Small Claims Court Limits in Oklahoma, Texas, Florida and California
How much you can sue for in small claims court in four states, what it costs to file, and which claims don't belong there.
Updated November 11, 2026 · Examined Life
Covers: Oklahoma, Texas, Florida, California
Small claims court is built for people who represent themselves. The procedure is simpler, the hearing is quicker and the filing fees are lower. Each state sets its own dollar limit and its own rules about what can be filed.
The limits
| State | Limit | Filing fee |
|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma | $10,000, not counting attorney fees and costs | $45 by statute for claims of $5,000 or less, plus courthouse add-on fees; larger claims pay the regular district court fee |
| Texas | $20,000, not counting statutory interest and court costs (attorney fees count toward the limit) | Set by county, often about $54 plus a service fee |
| Florida | $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorney fees | $50 under $100; $75 for $100 to $500; $170 for $500 to $2,500; $295 over $2,500 |
| California | $12,500 for individuals; $6,250 for businesses and other entities | $30 up to $1,500; $50 for $1,500.01 to $5,000; $75 over $5,000 |
State notes
- Oklahoma small claims cover money claims and the return of specific property worth $10,000 or less. Libel and slander claims aren't allowed, and collection agencies and debt buyers generally can't file there. Either side may ask for a jury if the claim or counterclaim is over $1,500.
- Texas small claims are heard in justice court and also cover the return of personal property worth $20,000 or less. Divorce, defamation and title to land aren't allowed. If you can't afford the fees, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
- Florida cases go to county court under the small claims rules, and a pretrial conference is generally held within 50 days of filing.
- California limits anyone to two claims over $2,500 anywhere in the state per calendar year. A fee waiver is available if you qualify.
Before you file
- Send a written demand letter with a deadline. Many disputes end here, and the court may want to see that you asked.
- Check your deadline to sue. Each state's statute of limitations depends on the type of claim.
- File in the right county, usually where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose.
- Gather your evidence: contracts, receipts, photos, texts and estimates, with copies for the judge and the other side.
If your claim is over the limit, you can usually give up the excess to stay in small claims, or file in the regular court instead.
The law behind this
- 12 O.S. § 1751Oklahoma small claims jurisdiction and the $10,000 limit; § 1764 sets fees.
- Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3Texas small claims cases and the $20,000 limit.
- Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031Justice court jurisdiction.
- Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b)Florida's $8,000 small claims limit.
- Fla. Stat. § 34.041Florida small claims filing fees.
- Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §§ 116.220, 116.221, 116.231California limits and the two-claims rule; § 116.230 sets fees.
Common questions
Can I bring a lawyer to small claims court?
Rules differ by state. California generally doesn't allow lawyers to represent parties at the hearing; Oklahoma, Texas and Florida allow them. The guides for each state explain the details.
Can I sue for more than the limit?
Not in small claims. You can usually waive the excess to stay there, or file in the regular court.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Laws, fees and deadlines change; confirm anything time-sensitive with the agency, court or a professional.