Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Fees & Costs Self Service Center: Your Guide Through the Courts Prepare Forms Online for Evictions & Small Claims Civil Courts Public Records Search County Civil Court Services: County Civil Main Page Evictions (Landlord/Tenant Action) County Civil Court Locations: Open Monday - Friday Except legal holidays 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Main Courthouse 205 N. Dixie Hwy. Suite 2.2200 P.O. 3406 West Palm Beach, FL 33402 Phone: (561) 355-2500 Fax: (561) 355-6211 North County Courthouse 3188 PGA Blvd., Room 1202 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 Phone: (561) 624-6650 South County Courthouse 200 W. Atlantic Ave. Room 160 Delray Beach, FL 33444 Phone: (561) 274-1588 West County Courthouse 38844 State Rd. #80 Belle Glade, FL 33430 Phone: (561) 996-4843 Disclaimer

Small Claims

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Small claims are disputes involving money damages where the amount at issue does not exceed $5,000.00 excluding costs, interest and attorneys' fees. See Florida Statutes, Chapter 34, for a description of which causes of action are under the jurisdiction of County Court.

In Small Claims Court, you can represent yourself if you wish, or you may seek the assistance of counsel if you choose, and it is suggested that, while you have the right to file and to represent yourself, you contact an attorney to assist you in the legal process. You may contact the Clerk & Comptroller's Self Service Center for forms for a Small Claims action or an Eviction, or you may use the low-cost online form preparation program.

Fees

You must pay filing fees when you initiate your claim. Fees are payable in cash, cashier's check, business check, money order or attorney's check to Sharon R. Bock, Clerk & Comptroller, County Court.

The fee for the service of the Summons by the Sheriff of Palm Beach County, per defendant, is $20.00; you must also provide a self-addressed stamped envelope for each Defendant. Payment for service of the Summons by the Sheriff must be separate from the filing fee payment and must be paid by check, cashier's check or money order, payable to the Palm Beach County Sheriff. If service is to be made outside Palm Beach County, you should contact the Sheriff of the respective county to find out the amount of the service fee and accepted methods of payment.

General Information

When considering whether or not you should file a lawsuit, you should ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I tried all possible and/or reasonable means to reach a settlement?
• Do I have, or am I able to obtain, the necessary evidence to prove my claim?
• Do I know the correct legal name and address of the defendant?

SUING AN INDIVIDUAL

You need the exact name and address of the person or persons to be sued.

SUING A CORPORATION

You will need the exact name of the corporation as on file with the Division of Corporation in Tallahassee, together with the Name of the Registered Agent and the address where the Registered Agent may be served. Call 1-850-488-9000, or visit their online information center at www.sunbiz.org.

SUING A PARTNERSHIP OR AN ENTITY OPERATING WITH A FICTITIOUS NAME

You need the name and address of the person or entity doing business as a fictitious name (d/b/a). If a partnership, you need the name and address of all partners. Many individuals, partnerships and corporations do business under fictitious names. You cannot sue a fictitious name as it is not an entity or a person. It is your responsibility to determine whether individuals, partners or corporations are doing business under a fictitious name. This information may be obtained from the Division of Corporate Information, which will tell you who has registered to do business under specific fictitious names.

DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO YOUR SUIT

If you have contracts, invoices, bills, receipts, letters, etc., which are relevant to your suit, bring one copy for the court file and one copy for each defendant. Bring the original documents to the hearing.

Filing a Claim

You may file your claim at any County Civil Court location listed above.

When you file your case, you will be given the “Pre-trial” date. For further assistance, call County Civil Court at any of the above locations.

Divisions within Court Services:

Circuit Civil Domestic Violence Circuit Criminal Family Division County Civil Evidence

Juvenile County Criminal Mental Health Probate Guardianship P.B. County Locations Fees