For Issuance by Clerk.
SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM FOR DEPOSITION
Subpoena requires the witness to bring documents
and appear for a deposition.
Witness Must Appear and Produce the Records.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM - RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Complaint used when a tenant sues for return of their security deposit.
SUMMONS/NOTICE TO APPEAR FOR PRETRIAL CONFERENCE
This is the Summons you use when your case is demanding $1.00 to $4,999.99.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM - AUTO NEGLIGENCE
Complaint used when the case stems from an auto accident.
SUMMONS 20 DAY, PERSONAL/CORPORATE SERVICE
For service on People &/or Corporations.
Used for cases $15,000.00 or more.
NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION
Used when you are notifying the Defendant by mail that you have filed a lawsuit against them and you are requesting they waive service.
Basic Complaint form that is typically used for cases demanding $1.00 to $14,999.99.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM - TOWED AND OR STORED VEHICLES
Complaint used for matters involving towed and/or stored vehicles.
Complaint used when Plaintiff co-signed a note for Defendant. Defendant failed to make payments and Plaintiff was forced to pay balance of the note.
STATEMENT OF CLAIM - PROMISSORY NOTE
Complaint used for non-compliance with terms of a Promissory Note.
CLAIM OF EXEMPTION AND REQUEST FOR HEARING
Used when wages are exempt from having your wages/accounts garnished. The forms comes with NOTICE TO DEFENDANT OF RIGHT AGAINST GARNISHMENT OF WAGES, MONEY, AND OTHER PROPERTY.
Small Claims Court
Small Claims actions may be brought only in the county where the defendant resides, where the cause of action occurred or where the property involved is located. Before you consider filing a Small Claims Action, you should first try to communicate to the other party exactly what is in dispute. It is a good idea to send a letter which clearly states your complaint. You may be able to resolve the problem without going to court. A lawsuit should be your last resort in solving a civil dispute.
Filing a Claim
A claim up to $5,000 not including costs, interest and attorneys fees can be filed with the Miami-Dade County Clerk's Office as a Small Claims Action according to Rule 7.010 of the Florida Rules of Court and Chapter 34 of the Florida Statutes.
Serving the Defendant
Once you decide to file, you (or your lawyer) cannot proceed until the defendant has been served. Be sure that you have the full name of the individual you want to sue and an address where that person can be served.
Suing a Business
If you are suing a business you must find out whether or not it is incorporated. If you are suing a corporation, you must have the full name under which the business is incorporated and the name and address of either a corporate officer or the registered agent of the business. This information can be obtained from the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations at 850-245-6052 or via their website at www.sunbiz.org.
If the business you are suing is not incorporated, the correct company name and the full name and address of the owner can be obtained by calling Occupational License Bureau of Miami-Dade County at 305-270-4949.
Business with a Fictitious Name
The company you are suing may use a name other than the owner’s name, referred to as a fictitious name. That information along with the name and address of the person who owns the company must be registered with the Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations and may be obtained by contacting them at 850-245-6058 or via their website as www.sunbiz.org.
Costs & Fees
The costs for filing a Small Claims action include the filing fee, based on the amount of your claim, as well as a service fee for summoning each party to court. If a Final Judgment is entered in your favor as a result of your lawsuit, these costs may be added to the total amount of your judgment.
There are two methods which you may use to summon the other party or parties to court:
• Miami PSPI, LLC may serve the summons and a copy of your lawsuit on a defendant for a fee.
• When you are ready to file your case bring all the information and papers concerning your claim with you to one of the filing locations. If the claim is based on a written document, a copy must be attached to your formal Statement of Claim. At the filing location, a deputy clerk will assist you. You will be required to fill out an information sheet with details of your claim. You should be aware that the Clerk is not able to offer any legal advice.
Pre-Trial and Trial Dates
Once your suit has been processed, a pre-trial date will be assigned and you will be notified of the date at that time or later by mail. If you do not appear at your pre-trial hearing, your case may be dismissed. If the defendant does not appear, the judge may enter a default. At the pretrial hearing bring any documents to assist you in proving your case but do not bring witnesses. This is your opportunity to appear with the defendant(s) before the judge and attempt to settle your case without a trial. Your case may be referred to a mediator.
If no agreement is reached at the pre-trial hearing, you will be given a trial date. It is your responsibility to subpoena any witnesses to help prove your case. A deputy clerk at the filing location will assist you. If the judge makes a decision in your favor you will receive a Final Judgment by mail or be instructed to obtain a Final Judgment form to submit the judge for signature.
Final Judgment
A Final Judgment is a legal document that states that one party is entitled to recover damages in a specified amount from another party. Interest will be added on the amount awarded until the Final Judgment is satisfied.
At any time during this process the defendant may pay you and settle the claim. However, obtaining a judgment against a party is NOT the same thing as collecting that judgment. Post-judgment legal procedures are often required prior to any collection. You may find it necessary to retain an attorney to assist you in post-judgment procedures.
Consumer Services
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department conducts free "how-to" sessions about small claims court each month in a different location. These sessions are designed to teach consumers about the process, how to prepare, and what to expect. A comprehensive packet of sample legal forms are provided. All clinics are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. For more information about Small Claims Court Clinics, contact the Miami-Dade Consumer Hotline at 305-375-3677. Visit their website for clinic dates, times and locations. You may also want to check out information about Small Claims on the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department website.