Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department
Filing information for Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department in Jacksonville, FL. Part of the Duval County small claims court system.
Small claims in Florida — the numbers that apply at this court
$8,000
maximum claim
from $55
filing fee (published, varies by claim)
4–5 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Florida small claims guide · The form that starts a case: every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department
501 W. Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Area Served
All of Duval County, which is consolidated with the City of Jacksonville (since 1968). Includes Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jacksonville Beach, and Baldwin. ENTIRE COUNTY served by this single centralized courthouse.
How to File at Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: E-filing is MANDATORY for attorneys per Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.525. Self-represented (pro se) litigants are encouraged but NOT required to use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal — paper filings still accepted from pro se filers. Pro se filers can register at the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (myflcourtaccess.com) or use the DIY Florida platform within the portal for guided self-service. New small claims case initiation supported for pro se via the portal. Per E-Portal requirement effective August 20, 2022 (Courthouse News Service v. Forman): all e-filers must designate whether case-initiating documents contain confidential information when filing in Circuit Civil (CA), County Civil (CC), and Small Claims (SC) cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Florida
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $8,000.
Limit excludes costs, interest, and attorneys' fees
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
5 yrs written contract · 4 yrs oral contract · 4 yrs property damage · 4 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department?
Filing fees in Florida are set by the state and run from $55 to $400, depending on how much you're claiming. If you can't afford the fee, Florida offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Duval County?
Small claims cases in Duval County are limited to $8,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Duval County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Where is Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department, and when is it open?
Duval County Courthouse — Small Claims Department is at 501 W. Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Posted hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Phone: (904) 255-2000. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Jacksonville?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.