{"id":3869,"date":"2026-10-26T07:20:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T07:20:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/small-claims-vs-circuit-court-business-debt-florida\/"},"modified":"2026-10-28T07:28:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T07:28:39","slug":"small-claims-vs-circuit-court-business-debt-florida","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/small-claims-vs-circuit-court-business-debt-florida\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Small Claims Limit for Business Debt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-dark chg-hero\" style=\"min-height:460px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgba(32,36,46,1) 0%,rgba(32,36,46,1) 55%,rgba(32,36,46,0.7) 100%)\"><\/span><img class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-3868\" alt=\"Empty shelves inside a closed storefront at night, with a &quot;for sale&quot; notice taped to the window.\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo.jpg\" width=\"1376\" height=\"768\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/empty-shelves-inside-a-closed-storefront-at-night-with-a-for-photo.jpg 1376w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 825px) 825px, 100vw\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\"\/><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"chg-eyebrow has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Business Debt | Coral Gables &amp; Sunny Isles Beach<\/p><h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-base-color has-text-color\" style=\"text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">Unpaid Business Debt in Florida: Does Small Claims Fit Your Case?<\/h1><p class=\"has-base-color has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.625), 1.25rem);text-shadow:0 1px 3px rgba(0,0,0,0.6),0 0 18px rgba(0,0,0,0.35)\">KEW Legal helps business owners across Miami-Dade and Broward County decide which court fits an unpaid invoice, vendor balance or customer debt before they file.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Schedule a Free Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#6b7280;margin-bottom:1.5rem\">By Kristina E. Wilson \u00b7 Published October 26, 2026<\/p>\n\n<article lang=\"en\">\n\n\n<p><em>By Kristina E. Wilson, KEW Legal, Coral Gables office<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking at the small claims limit for business debt in Florida, start with the amount you are pursuing. Florida sorts unpaid business debts by dollar amount, and that amount usually decides where a case begins. Small claims handles smaller disputes, county court hears actions at law up to the statutory limit, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees, except matters within circuit courts&#8217; exclusive jurisdiction, and circuit court takes larger claims. This guide walks business owners and investors in Miami-Dade and Broward through each tier.<\/p>\n<h2>Which Florida Court Hears an Unpaid Business Debt?<\/h2>\n<p>The amount you are asking for, not the total you are owed, usually sets the starting court. Interest, court costs and attorney fees are left out of that count. Florida has three tiers to know:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Small claims<\/strong> for smaller disputes, handled under the Florida Small Claims Rules.<\/li>\n<li><strong>County civil<\/strong>, the county court&#8217;s side of the docket, for claims up to $50,000.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Circuit court<\/strong> for larger claims, and for actions at law that county courts cannot hear.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each tier has its own rules, paperwork and pace. Picking the right one early saves time and keeps the claim on track.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a customer, vendor or tenant still owes your business money, we can talk through the invoice and the amount you&#x27;re pursuing with you. Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/closed-sign-hanging-on-a-glass-door-at-night-with-a-blurred-photo.jpg\" alt=\"A closed sign hangs on a glass door at night, with a blurred interior visible behind it.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>The Small Claims Track for Smaller Balances<\/h2>\n<p>Small claims is the simplest route for a smaller unpaid invoice. It runs under the Florida Small Claims Rules, which set their own procedure. Before you file, check those rules for the current dollar limit that applies to your claim. Don&#8217;t assume it matches the $50,000 county court figure, because those are two separate tracks.<\/p>\n<p>Mediation works differently here too. Florida&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">court-ordered mediation statute<\/a> says a court must refer most civil money suits to mediation on request. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0044\/Sections\/0044.102.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 44.102<\/a>, a court must, upon request of one party, refer a filed civil action for monetary damages to mediation, provided the requesting party is willing and able to pay the costs of the mediation or the costs can be equitably divided between the parties, unless, among the other listed exceptions, the action is filed for the purpose of collecting a debt or is governed by the Florida Small Claims Rules. A collection suit, then, is not sent to mediation automatically.<\/p>\n<p>Small claims rises or falls on paperwork. Gather the signed contract, every invoice, proof of delivery or completed work, the payment history, and any written demand you sent. A missing invoice or an unsigned agreement can leave a claim thin, even when the debt is real.