County Civil FAQs

They are held at the Clerk’s St. Lucie West branch, located in the South County Courthouse Annex, 250 N.W. Country Club Drive, Port St. Lucie.

Q.Where are County Civil and Small Claims hearings held

Yes, the recording fee is $5 for the first page and $4 for each additional page. In addition, there is an indexing fee of $1 per name after the first four names.

Q. Is there a fee to record a notice of lis pendens in a new case

Yes, the recording fee is $10 for the first page and $8.50 for each additional page. In addition, there is an indexing fee of $1 per name after the first four names.

Q. Is there a fee to record a notice of dismissal and release of lis pendens (including cancellation of lis pendens, discharge of lis pendens, and release of lis pendens)

They charge $40 per summons. The payment must be separate from other fees.

Q. How much does the Sheriff charge to serve a summons and complaint

We have Eviction packets available for you to review on our website or in person. You may file in person, mail in your filings or file through the Florida E-portal System. (Note: provide instructions on how to establish a self-represented litigant account)

To evict someone living in your home (friend or family member), you would use the Unlawful Detainer form found under County Civil > General Forms. (Evictions are for Landlord/Tenant scenarios, for which there are five.)

Q. How do I get these people out of my house? / How can I file for an eviction?

If the defendant has not been served with your complaint, your hearing date will be canceled. Your case will remain open for a period of six months to provide you with time to locate the defendant and provide the court with another address for service. It’s important to know that the defendant is at the address you supply prior to filing your complaint. Filing fees are non-refundable and the Sheriff’s Office cannot locate the defendant for you.

Q. What happens if the defendant in a Small Claims case cannot be located to be served with my complaint

At the time of filing, you may provide the court with a self-addressed, stamped envelope which would be forwarded to the Sheriff along with your documents for service. If an envelope is provided, the Sheriff will forward you a copy of their return of service. You may wish to contact the Clerk’s office prior to appearing for the hearing to verify that service was issued.

Q. Will I be notified if the defendant in a Small Claims case is served or not?

The Clerk’s office charges a statutory $10 per defendant summons issuance fee. In addition, if you use the Sheriff’s Office for service, they will charge $40 to attempt service at another location.

Q. If the defendant is not served in a Small Claims case, are there additional fees due if I locate another address?

Yes, even though attorneys are not required in small claims court, you or the opposing party may hire an attorney.

Q. Can an attorney appear in Small Claims court

$50.00 after case has been close on a final judgment or order for more than 90 days.

Q. How much does it cost to re-open a small claims case?