{
  "name": "Small Claims Court Limits by US State (as of 2026)",
  "publisher": "SealForms",
  "url": "https://sealforms.com/us/small-claims-limits/",
  "license": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "attribution": "SealForms — https://sealforms.com/us/small-claims-limits/ (CC BY 4.0)",
  "asOf": "2026",
  "dateModified": "2026-08-16",
  "columns": [
    "state",
    "rule",
    "value",
    "cite",
    "sourceUrl",
    "asOf",
    "note"
  ],
  "columnNotes": {
    "state": "US state or the District of Columbia.",
    "rule": "Which rule the row reports (described under \"rules\").",
    "value": "The rule as the study publishes it.",
    "cite": "The statute (or official rule) the value comes from — this is the authority.",
    "sourceUrl": "A link to read it. Not always the official site: some rows link a secondary copy or summary of the statute in \"cite\".",
    "asOf": "As-of year (or month) of the whole dataset, not a per-row verification date.",
    "note": "Qualifications the study page also shows."
  },
  "rules": {
    "small_claims_limit": "General maximum amount for a small claims case; the note gives the full rule (splits by plaintiff type or court)."
  },
  "rows": [
    {
      "state": "Alabama",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$6,000",
      "cite": "Ala. Code §12-12-31",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-12/chapter-12/article-2/section-12-12-31/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$6,000 exclusive of interest and costs on the small claims docket. Claims of $6,000-$20,000 go on the regular District Court civil docket; over $20,000 must be filed in Circuit Court."
    },
    {
      "state": "Alaska",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "Alaska Stat. §22.15.040; Alaska District Court Civil Rules 8-22",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.akleg.gov/basis/statutes.asp#22.15.040",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 exclusive of interest and costs. Small claims is an optional simplified procedure inside the District Court; either party can have the case removed to the formal district court civil procedure."
    },
    {
      "state": "Arizona",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Ariz. Rev. Stat. §22-503 (limit); §22-512 (attorneys)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/22/00503.htm",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 exclusive of interest and costs, raised from $3,500 by SB 1022 (2025). Excluded from small claims: defamation, eviction (forcible entry/detainer), specific performance, class actions, injunctions, and claims against the state."
    },
    {
      "state": "Arkansas",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Ark. Code Ann. §§16-17-601 to -613 (attorney bar at §16-17-606)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://arkansasag.gov/divisions/public-protection/legal-resources/guide-to-small-claims-court/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 exclusive of interest and costs in the small claims division of District Court."
    },
    {
      "state": "California",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$12,500 (individuals) / $6,250 (entities)",
      "cite": "Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§116.220, 116.221",
      "sourceUrl": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=CCP&sectionNum=116.221",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "SB 71, effective January 1, 2024: natural persons may sue for up to $12,500 (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §116.221); corporations, LLCs and other entities are capped at $6,250. Any plaintiff may file only two claims over $2,500 per calendar year (§116.231)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Colorado",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,500",
      "cite": "Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-6-403 (limit); §13-6-407 (attorneys)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/self-help/opening-case",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$7,500 exclusive of interest and costs; a larger claim cannot be split into multiple small claims cases (filing waives the excess). Claims of $7,500-$25,000 go on the County Court civil docket."
    },
    {
      "state": "Connecticut",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000 (up to $15,000 for home-improvement claims)",
      "cite": "Conn. Gen. Stat. §51-15; Conn. Practice Book §§24-1 et seq.",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.jud.ct.gov/faq/smallclaims.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 plus interest, with two exceptions: claims arising from home improvement contracts may be brought up to $15,000, and residential security-deposit claims may recover double the deposit even when that exceeds $5,000."
    },
    {
      "state": "Delaware",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$25,000",
      "cite": "10 Del. C. §9301",
      "sourceUrl": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c093/index.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Justice of the Peace Court civil jurisdiction covers debt, trespass and replevin claims up to $25,000 - the highest small-claims-type ceiling in the country. There is no separate small claims division; the JP civil docket serves that role, and it also handles landlord-tenant summary possession."
    },
    {
      "state": "District of Columbia",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "D.C. Code §11-1321",
      "sourceUrl": "https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/11-1321",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 exclusive of interest, attorney fees, protest fees and costs. Jurisdiction is EXCLUSIVE: most money-only claims of $10,000 or less must be filed in the branch, not the regular Civil Division."
