Small claims limits in Texas, Florida and Georgia
Key takeaways
Texas: up to $20,000 in justice court, not counting statutory interest and court costs.
Florida: up to $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorneys' fees.
Georgia: up to $15,000 in magistrate court.
Other states are not covered here yet. Check your state court's own website.
Loading the lookup. The table below has the same limits.
What is the small claims limit in each state?
Each state sets its own cap on how much you can ask for. These are the three states we cover today, checked on official sources in October 2026.
| State | Court | Limit | Left out of the count | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Justice court | $20,000 | Statutory interest, court costs | Texas State Law Library |
| Florida | County court, small claims division | $8,000 | Costs, interest, attorneys' fees | Fla. Sm. Cl. R. 7.010(b) |
| Georgia | Magistrate court | $15,000 | Not stated; the limit applies to the amount demanded | O.C.G.A. 15-10-2(a)(5) |
What counts toward the limit?
Start with the principal: the unpaid invoice amount. In Texas and Florida, interest and court costs sit outside the cap, so a $19,500 Texas invoice can still be filed even after interest builds up. Late fees written into your contract are part of what you are owed, so count them in. When a figure is close to the line, ask the clerk how they treat it.
What if my invoice is over the limit?
You have two routes. File in the next court up, which has more formal rules and is where many businesses bring in a lawyer. Or claim only up to the limit and give up the rest, which is usually permanent. For a bigger debt, our comparison of agency, small claims and lawyer costs shows what each route costs, and the small claims cost calculator estimates filing and service.
Which states does this cover?
Texas, Florida and Georgia only, for now. Other states are parked until we have checked their limits on official sources. If you are filing elsewhere, your state court's self-help pages will list the current limit. For a Texas claim, start with our Texas small claims guide for businesses.
Last updated October 2026. Easy Small Claims is not a law firm and this page is general information, not legal advice.
Questions, answered
What is the maximum you can sue for in small claims in Texas?
$20,000. Texas small claims cases are heard in justice court, and the $20,000 limit does not count statutory interest or court costs. Claims above that go to county or district court, where the rules are more formal. The Texas State Law Library's small claims guide is a good place to confirm the current figure.
What is the small claims limit in Florida?
$8,000. Florida's small claims rules cover civil cases up to $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorneys' fees. You file with the clerk of the county court. A claim above $8,000 still goes to county court, but under the regular civil rules, so expect more paperwork and formal procedure.
What is the limit for magistrate court in Georgia?
$15,000. Georgia magistrate courts hear civil claims where the amount demanded is $15,000 or less. Georgia calls this magistrate court rather than small claims court, and you usually file in the county where the defendant is. If you are unsure which county, ask the magistrate court clerk before you file.
Can I split a large invoice into two small claims cases?
Usually not. Courts generally treat one debt as one claim, and splitting it to get under the limit can get a case thrown out. Separate invoices for separate jobs can be separate claims. Ask the clerk or a lawyer before filing, because a judgment on part of a debt can stop you suing for the rest.
A small business owner himself, Nitin has been on the wrong end of an unpaid invoice and knows how easy it is to give up on one. He built Easy Small Claims so owners can get that money back. He is also a practicing barrister.