<\/p>\n<h2>Suing for More Than the Small Claims Track Allows<\/h2>\n<p>Claims above the small claims track go to county civil for amounts up to $50,000. In county courts, an action at law is heard where the amount in controversy, exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees, does not exceed $50,000, for cases filed on or after January 1, 2023. That amount excludes interest, costs and attorney fees.<\/p>\n<p>Larger claims go to circuit court. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0026\/Sections\/0026.012.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 26.012<\/a>, circuit courts have exclusive original jurisdiction over all actions at law not cognizable by the county courts.<\/p>\n<p>Here is how the count works. Suppose you are owed $42,000 in principal, plus $6,000 in interest and a claim for attorney fees. The county limit is measured on the $42,000, so the case stays in county civil. The total you&#8217;re demanding is not the number that counts.<\/p>\n<p>Formality rises with each step up. County and circuit cases usually involve more written filings, motions and scheduling steps before trial than a small claims case does.<\/p>\n<h2>How the Court Choice Affects Cost and Timing<\/h2>\n<p>The court you choose shapes the steps, the paperwork and the calendar. Filing fees and service costs differ by court and by county. Confirm the current figures with the clerk in the county where you plan to file.<\/p>\n<p>Where you file matters as much as which court you choose. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0047\/Sections\/0047.011.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 47.011<\/a> provides that actions shall be brought only in the county where the defendant resides, where the cause of action accrued, or where the property in litigation is located, and it states that the section does not apply to actions against nonresidents. This section does not apply to actions against nonresidents. It also allows the county where the claim arose or where the property is located. Filing in the wrong county can cost you time.<\/p>\n<p>Timing depends on the facts, the court&#8217;s calendar, and whether the other side responds. Limitations periods also run against you. Florida&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.11.html\">limitations statutes<\/a> set deadlines that vary by type of claim. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0095\/Sections\/0095.031.html\">\u00a7 95.031<\/a>, a cause of action generally accrues when its last element occurs. Check the deadline early.<\/p>\n<h2>Is Small Claims Worth It for a Smaller Balance?<\/h2>\n<p>Whether a smaller invoice justifies a lawsuit depends on the facts. Weigh the balance against filing costs, the time you will spend, how strong your paperwork is, and whether you still work with this customer or vendor.<\/p>\n<p>A judgment is not the same as payment. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.10.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.10<\/a>, a certified copy of a judgment recorded in a county becomes a lien on real property there. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.10.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.10<\/a>, a judgment, order, or decree becomes a lien on real property in a county when a certified copy of it is recorded in that county&#8217;s official records or judgment lien record, provided the judgment, order, or decree contains the address of the person who holds the lien or a separate affidavit stating that address is recorded at the same time. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.10.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.10<\/a>, a judgment, order, or decree becomes a lien on real property in a county when a certified copy is recorded in that county&#8217;s official records or judgment lien record, provided the judgment, order, or decree contains the lienholder&#8217;s address or a separate affidavit stating that address is recorded at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>Interest matters too. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.leg.state.fl.us\/statutes\/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&amp;URL=0000-0099\/0055\/Sections\/0055.03.html\">Fla. Stat. \u00a7 55.03<\/a>, any judgment for money damages must bear, on its face, the rate of interest payable on the judgment, and that stated rate accrues until the judgment is paid, as adjusted under subsection (3).<\/p>\n<p>Plead the claim that governs the invoice. Under <a href=\"https:\/\/flcourts-media.flcourts.gov\/content\/download\/467568\/opinion\/Opinion_16-2898.pdf\">Williams v. Johnson<\/a>, where an express contract covers the same subject matter, claims arising from that relationship generally cannot be pursued as unjust enrichment. For the contract side of these disputes, see our business contract and vendor dispute page.<\/p>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>What is the small claims maximum in Florida?<\/summary><p>Small claims is a simpler track for smaller disputes, governed by the Florida Small Claims Rules. Check those rules for the current dollar limit before you file.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>How do you sue someone for more than $50,000?<\/summary><p>Larger claims go to circuit court.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Is mediation required before a business debt lawsuit?<\/summary><p>Mandatory referral generally does not apply to an action filed to collect a debt.<\/p><\/details><details class=\"wp-block-details chg-faq is-layout-flow wp-block-details-is-layout-flow\"><summary>Do statutes of limitations matter for an unpaid invoice?<\/summary><p>Yes. Florida&#8217;s deadlines to sue vary by type of claim, so check the deadline early.<\/p><\/details>\n<div class=\"cta-dose-mid wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">Not sure what your next step is?