    },
    {
      "state": "Florida",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$8,000",
      "cite": "Fla. Small Claims Rule 7.010; Fla. Stat. §34.041",
      "sourceUrl": "http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0034/Sections/0034.041.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$8,000 exclusive of costs, interest and attorney fees. The Florida Small Claims Rules apply automatically to county court money/property claims at or under that amount."
    },
    {
      "state": "Georgia",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$15,000",
      "cite": "O.C.G.A. §15-10-2(5)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/title-15/chapter-10/article-1/section-15-10-2/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Civil claims up to $15,000; NO dollar limit applies in dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, which magistrate courts also hear. A plaintiff with a larger claim may still file in magistrate court but waives any recovery above $15,000."
    },
    {
      "state": "Hawaii",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Haw. Rev. Stat. §633-27 (jurisdiction); §633-28 (no appeal; representation)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/vol13_Ch0601-0676/HRS0633/HRS_0633-0027.htm",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 cap on claims; counterclaims may go up to $40,000 (the district court limit). NO dollar limit on residential security-deposit cases, which the small claims division hears regardless of amount."
    },
    {
      "state": "Idaho",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Idaho Code §1-2301 (limit); §1-2307 (attorney bar — pre-2000 numbering was §1-2308)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.justia.com/codes/idaho/title-1/chapter-23/section-1-2301/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 total damages (money or recovery of personal property), exclusive of costs; a larger claim cannot be split into multiple filings."
    },
    {
      "state": "Illinois",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "Ill. Sup. Ct. Rules 281-289; 705 ILCS 105/27.1b (fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/rules-administrative-orders/rules/supreme-court-rules?rule=281",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 exclusive of interest and costs (Ill. Sup. Ct. R. 281). Money claims only; no separate small claims court — it is a simplified procedure inside the Circuit Court."
    },
    {
      "state": "Indiana",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "IC 33-29-2-4; IC 33-28-3-4; IC 33-34-3-2 (Marion County); Indiana Small Claims Rules",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.in.gov/courts/files/small-claims-manual.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 statewide since July 1, 2021, not including interest or attorney fees (IC 33-28-3-4, IC 33-29-2-4). Marion County's separate township small claims courts also now sit at $10,000 (IC 33-34-3-2). A plaintiff may waive the excess over $10,000 to stay in small claims."
    },
    {
      "state": "Iowa",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$6,500",
      "cite": "Iowa Code § 631.1; § 631.6 (fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/631.1.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$6,500 or less in damages (Iowa Code 631.1). Small claims also covers forcible entry and detainer (eviction) actions regardless of the money cap."
    },
    {
      "state": "Kansas",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "K.S.A. 61-2703 (limit); 61-2707 (attorneys); 61-4001 (fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ksrevisor.gov/statutes/chapters/ch61/061_027_0003.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000, exclusive of interest, costs and statutory damages — more than doubled from $4,000 effective July 1, 2024 (L. 2024, ch. 22, amending K.S.A. 61-2703). A person may file no more than 20 small claims per calendar year."
    },
    {
      "state": "Kentucky",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$2,500",
      "cite": "KRS 24A.230; KRS 24A.270 (fee)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.kycourts.gov/Legal-Help/Documents/P-6_Small_Claims_Handbook.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$2,500 or less, exclusive of interest and court costs (KRS 24A.230) — one of the lowest caps in the nation. Money lenders, collection agencies, and holders of assigned claims may NOT file in small claims; parties are limited to 25 small claims filings per year."
    },
    {
      "state": "Louisiana",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "La. C.C.P. art. 4911; La. R.S. 13:5200 et seq. (city court small claims); La. R.S. 13:2590 (JP fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://lasc.libguides.com/c.php?amp=&g=583267&p=4027476",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 exclusive of interest, costs and attorney fees in Justice of the Peace Courts (La. C.C.P. arts. 4911-4912); city court small claims divisions carry the same $5,000 cap (La. R.S. 13:5200 et seq.). JP courts cannot hear suits against public bodies, title to real estate, or family matters; they can hear evictions regardless of amount."
    },
    {
      "state": "Maine",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "14 M.R.S. § 7482 (as amended by PL 2025, c. 261); Maine Rules of Small Claims Procedure",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/14/title14sec7482.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 exclusive of interest and costs, effective January 1, 2026 (raised from $6,000 by PL 2025, c. 261 amending 14 M.R.S. § 7482). Older guides showing $6,000 are out of date."
