Small claims court is a faster, lower-cost option for many disputes, but limits and filing rules vary by state. Use this directory to pick your state and confirm the cap before you file.
Use small claims strategically
Small claims works best when you have a clear amount, strong documentation, and a demand letter already on record.- Confirm the limit and venue in your state
- Send a demand letter with a firm deadline
- Organize evidence before you file
Alternative to court
Some disputes resolve faster through agency complaints, especially wage or consumer issues.All States
Alabama
Limit: $6,000
Alaska
Limit: $10,000
Arizona
Limit: $3,500
Arkansas
Limit: $5,000
California
Limit: $12,500
Colorado
Limit: $7,500
Connecticut
Limit: $5,000
Delaware
Limit: $25,000
Florida
Limit: $8,000
Georgia
Limit: $15,000
Hawaii
Limit: $5,000
Idaho
Limit: $5,000
Illinois
Limit: $10,000
Indiana
Limit: $10,000
Iowa
Limit: $6,500
Kansas
Limit: $4,000
Kentucky
Limit: $2,500
Louisiana
Limit: $5,000
Maine
Limit: $6,000
Maryland
Limit: $5,000
Massachusetts
Limit: $7,000
Michigan
Limit: $6,500
Minnesota
Limit: $15,000
Mississippi
Limit: $3,500
Missouri
Limit: $5,000
Montana
Limit: $7,000
Nebraska
Limit: $3,600
Nevada
Limit: $10,000
New Hampshire
Limit: $10,000
New Jersey
Limit: $5,000
New Mexico
Limit: $10,000
New York
Limit: $10,000
North Carolina
Limit: $10,000
North Dakota
Limit: $15,000
Ohio
Limit: $6,000
Oklahoma
Limit: $10,000
Oregon
Limit: $10,000
Pennsylvania
Limit: $12,000
Rhode Island
Limit: $5,000
South Carolina
Limit: $7,500
South Dakota
Limit: $12,000
Tennessee
Limit: $25,000
Texas
Limit: $20,000
Utah
Limit: $11,000
Vermont
Limit: $5,000
Virginia
Limit: $5,000
Washington
Limit: $10,000
West Virginia
Limit: $10,000
Wisconsin
Limit: $10,000
Wyoming
Limit: $6,000
About FreeDemandLetter
FreeDemandLetter provides free, AI-powered demand letter generation with location-specific legal citations. Our content is reviewed by subject matter specialists and regularly updated to reflect current laws. We help thousands of people resolve disputes effectively—but we're not lawyers, and this isn't legal advice. For complex situations, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
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