<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Talk it through with our team &#8212; the first consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Get a free consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large has-custom-border\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/close-up-of-a-closed-sign-on-a-shop-s-glass-door-with-the-st-photo.jpg\" alt=\"Closed sign hanging on a glass shop door, with the street reflected in the glass.\" style=\"border-radius:8px;width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n<h2>Bring Your Unpaid Invoice to a Consultation<\/h2>\n<p>If a customer, vendor, former partner or tenant still owes your business money, you may have a claim worth reviewing. Start by gathering the contract, every invoice, the payment history and any demand letters you sent. Our team can go through those documents with you and talk about which court fits the amount you&#8217;re pursuing.<\/p>\n<p>Call 305-990-2300 or send a message through our <a href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">contact page<\/a> to schedule your free, confidential initial consultation, with no obligation to continue. Our office is in Coral Gables. No outcome is promised, but we can give you a clear starting point.<\/p>\n\n<\/article>\n<footer class=\"disclaimer\"><em>The engagement of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. The information on this website is general information about KEW Legal and the services we offer; it does not constitute legal advice and is intended for informational purposes only. Accessing this website or contacting our firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. KEW Legal, 16690 Collins Ave Ste 1101, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160.<\/em><\/footer>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">How KEW Legal Approaches Business Debt Claims<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--document\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contract review first<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We start with the written agreement, invoices and payment history to understand what is owed and on what terms.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--shield\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protecting the business relationship<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We weigh collection goals against ongoing vendor, customer and partner relationships, and look for practical resolutions.<\/p><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"chg-icon chg-icon--clock\"><\/span><\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Clear next steps<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You leave the consultation with a plain-language explanation of your options and what each one involves.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-contrast-color has-surface-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-32197852 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--surface,#f2f3f5);color:var(--wp--preset--color--contrast,#22252b);border-radius:8px;padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem;border-left:6px solid var(--wp--preset--color--cta,currentColor);box-shadow:0 2px 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.18)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-contrast-color has-text-color\">The Dollar Amount Is Only One Factor<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before filing anywhere, review the contract, the identity of each party and the nature of the claim. A filing in the wrong court can slow recovery, so confirm the current rules with counsel.<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Call 305-990-2300<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Call 305-990-2300<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-surface-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-583d630a wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Common Questions About Business Debt Cases<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-f56f613f wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why written terms matter<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contracts, purchase orders, leases and invoices often define what is owed, when payment is due and what happens if it is late.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Collecting after a judgment<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winning a case is only one step. Collection planning matters, especially when the debtor has limited assets or operates through a company.<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-radius:8px;box-shadow:0 4px 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.08);padding-top:1.5rem;padding-bottom:1.5rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\"><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mediation and settlement<\/h3><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some business debts are resolved through negotiation or mediation before trial. We help you evaluate whether a settlement serves your goals.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-base-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4d466591 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:var(--wp--preset--color--primary,#20242e);color:var(--wp--preset--color--base,#ffffff);padding-top:3rem;padding-bottom:3rem;padding-left:1.5rem;padding-right:1.5rem\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-base-color has-text-color\">Not Sure Which Court Fits Your Unpaid Business Debt? Talk to KEW Legal.