Small claims court in South Carolina

$7,500maximum claim in Magistrates court, as of 29 October 2026

The basics

Small claims limit: $7,500^1,2,3S.C. Code 22-3-10
You can sue in magistrates court for $7,500 or less.
Court: Magistrates court^1,3S.C. Code 22-3-10
Small claims are filed in a county magistrates court, which some counties call summary court.
Filing fee: Varies by county ($80 in Charleston and Florence counties)^3,4
Fees are listed by each county. Charleston and Florence counties each charge $80 to file a summons and complaint, including service, and Charleston adds $10 for each additional defendant at a different address.
Lawyers: Yes, not required⁴
You may bring or defend your own case. Florence County says a business may use a non-lawyer officer, agent or employee with written approval from a senior company official.
Appeals: 30 days^1,3,4S.C. Code 22-3-1000(A)
You have 30 days to file a written appeal. It goes to the Court of Common Pleas, which charges its own fee.

Deadlines to sue (statutes of limitations)

How long you usually have to file, counted from when the claim arose. Exceptions apply.

Written contract: 3 years⁵S.C. Code 15-3-530(1)
3 years for most contract claims, written or implied.
Oral contract: 3 years⁵S.C. Code 15-3-530(1)
3 years. South Carolina uses the same period for written and oral contracts.
Property damage: 3 years⁵S.C. Code 15-3-530(3), (4)
3 years for damage to real property and for taking or damaging personal property.
Personal injury: 3 years⁵S.C. Code 15-3-530(5)
3 years for injury to the person.

Small claims rules are set by state law and court rules, and fees are often set locally. Before you file, check the court's own page or call the clerk.

Sources

S.C. Code Title 22, Chapter 3, Civil and criminal jurisdiction of magistrates, South Carolina Legislatureofficial
Small Claims, Richland County, Richland County, South Carolinaofficial
Summons and Complaint, Magistrates' Summary Courts, Charleston County, South Carolinaofficial
Magistrate Court, Civil, Florence County, South Carolinaofficial
S.C. Code Title 15, Chapter 3, Limitations of civil actions, South Carolina Legislatureofficial

Checked 29 October 2026. "Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read and mark them here.