Small claims limits by state & province
The single most important number before you sue: the most you can claim where you live. Here are the 2026 limits across the US and Canada.
Filing for more than the limit is the fastest way to have a case bounced. If your loss is above the ceiling, you either move up to a higher court or formally abandon the excess. Find your jurisdiction below, then confirm the exact figure with your court.
United States - commonly cited 2026 limits
| State | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California | $12,500 | Individuals; $6,250 for businesses |
| Texas | $20,000 | Justice courts |
| New York | $10,000 | NYC; ~$5,000 in many town/village courts |
| Florida | $8,000 | County court |
| Illinois | $10,000 | Small claims |
| Tennessee | $25,000 | Among the highest |
| Delaware | $25,000 | Justice of the Peace court |
| Georgia | $15,000 | Magistrate court |
| Pennsylvania | $12,000 | Magisterial district courts |
| Washington | $10,000 | District court |
| Minnesota | $15,000 | Conciliation court |
| Colorado | $7,500 | Small claims |
| Massachusetts | $7,000 | Small claims |
| Michigan | $7,000 | Small claims |
| Ohio | $6,000 | Municipal/county |
| New Jersey | $5,000 | Small claims section |
| Virginia | $5,000 | General district small claims |
| Arizona | $3,500 | Justice court small claims |
| Maine | $10,000 | Raised effective Jan 1, 2026 |
| Kentucky | $2,500 | Among the lowest |
Canada - by province
| Province | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $50,000 | Raised from $35,000 on Oct 1, 2025 |
| Alberta | $50,000 | Among the highest in Canada |
| British Columbia | $35,000 | CRT to $5,000; Provincial Court to $35,000 |
| Saskatchewan | $30,000 | Provincial Court |
| Nova Scotia | $25,000 | Small Claims Court |
| Manitoba | $15,000 | Court of King's Bench |
| Quebec | $15,000 | Small claims division; no lawyers at hearing |
How to use the limit
Say you are owed $58,000 in Ontario. You can file in the Superior Court of Justice for the full amount (formal, usually needs a lawyer), or file in small claims for $50,000 and abandon the remaining $8,000. Most self-represented claimants choose the second route because speed and simplicity are worth more than the surplus. One thing you cannot do is "claim splitting" - breaking a single dispute into multiple cases to stay under the limit, which courts will dismiss.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest small claims limit?
Ontario and Alberta lead North America at $50,000. In the US, Tennessee and Delaware are among the highest at $25,000, while Texas is $20,000. Limits change, so confirm the current figure for your court.
What is the lowest small claims limit?
Kentucky is among the lowest in the US at $2,500, and Arizona's justice-court small claims is $3,500. Lower limits mean larger disputes must go to a regular civil court.
Did any small claims limits change in 2026?
Yes - limits are periodically raised for inflation. Maine increased its limit to $10,000 effective January 1, 2026, and Ontario raised its to $50,000 on October 1, 2025. Always verify the figure in force when you file.
What if my claim is above the limit?
You can sue in a higher civil court for the full amount, or file in small claims for the maximum and abandon the excess. Abandoning keeps the case simple and lawyer-free but forfeits the difference. You cannot split one claim into several to stay under the limit.
How do I find my exact limit?
Check your state court or provincial court's official small claims page - it lists the current maximum and any recent change. The figures here are commonly cited values for orientation, not legal advice.