In Duval County, small claims cases go to county court. The pretrial sessions, and the free mediation offered at them, take place at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street [1][2]. You can ask for up to $8,000, not counting costs, interest and attorney fees [3]. Here’s how a case works in Jacksonville, from paying for service to the pretrial conference.
At a glance
- Limit
- $8,000, plus costs, interest and attorney fees [3]
- Where
- Duval County Courthouse, 501 W. Adams St. [2]
- Sheriff's service
- $40 per person, Duval County addresses only [4]
- Summons
- $10 each, charged by the clerk [5]
- First court date
- Pretrial conference within 50 days of filing [3]
- Mediation
- Free at the pretrial conference [1]
What it costs
Florida law sets the county court filing fee by how much you’re asking for [5]:
| Amount claimed | Base filing fee |
|---|---|
| Less than $100 | $50 |
| $100 to $500 | $75 |
| More than $500, up to $2,500 | $170 |
| More than $2,500, up to $8,000 | $295 |
On top of the base fee, the statute adds $4 and a $10 charge for each summons [5]. We couldn’t open the Duval County Clerk of Courts website to confirm its current total or filing options, so call or check with the Clerk before you file.
Serving the defendant: the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) charges $40 per person to serve a summons, and it can only serve people in Duval County [4]. To serve someone outside Duval County, JSO’s page says you need a Duval County special process server [4]. Get the address right: JSO charges another $40 per person if the address on the summons is wrong [4].
- Make checks out to “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office”; abbreviations like “JSO” aren’t accepted [4].
- Mail: Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, Attention: Civil Unit, 532 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32202 [4].
- In person: the Civil Unit window, Duval County Courthouse, 5th floor, Room 5141, weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. [4]
- Phone: (904) 255-2470 [4].
Filing your claim
Florida’s rules call your complaint a statement of claim. If it’s based on a written document, like a contract or a promissory note, attach a copy [3]. For which county you can file in, and the rest of the statewide rules, see BestFlorida’s Florida small claims court guide.
The pretrial conference
Your first court date isn’t a trial. The clerk sets a pretrial conference no more than 50 days after you file, and the summons tells both sides when and where to appear [3].
In Duval County, the Fourth Judicial Circuit runs a small claims clinic before the pretrial session: a volunteer attorney shows a short video about how small claims works and answers general questions [6]. To catch it [6]:
- Arrive by 12:30 p.m. The video plays before the 1:30 p.m. proceedings.
- Be in the pretrial courtroom by 1:20 p.m.
Free mediation at the courthouse
Mediation is offered during the pretrial sessions. The judge can refer your case, or either side can ask for a mediator [1]. In small claims it’s free, and the mediators are volunteers trained and certified by the Supreme Court of Florida [1]. Mediation is run by the circuit’s Alternative Dispute Resolution office in Room 2169 of the courthouse, (904) 255-1090, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. [1]
Free and low-cost help
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid offers a free workshop for people being sued over a debt, on the third Wednesday of each month at 5 p.m., at 126 West Adams Street. Call (904) 356-8371 [6].
- Can’t afford a lawyer? You can apply for Jacksonville Area Legal Aid’s services [6].
- Lawyer Referral Service of the Jacksonville Bar Association: (904) 399-5780 [6].
After the pretrial conference
If the case doesn’t settle, the court sets a trial. A judgment says you’re owed money, but collecting it can take more court steps. BestFlorida’s small claims guide covers the trial and collecting what you win.
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation.
Sources
- Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida: Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida: Courthouse Locations
- Florida Small Claims Rules (July 1, 2026 edition), Rules 7.010, 7.050, 7.090, 7.170
- Jacksonville Sheriff's Office: Civil Process
- Florida Statutes § 34.041, Filing fees (county court)
- Fourth Judicial Circuit of Florida: Small Claims Clinics
Next steps
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Where is small claims court in Jacksonville?
Small claims pretrial sessions and the free mediation that goes with them are at the Duval County Courthouse, 501 West Adams Street, Jacksonville. Your summons lists the courtroom for your pretrial conference.
How much does it cost to serve someone in a Duval County small claims case?
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office charges $40 per person served, and another $40 if the address on the summons is wrong. It can only serve people in Duval County. The clerk also charges $10 to issue each summons.
Is mediation free in Duval County small claims court?
Yes. The Fourth Judicial Circuit offers mediation during small claims pretrial sessions at no charge, with volunteer mediators trained and certified by the Supreme Court of Florida.
What happens if I miss my small claims pretrial conference in Jacksonville?
If you're the defendant and don't appear, the plaintiff is entitled to a default, and the judge can enter a judgment based on the plaintiff's evidence. The Fourth Judicial Circuit says a phone call doesn't count as appearing.