Small claims court limits vary wildly by state — from as low as $2,500 in Kentucky and Rhode Island to as high as $25,000 in Delaware, Tennessee, and Virginia. Here’s exactly what you can sue for in your state, plus filing fees and lawyer rules.
50-State Comparison Table
| State | Dollar Limit | Court Name | Lawyer Allowed? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $6,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Alaska | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Arizona | $3,500 | Justice of the Peace Court | No | Details |
| Arkansas | $5,000 | Small Claims Division | No | Details |
| California | $12,500 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Colorado | $7,500 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Connecticut | $5,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Delaware | $25,000 | Justice of the Peace Court | Yes | Details |
| Florida | $8,000 | County Court | Yes | Details |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Magistrate Court | Yes | Details |
| Hawaii | $5,000 | Small Claims Division | No | Details |
| Idaho | $5,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Indiana | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Iowa | $6,500 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Kansas | $4,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | Small Claims Division | No | Details |
| Louisiana | $5,000 | City/Justice of the Peace Court | Yes | Details |
| Maine | $6,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Maryland | $5,000 | District Court | Yes | Details |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | Small Claims Session | No | Details |
| Michigan | $7,000 | Small Claims Division | No | Details |
| Minnesota | $15,000 | Conciliation Court | No | Details |
| Mississippi | $3,500 | Justice Court | Yes | Details |
| Missouri | $5,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Montana | $7,000 | Justice Court | No | Details |
| Nebraska | $3,600 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Nevada | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| New Hampshire | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | Special Civil Part | Yes | Details |
| New Mexico | $10,000 | Magistrate Court | Yes | Details |
| New York | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | Limited | Details |
| North Carolina | $10,000 | Magistrate Court | Yes | Details |
| North Dakota | $15,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Ohio | $6,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Oklahoma | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Oregon | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Magisterial District Court | Yes | Details |
| Rhode Island | $2,500 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| South Carolina | $7,500 | Magistrate Court | Yes | Details |
| South Dakota | $12,000 | Small Claims Court | Yes | Details |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | General Sessions Court | Yes | Details |
| Texas | $20,000 | Justice of the Peace Court | Yes | Details |
| Utah | $11,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Vermont | $5,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Virginia | $25,000 | General District Court | Yes | Details |
| Washington | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| West Virginia | $10,000 | Magistrate Court | Yes | Details |
| Wisconsin | $10,000 | Small Claims Court | No | Details |
| Wyoming | $6,000 | Circuit Court | No | Details |
States with the Highest Small Claims Limits
The most plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions allow claims up to $25,000 — enough for serious disputes:
- Delaware, Tennessee, Virginia — $25,000 limit
- Texas — $20,000 limit
- California, Pennsylvania, South Dakota — $12,000–$12,500 limit
If your dispute exceeds your state’s limit, you must either waive the excess or file in a higher court (regular civil court), which is more expensive and formal.
States with the Lowest Small Claims Limits
These states cap claims at $3,500 or below — more restrictive for larger disputes:
- Kentucky, Rhode Island — $2,500 limit
- Arizona, Mississippi — $3,500 limit
- Nebraska — $3,600 limit
- Kansas — $4,000 limit
Do You Need a Lawyer for Small Claims Court?
This varies significantly by state.
States where lawyers are NOT allowed: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
States where lawyers ARE allowed: Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
States with limited attorney use: California (pro bono or small claims advisor only), New York (limited representation for specific claims).
Key takeaway: In most states where lawyers are prohibited, judges are accustomed to non-lawyers and the process is intentionally simple. Even in states that allow attorneys, most people represent themselves — the filing fees are low enough that attorney costs don’t make financial sense unless the claim is large and complex.
Common Questions About Small Claims Limits
What if my claim exceeds my state’s limit?
You have two choices: (1) sue for the maximum allowed and waive the excess, or (2) file in a higher court. Filing in regular civil court means higher filing fees, more complex procedures, and possibly needing a lawyer — which defeats the purpose of small claims. Many people choose to waive the excess and file in small claims to keep it simple and cheap.
Can you increase the limit by mutual consent?
In most states, no. The dollar limit is jurisdictional — courts cannot exceed it even if both parties agree. The limit exists to keep the court focused on its intended purpose.
What is the most you can sue someone for in small claims court?
The absolute maximum in the US is $25,000 in Delaware, Tennessee, and Virginia. The absolute minimum is $2,500 in Kentucky and Rhode Island. See the table above for your state.
Do filing fees count toward the limit?
No. If you sue for $5,000 and pay a $100 filing fee, you’re still within a $5,000 limit — the fee doesn’t count. However, if you win, you can ask the court to order the defendant to reimburse your filing fee, so the cost is often passed to the loser.
Can you sue a business in small claims court?
Yes, absolutely. Small claims court handles claims against individuals, landlords, contractors, businesses, and corporations. The limit is the same regardless of who you sue.
Learn More About Small Claims Court
For a complete guide to the small claims process — how to file, what evidence matters, how to collect your judgment — see our full Small Claims Court Guide.
For state-specific details, filing procedures, and recent changes to your state’s dollar limit, click the “Details” link in the table above to read your state’s complete guide.
This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Small claims court limits, fees, and procedures change frequently. Always verify current rules with your local court clerk or the state court’s website before filing. Last updated: April 2026.