<\/h2>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-0aa01211 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\"><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-call\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"tel:+13059902300\">Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-button chg-cta chg-cta-form\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/contact-us\/\">Schedule Your Free, Confidential Consultation<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Related practice areas<\/h2><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/\">Business Contract And Vendor Dispute Attorney<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- chg:section-siblings -->\n<nav aria-label=\"More in this section\">\n<h2>More in this section<\/h2>\n<ul><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/software-subscription-contract-dispute-attorney-florida\/\">Software and Subscription Contract Dispute Attorney in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/staffing-agency-contract-dispute-attorney-florida\/\">Staffing Agency and Labor Supplier Contract Dispute Attorney in Florida<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/subcontractor-payment-dispute-attorney-florida\/\">Subcontractor and Vendor Payment Disputes in Florida: Protecting Your Business When You Are Not Paid<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/subcontractor-payment-dispute-attorney-miami-dade\/\">Subcontractor Payment Dispute Attorney in Miami-Dade County | KEW Legal<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/supplier-breach-of-warranty-attorney-florida\/\">Supplier Breach of Warranty Attorney in Florida: Defective Goods and Failed Deliveries<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<!-- \/chg:section-siblings -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida&#8217;s dollar tiers for unpaid business debt: small claims, county court up to $50,000, and circuit court above that. KEW Legal, Coral Gables.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":311,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"chg_review":"","chg_sendback":"","chg_canonical":"","chg_lang":"","chg_hreflang":"[{\"hreflang\": \"en\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/small-claims-vs-circuit-court-business-debt-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"es\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/es\/abogado-disputas-contratos-proveedores\/reclamos-menor-cuantia-vs-circuito-deudas-florida\/\"}, {\"hreflang\": \"x-default\", \"href\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/business-contract-and-vendor-dispute-attorney\/small-claims-vs-circuit-court-business-debt-florida\/\"}]","chg_jsonld":"[{\"about\": [{\"name\": \"Small claims court in Florida\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Unpaid business debt\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Florida county civil court jurisdiction\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}, {\"name\": \"Florida circuit court jurisdiction\", \"@type\": \"Thing\"}], \"author\": {\"name\": \"Kristina E. Wilson\", \"@type\": \"Person\", \"worksFor\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/#organization\"}, \"url\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/our-team\/kristina-e-wilson\/\", \"jobTitle\": \"Founder\", \"sameAs\": [\"https:\/\/www.floridabar.org\/directories\/find-mbr\/profile\/?num=71205\", \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kristina-wilson-702b5410\/\", \"https:\/\/www.avvo.com\/attorneys\/33160-fl-kristina-wilson-3417246.html\"]}, \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"audience\": {\"@type\": \"Audience\", \"audienceType\": \"Florida business owners, investors and managers owed money by a customer, vendor, tenant or former partner\"}, \"headline\": \"Florida Small Claims Limit for Business Debt\", \"isPartOf\": {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/#organization\"}, \"keywords\": [\"small claims limit business debt Florida\", \"small claims court Florida business debt\", \"$8,000 small claims limit Florida\", \"Florida county civil court $50,000 limit\", \"circuit court unpaid invoice Florida\", \"unpaid business debt Florida court\", \"Florida Statutes 34.01 small claims\", \"suing a vendor or customer for unpaid invoice Florida\"], \"publisher\": {\"@type\": \"Organization\", \"@id\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/resources\/#organization\", \"name\": \"KEW Legal\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/kewlegal.com\/\"}, \"speakable\": {\"@type\": \"SpeakableSpecification\", \"cssSelector\": [\"article > p:first-of-type\", \".wp-block-details p\", \"article > h1\"]}, \"areaServed\": {\"name\": \"Miami-Dade County and Broward County, Florida\", \"@type\": \"AdministrativeArea\"}, \"inLanguage\": \"en-US\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What is the small claims maximum in Florida?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Small claims is a simpler track for smaller disputes, governed by the Florida Small Claims Rules. Check those rules for the current dollar limit before you file.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How do you sue someone for more than $50,000?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Larger claims go to circuit court.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is mediation required before a business debt lawsuit?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Mandatory referral generally does not apply to an action filed to collect a debt.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do statutes of limitations matter for an unpaid invoice?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Florida's deadlines to sue vary by type of claim, so check the deadline early.\"}}], \"description\": \"Explains Florida's dollar tiers for unpaid business debt: small claims up to $8,000 under Fla. 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