5 min read
Florida civil cases are filed in county court or circuit court depending on the amount in dispute. County court handles claims up to $50,000, including a small claims division for lower amounts, and circuit court handles larger claims. In Miami-Dade, both are part of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit. Where a case is filed affects its cost, speed, and procedure.
Most cases follow the same general path:
- Investigation and demand. The documents are reviewed, the claims and defenses identified, and a written demand is usually sent.
- Filing and service. If the dispute doesn't resolve, a complaint is filed and formally served on the other side.
- Response and motions. The defendant generally has 20 days to answer or file motions challenging the complaint.
- Discovery. Both sides exchange documents, answer written questions, and take depositions.
- Mediation. Florida courts commonly require mediation before trial, and many cases settle there.
- Trial and judgment. If the case doesn't settle, it's tried to a judge or jury, and a judgment is entered.
Every case is different, and many resolve at the demand or mediation stage without ever reaching trial.
