Small Claims Court Pinellas (distance, charge, counties)

[071402]

I may be reading the website wrong but confused: Is it really over $200 just for us to file a claim? Just to file?

The amount owed us is less than $1,000.00. The fees seem awfully high, can anyone comment who may have BTDT? thank you

[MortonR]

Yes, you are correct. Most counties charge fees based on a sliding scale relative to the amount being sued for. The more you're trying to recover, the more you pay.

In Hillsborough County the filing fee would be $175.00.

https://www.hillsclerk.com/About-Us/Fees-and-Fines

Expand the "County-Civil" section for Hillsborough County small claims court fees.

I will say that the Clerk's people in Hillsborough are extremely helpful and really go the distance in assisting you when you file. I filed an action last year and they made it super simple. Mine was for $1500.00, but I recovered the fees as part of the settlement, you should be able to as well.

So the point is more a matter of are you willing to spend $200 to recover $1,000.00 and potentially the fees if the court finds in your favor?

RM

[071402]

You're right RM, I just thought it would be less than $50 to file in Pinellas county. NO matter, but if one is trying to reclaim $400 or less, it's quite hefty. Unless , again, I'm confused by the Pinellas site. thanks RM

[MortonR]

True, but again, if you expect to prevail the judgement should include reimbursement of your costs, so your net is still what you're owed.

RM