Updated May 2026 All 50 States Ranked

States with the Highest Small Claims Limits (2026)

All 50 states ranked by small claims court limit — so you know exactly how much you can sue for without hiring a lawyer.

#1 Delaware

$25,000 limit

#2 Tennessee

$25,000 limit

#3 Texas

$20,000 limit

#4 Georgia

$15,000 limit

#5 Minnesota

$15,000 limit

All 50 States — Ranked by Small Claims Limit

#	State	Max Claim	Filing Fee	Court Name
1	Delaware	$25,000	$35–$100	Justice of the Peace Court
2	Tennessee	$25,000	$75–$170	General Sessions Court
3	Texas	$20,000	$54–$121	Justice Court
4	Georgia	$15,000	$45–$75	Magistrate Court
5	Minnesota	$15,000	$75–$110	Conciliation Court
6	North Dakota	$15,000	$35–$65	Small Claims Court
7	California	$12,500	$30–$100	Small Claims Court
8	Pennsylvania	$12,000	$45–$100	Magisterial District Court
9	South Dakota	$12,000	$40–$75	Small Claims Court
10	Utah	$11,000	$60–$100	Small Claims Court
11	Alaska	$10,000	$30–$100	District Court
12	Illinois	$10,000	$56–$254	Small Claims Court
13	Indiana	$10,000	$35–$85	Small Claims Court
14	Nevada	$10,000	$46–$92	Justice Court
15	New Hampshire	$10,000	$45–$95	District Court
16	New Mexico	$10,000	$35–$65	Magistrate Court
17	New York	$10,000	$15–$20	Small Claims Court
18	North Carolina	$10,000	$96–$156	Magistrate Court
19	Oklahoma	$10,000	$45–$95	Small Claims Court
20	Oregon	$10,000	$52–$95	Small Claims Department
21	Washington	$10,000	$31–$50	Small Claims Department
22	West Virginia	$10,000	$30–$100	Magistrate Court
23	Wisconsin	$10,000	$50–$95	Small Claims Court
24	Florida	$8,000	$55–$300	County Court
25	Colorado	$7,500	$31–$55	County Court
26	South Carolina	$7,500	$80–$140	Magistrate Court
27	Massachusetts	$7,000	$40–$150	Small Claims Session
28	Montana	$7,000	$30–$70	Justice Court
29	Iowa	$6,500	$35–$65	Small Claims Court
30	Michigan	$6,500	$30–$70	Small Claims Division
31	Alabama	$6,000	$45–$85	Small Claims Court
32	Maine	$6,000	$50–$80	District Court
33	Ohio	$6,000	$35–$80	Small Claims Division
34	Wyoming	$6,000	$25–$55	Circuit Court
35	Arkansas	$5,000	$35–$65	Small Claims Division
36	Connecticut	$5,000	$35–$75	Small Claims Court
37	Hawaii	$5,000	$35–$60	Small Claims Division
38	Idaho	$5,000	$33–$66	Small Claims Department
39	Louisiana	$5,000	$75–$150	City Court / Justice of the Peace
40	Maryland	$5,000	$34–$58	District Court
41	Missouri	$5,000	$35–$60	Small Claims Court
42	New Jersey	$5,000	$35–$75	Special Civil Part
43	Vermont	$5,000	$55–$90	Small Claims Court
44	Virginia	$5,000	$30–$75	General District Court
45	Kansas	$4,000	$35–$50	Small Claims Court
46	Nebraska	$3,600	$29–$45	County Court
47	Arizona	$3,500	$29–$78	Justice Court
48	Mississippi	$3,500	$35–$60	Justice Court
49	Kentucky	$2,500	$28–$58	Small Claims Court
50	Rhode Island	$2,500	$75–$85	Small Claims Court

Filing a Small Claims Case?

Get a demand letter drafted by a licensed attorney before you file — increases your chances of settling before court.

Draft My Demand Letter →

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has the highest small claims court limit?

small claims limits rules vary by state. See our complete state-by-state breakdown above for the most current information, sourced directly from official court and government websites.

What is the average small claims limit in the US?

What is the average small claims limit in the US is an important aspect of small claims limits. Requirements and limits vary by state. Our state-by-state data above covers the key figures you need, sourced from official government websites.

Can I sue for more than the small claims limit?

Eligibility requirements for small claims limits depend on your state's specific rules. Our calculator provides the key thresholds and requirements by state. For legal advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.

Does the small claims limit affect how much I can recover?

small claims limits costs vary by state. Use our calculator above to find the exact amount for your state. Fees are updated regularly from official state and court sources.

Do I need a lawyer for small claims court?