§3.05 Limit of Two Claims Over $2500

In any calendar year, anywhere in California, a person may not file more than two small claims actions in which the amount demanded exceeds $2500. [CCP §116.231(a).]

If the amount demanded exceeds $2500, the party making the demand must file a declaration stating that he or she has not filed more than two small claims actions in California in which the amount of the demand exceeded $2500 within that calendar year. [CCP §116.231(b).] The declaration above the signature lines on the plaintiff’s form SC-100 or the defendant’s form SC-120 satisfies this requirement.

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The limitation on filings exceeding $2500 does not apply to claims filed by a city, county, city and county, school district, county office of education, community college district, local district, or any other local public entity if each claim does not exceed $5000. [CCP §116.231(d).]

If a small claims action over $2500 is filed by a local public entity and the defendant informs the court—either in advance of the hearing by written notice or at the time of the hearing—that he or she is represented in the action by legal counsel, you must transfer the action out of the small claims division. [CCP §116.231(d).]