    },
    {
      "state": "Maryland",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405; Md. Rule 3-701 (procedure)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj&section=4-405",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 or less exclusive of interest, costs, and recoverable attorney fees (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 4-405). The District Court's small claim jurisdiction is exclusive; landlord-tenant rent claims up to $5,000 ride the same rail."
    },
    {
      "state": "Massachusetts",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,000",
      "cite": "Mass. Gen. Laws c. 218 § 21; Uniform Small Claims Rules",
      "sourceUrl": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleI/Chapter218/Section21",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$7,000 base cap (G.L. c. 218 § 21) — but NO dollar limit for property damage caused by a motor vehicle; cities/towns may sue up to $15,000 (and for unpaid personal property taxes, any amount); double/treble damage awards (e.g., Ch. 93A consumer cases, security deposits) may exceed $7,000 as long as the base claim is within the cap."
    },
    {
      "state": "Michigan",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,000",
      "cite": "MCL 600.8401 (limit); MCL 600.8408 (no attorneys); MCL 600.8420 (fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-600-8401",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$7,000 for claims filed on or after January 1, 2024, under the statutory step schedule in MCL 600.8401 ($5,500 in 2015, $6,000 in 2018, $6,500 in 2021, $7,000 in 2024 — no further scheduled increases)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Minnesota",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$20,000",
      "cite": "Minn. Stat. § 491A.01; Minn. Gen. R. Prac. 512 (representation)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/491a.01",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$20,000 since August 1, 2024 (raised from $15,000) — one of the highest small claims caps in the country. Claims involving a consumer credit transaction are capped separately at $4,000 (Minn. Stat. § 491A.01, subd. 3a)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Mississippi",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$3,500",
      "cite": "Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9",
      "sourceUrl": "https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-9-courts/ms-code-sect-9-11-9/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$3,500 — the civil jurisdictional ceiling of the Justice Court (Miss. Code Ann. § 9-11-9). Mississippi has no separate small claims court; Justice Court fills that role."
    },
    {
      "state": "Missouri",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "§ 482.305 RSMo; Mo. Sup. Ct. Rules 140-155 (small claims rules)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=482.305",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 exclusive of interest and costs (§ 482.305, RSMo). A plaintiff with a bigger claim may still file but waives the excess over $5,000 (§ 482.315)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Montana",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,000",
      "cite": "Mont. Code Ann. § 25-35-502",
      "sourceUrl": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0250/chapter_0350/part_0050/section_0020/0250-0350-0050-0020.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Max $7,000 exclusive of costs (MCA 25-35-502, last adjusted 2011 — not $7,500 as often reported). The defendant must be servable within the county where the action is begun."
    },
    {
      "state": "Nebraska",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,500",
      "cite": "Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 25-2801 to 25-2807 (limit: § 25-2802); Neb. Ct. R. § 6-1462",
      "sourceUrl": "https://nebraskajudicial.gov/self-help/small-claims/filing-small-claims-case-nebraska",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$7,500 effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030 (raised from $6,000 under LB139 (2024)). Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-2802 adjusts the limit every 5 years; the current figure is codified in Nebraska Supreme Court rule § 6-1462."
    },
    {
      "state": "Nevada",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "Nev. Rev. Stat. ch. 73 (NRS 73.010)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.civillawselfhelpcenter.org/self-help/small-claims/overview-of-small-claims",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Money judgments only, up to $10,000 (NRS 73.010); no equitable relief. Heard in the justice court for the township where venue lies."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Hampshire",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. (RSA) 503:1",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.courts.nh.gov/our-courts/circuit-court/district-division/small-claims",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 or less, exclusive of interest and costs (RSA 503:1); claims involving title to real estate are excluded. Plaintiffs with larger claims may voluntarily waive the excess to fit under the cap."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Jersey",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "N.J. Ct. R. 6:1-2(a)(2)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.njcourts.gov/self-help/small-claims-court",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Small Claims Section handles lawsuits of $5,000 or less (exclusive of costs). Tenant security-deposit cases of $5,000 or less can also be filed here. Claims from $5,000 up to $20,000 go to the regular Special Civil Part; over $20,000 to the Civil Division of the Law Division, Superior Court. Suing in small claims for a larger amount waives the excess."
    },
    {
      "state": "New Mexico",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "NMSA 1978 § 35-3-3 (Magistrate Court); NMSA 1978 § 34-8A-3 (Metropolitan Court)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://metro.nmcourts.gov/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "New Mexico has no separately named statewide 'small claims court.' Magistrate Courts hear civil actions — contract, tort, landlord/tenant — up to $10,000 exclusive of interest and costs (NMSA 1978 § 35-3-3). In Bernalillo County (Albuquerque) the Metropolitan Court fills this role with the same $10,000 civil cap (NMSA § 34-8A-3)."
