Orange County Small Claims Court
How to file a small claims case in Orange County, FL. Courthouse locations, hours, fees, and filing options for the Orlando area.
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 Location
Orange County Courthouse — County Civil Division (Small Claims)
425 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 320 (3rd Floor)
Orlando, FL 32801
How to File in Orange County
E-filing available
This county accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse clerk during business hours. Pay the filing fee by cash, check, or credit card.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this courthouse first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee (check or money order) plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Important for Orange County: Florida small claims procedure has unique features: (1) MANDATORY pretrial conference per Rule 7.090 — defendant must appear in person at scheduled pretrial conference; (2) Mediation FREQUENTLY ORDERED at pretrial — Ninth Circuit provides court-connected mediation services; (3) NO formal written answer required from defendant before pretrial — defendant 'answers' by appearing; (4) Asymmetric corporate representation rule — corporations CAN file as plaintiff pro se via authorized employee, but defendant entities generally MUST have attorney unless court grants permission. (5) DIY Florida platform within E-Filing Portal provides guided self-service for pro se filers.
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 in Orange County?
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 Orange County?
Small claims cases in Orange 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 in Orange County?
Yes — electronic filing is available for small claims in Orange County. You can also file in person or by mail. The clerk's office can tell you which option is fastest for your case.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Orange County?
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.