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lawsuit to collect debt

Lawsuits to collect debts are usually filed in state courts—and may be filed in small claims courts, depending on the amount of the debt and the small claims court’s jurisdictional limits (the maximum amount of a claim that can be filed in the court).

In Florida, lawsuits to collect debts are typically filed in state courts, with the option to file in small claims courts if the amount of the debt falls within the court's jurisdictional limits. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, the jurisdictional limit for small claims courts in Florida is $8,000. This means that if the debt is $8,000 or less, the creditor may choose to file the lawsuit in small claims court, which is designed to be a simpler and faster process than other courts. For debts exceeding this amount, the lawsuit would need to be filed in county court or circuit court, depending on the amount of the debt and the specific rules of the jurisdiction. It's important for creditors to follow the proper legal procedures when filing a debt collection lawsuit, including serving the debtor with a summons and complaint, to ensure that the court can lawfully hear the case.

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Creditor / Debtor

lawsuit to collect debt

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Creditor / Debtor

lawsuit to collect debt

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