    },
    {
      "state": "New York",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "NYC Civil Court Act § 1801; UCCA § 1801; UJCA § 1801",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/CCA/1801",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Limit depends on the court: Small Claims Part of NYC Civil Court — $10,000 (NYC Civil Court Act § 1801, raised from $5,000 in 2021); City Courts outside NYC — $5,000 (UCCA § 1801); Town and Village Justice Courts — $3,000 (UJCA § 1801). Money-only claims, exclusive of interest and costs."
    },
    {
      "state": "North Carolina",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "N.C.G.S. § 7A-210",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7A/GS_7A-210.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Statewide cap of $10,000, exclusive of interest and costs (raised from $5,000 in 2013). Current G.S. 7A-210 sets a flat $10,000 with no per-county dollar mechanism; the chief district judge's role (G.S. 7A-211) is discretionary assignment of small claim actions to magistrates, not setting lower local limits."
    },
    {
      "state": "North Dakota",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$15,000",
      "cite": "N.D.C.C. ch. 27-08.1",
      "sourceUrl": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t27c08-1.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$15,000 max for recovery of money, certain tenant damage claims, or cancellation of agreements involving fraud/deception/misrepresentation; counterclaims also capped at $15,000 (N.D.C.C. § 27-08.1-01, verified from official chapter text)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Ohio",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$6,000",
      "cite": "O.R.C. ch. 1925 (limit: § 1925.02)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-1925.02",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$6,000 exclusive of interest and costs (O.R.C. § 1925.02, raised from $3,000 in 2016 and still current); jurisdiction covers recovery of money (and taxes) only. Cross-confirmed on the Franklin County Municipal Court's official site."
    },
    {
      "state": "Oklahoma",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "12 O.S. § 1751; fees: 28 O.S. § 152",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=438809",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Up to $10,000 exclusive of attorney fees and costs (12 O.S. § 1751). Covers money actions in contract or tort (libel/slander excluded), replevin, and interpleader. Collection agencies/assignees may not use the procedure, and filing waives the plaintiff's right to a jury trial on the merits."
    },
    {
      "state": "Oregon",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "ORS 46.405, 46.415(4) (circuit court); ORS 55.011, 55.090 (justice court)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors046.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Small Claims Department of Circuit Court hears claims up to $10,000 (ORS 46.405); claims of $750 or less MUST be brought as small claims — the procedure is mandatory, not optional, below that amount. Justice courts (where they exist) have parallel small claims departments with the same structure (ORS 55.011)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Pennsylvania",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$12,000",
      "cite": "42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3); 42 Pa.C.S. § 1123(a)(4) (Philadelphia)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.015.015.000..HTM",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Magisterial District Courts hear civil claims up to $12,000 exclusive of interest and costs, in assumpsit, trespass, and fines/penalties (42 Pa.C.S. § 1515(a)(3)); a plaintiff may waive the excess of a larger claim. Philadelphia quirk: Philadelphia County has NO magisterial district courts — the Philadelphia Municipal Court (Small Claims division) handles civil claims there with the same $12,000 cap (42 Pa.C.S. § 1123(a)(4))."
    },
    {
      "state": "Rhode Island",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-1 (ch. 10-16, Small Claims and Consumer Claims)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.courts.ri.gov/Courts/districtcourt/Pages/Small%20Claims.aspx",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Recently raised from the $2,500 cap that had stood since 1980; statewide with no county variation. Money judgments only — the court cannot order anything other than payment. Claims must arise from contract, retail sale, or services rendered (plus consumer claims)."
    },
    {
      "state": "South Carolina",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$7,500",
      "cite": "S.C. Code Ann. § 22-3-10 (jurisdiction); § 8-21-1010 (fees)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t22c003.php",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Single statewide cap (exclusive of interest and costs) for magistrates' civil jurisdiction, unchanged since 2004 Act No. 180; no plaintiff-type splits or county variations in the limit itself, though each county's magistrate office administers filings."
    },
    {
      "state": "South Dakota",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$12,000",
      "cite": "SDCL 16-12C-13 (jurisdictional limit); SDCL ch. 15-39 (small claims procedure)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/16-12C-13",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Statewide $12,000 cap for money or property damage claims. Exemplary/punitive damages cannot be awarded in small claims (SDCL 15-39-45, narrow statutory exceptions). Note the limit now sits in SDCL 16-12C-13 after recodification — not in 15-39-45."
