In Washington County, small claims cases up to $8,000 are heard by the Washington County Court, Small Claims Division. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428 · Map
Phone: 850-638-6289
Online filing: available, per the court
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
File with the county court clerk where the defendant lives, where the contract was made or was to be paid, where the event happened, or where the property is.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Florida counties.
Florida doesn't require a demand letter before you file, though it's a good idea. For a bounced check, a written demand with 30 days to pay is required to claim triple damages. Make a free demand letter.
Statement of Claim, available from your county clerk
$55 for claims under $100, $80 up to $500, $175 up to $2,500, and $300 up to $8,000. Issuing the summons (about $10 per defendant) and serving it (about $40 by sheriff, or a few dollars by certified mail) cost extra. Amounts vary slightly by county. Fee waiver: Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status, usually if household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
The sheriff or a certified process server delivers the Summons/Notice to Appear. For defendants in Florida, the clerk can also send it by certified mail, but only if the defendant signs the receipt. Don't serve the papers yourself.
The first court date is a pretrial conference within 50 days of filing; if the case doesn't settle, trial follows within 60 days. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Florida filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideSmall claims in Washington County are filed with the Washington County Court, Small Claims Division, 1293 Jackson Avenue, Chipley, FL 32428. Phone: 850-638-6289.
Up to $8,000. The limit is $8,000 for people and businesses alike; court costs, interest and attorney's fees don't count toward it. Claims from $8,000 to $50,000 go to regular county civil court.
$55 for claims under $100, $80 up to $500, $175 up to $2,500, and $300 up to $8,000. Issuing the summons (about $10 per defendant) and serving it (about $40 by sheriff, or a few dollars by certified mail) cost extra. Amounts vary slightly by county.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.