearing

  1. 6

    If not resolved, get the trial date and pretrial deadlines in writing

Steps marked “check the division's instructions” vary by judge — that variance is exactly what BenchPath tracks. Search your county and division for the specific requirements before relying on the generic sequence. Not legal advice.