    },
    {
      "state": "Tennessee",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$25,000",
      "cite": "Tenn. Code Ann. § 16-15-501",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/eli/jurisdiction-general-sessions-court",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$25,000 in all counties (Tenn. Code Ann. §16-15-501(d)(1)); attorney fees, court costs and discretionary costs are excluded from the limit calculation. Unlimited jurisdiction in forcible entry and detainer (eviction) cases and in actions to recover personal property, including an alternative money judgment. The '$15,000 in some counties' figure on aggregator sites is outdated."
    },
    {
      "state": "Texas",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$20,000",
      "cite": "Tex. Gov't Code § 27.031; Tex. R. Civ. P. 500-507",
      "sourceUrl": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/GV/htm/GV.27.htm",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$20,000 exclusive of interest (Tex. Gov't Code §27.031(a)(1)), raised from $10,000 effective Sept. 1, 2020 (SB 2342) and still current in 2026. The cap applies to the amount demanded; among the highest small-claims limits in the U.S. (now matched by Utah's $20,000 and West Virginia's $20,000)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Utah",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$20,000",
      "cite": "Utah Code § 78A-8-102",
      "sourceUrl": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title78A/Chapter8/78A-8-S102.html",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$20,000 including attorney fees but exclusive of court costs and interest, effective Jan. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2029 (up from $15,000). Utah Code §78A-8-102 schedules an automatic increase to $25,000 on Jan. 1, 2030."
    },
    {
      "state": "Vermont",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "12 V.S.A. § 5531",
      "sourceUrl": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/187/05531",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "General limit is $10,000 (raised from $5,000 effective 2023). Collection actions on consumer credit transactions or medical debt are capped at $5,000 (12 V.S.A. § 5531(e)). Money damages only; slander/libel excluded; claims over $10,000 may not be split."
    },
    {
      "state": "Virginia",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$5,000",
      "cite": "Va. Code § 16.1-122.1 et seq.",
      "sourceUrl": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title16.1/section16.1-122.2/",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$5,000 maximum, exclusive of interest (Va. Code § 16.1-122.2). The regular General District Court docket handles claims up to $25,000 ($50,000 for personal injury/wrongful death), so mid-size claims can simply be filed there instead."
    },
    {
      "state": "Washington",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "RCW ch. 12.40 (limit at RCW 12.40.010)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=12.40.010",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 when the plaintiff is a natural person (human being); $5,000 in all other cases, i.e., businesses, LLCs, and other entities (RCW 12.40.010)."
    },
    {
      "state": "West Virginia",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$20,000",
      "cite": "W. Va. Code § 50-2-1 (as amended by HB 2761, eff. July 7, 2025)",
      "sourceUrl": "https://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Text_HTML/2025_SESSIONS/RS/bills/hb2761%20sub1%20enr.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "Raised from $10,000 to $20,000 effective July 7, 2025 (HB 2761, 2025 Reg. Sess.), exclusive of interest and costs. Magistrate courts also hear unlawful entry/detainer and wrongful occupation of residential rental property regardless of amount (if title not in dispute). No jurisdiction over equity, eminent domain, title to real estate, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, or slander/libel."
    },
    {
      "state": "Wisconsin",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$10,000",
      "cite": "Wis. Stat. § 799.01",
      "sourceUrl": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/799/01",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$10,000 general cap for money-judgment and garnishment claims; only $5,000 for third-party complaints, personal injury claims, and actions based in tort (Wis. Stat. 799.01(1)(cr)); evictions have NO dollar limit regardless of rent claimed; replevin up to $10,000 (consumer-credit replevin regardless of value). 2025 Wis. Act 105 raises the general and replevin caps to $15,000 effective Jan. 1, 2027 (the $5,000 tort cap is unchanged)."
    },
    {
      "state": "Wyoming",
      "rule": "small_claims_limit",
      "value": "$6,000",
      "cite": "Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-201",
      "sourceUrl": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title01.pdf",
      "asOf": "2026",
      "note": "$6,000 exclusive of costs (Wyo. Stat. § 1-21-201). Small claims is a simplified docket within Circuit Court, which separately hears ordinary civil actions up to $50,000 — so claims over $6,000 can still stay in Circuit Court under regular procedure. The Department of Revenue may consolidate tax-collection claims against a single taxpayer subject to the same dollar limit."
    }
  ]
}