Synthèse factuelle
In Miami, Florida, small claims cases follow a structured pretrial process managed by the Miami-Dade County Clerk of Courts. After the initial filing and service of the complaint, the court assigns a pretrial hearing date, typically scheduled within 30 to 90 days from case initiation. Both plaintiff and defendant must attend this hearing; failure of the plaintiff to appear can lead to case dismissal, while defendant absence may result in a default judgment against them. During the pretrial hearing, the judge reviews the case status and may refer the parties to mediation to encourage settlement. Mediation is voluntary but commonly used to resolve disputes without trial, potentially reducing court time and costs. The mediation session usually occurs shortly after the pretrial hearing and is conducted by a court-appointed mediator. There are fees associated with filing and mediation, varying by case amount but generally ranging from $30 to $100 for filing, with mediation fees often included or modest. The Miami-Dade Clerk of Courts website provides official schedules and procedural guidelines for small claims cases, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all parties involved. This page presents procedural facts and does not offer legal advice or predict outcomes such as dismissal, default, or settlement.