Pay your Florida hardship filing fee directly to the court clerk's office in the county where your case is filed

The hardship filing fee in Florida is a court cost you pay when you file certain financial hardship motions — most commonly in foreclosure, eviction, or debt cases. You do not pay this fee to a state office or a central location. Instead, you pay the clerk of the circuit court in whichever county your case is happening in. The clerk's office handles all court payments and keeps records of what you have paid.

The fee amount varies by county and by the type of motion you are filing. Before you go to pay, call the clerk's office to confirm the exact amount and whether they accept the payment method you plan to use. Some clerks accept cash, check, card, or online payment; others have restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay the hardship filing fee to your county's circuit court clerk, not to a state agency or online portal.
  • The fee amount and accepted payment methods vary by county, so call the clerk's office before you go.
  • You can usually pay in person at the clerk's office, by mail with a check, or online through the clerk's website.
  • Keep your receipt or confirmation number — you will need it to prove payment if the court asks.
  • If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a motion for indigency or a fee waiver request.

Finding your county clerk's office and contact information

Each of Florida's 67 counties has its own circuit court clerk. The clerk's office is usually located in the county courthouse, but some counties have satellite offices. To find the right office, search online for "[your county name] circuit court clerk" or "[your county name] courthouse." The Florida Courts website also lists all clerk offices with phone numbers and addresses.

When you call, have your case number ready if you already have one. If you do not yet have a case number because you are about to file, tell the clerk you are filing a hardship motion and ask what the current fee is and what documents you need to bring or submit with your payment.

Payment methods: in person, by mail, or online

Most Florida clerk offices accept payment in three ways. In person means walking into the courthouse during business hours, going to the clerk's office window, and paying cash, check, or card. This is the fastest way to get a receipt on the spot. By mail means sending a check to the clerk's office address with a letter explaining what the payment is for and including your case number if you have one. Online means visiting the clerk's website and using their payment portal — not all counties offer this, so check first.

If you pay by mail or online, keep your confirmation number or receipt. The clerk's office processes mail payments slowly, sometimes taking two to three weeks. If your case important date is coming up, paying in person is safer because you walk out with proof of payment that day.

What to bring or include with your payment

If you are paying in person, bring a photo ID and the exact amount in cash or a check. If your case is already filed, bring your case number. If you are filing the hardship motion at the same time you pay the fee, bring the completed motion form and any supporting documents the clerk told you to include.

If you are paying by mail, write a check to the clerk of the circuit court (or whatever entity the clerk's office specifies). Include a cover letter with your name, the case number if you have one, and a brief note saying the payment is for a hardship filing fee. Mail it to the address the clerk gave you. Keep a copy of your letter and a photo of the check for your records.

If you cannot afford the fee

Florida allows you to ask the court to waive or reduce the hardship filing fee if you cannot pay it. To do this, you file a motion for indigency or a fee waiver request — the exact name varies by county and case type. This motion asks the judge to find that you do not have the money to pay court costs and should not have to.

You file this motion with the clerk at the same time you file your hardship motion. The clerk will tell you the form to use and whether there is a fee to file the indigency motion itself (many counties waive that fee too). The judge then reviews your request and decides whether to grant it. If approved, you do not pay the hardship filing fee. If denied, you still have to pay it to move forward with your case.

Timing: when to pay and how long it takes to process

Pay the hardship filing fee before or at the same time you file your hardship motion. If you pay after you file, the clerk may not process your motion until payment arrives. If your case has a important date — such as an eviction hearing date or a foreclosure sale date — paying in person at the clerk's office is the safest way to make sure the fee is recorded before that important date passes.

Once you pay, the clerk records it in the court system, usually within one business day if you pay in person or online. If you pay by mail, it can take a week or longer. Ask the clerk how long their office typically takes to post payments, especially if your important date is soon.

Keeping records of your payment

Always ask for a receipt when you pay, whether in person, by phone, or online. The receipt shows the date, amount, case number, and what the payment was for. If you pay by mail, the clerk's office may send you a receipt by mail, or you may have to call to confirm the payment was received. Save your receipt with your case documents.

If the court later says you did not pay, you can show your receipt to prove you did. If you lose your receipt, call the clerk's office with your case number and they can look up the payment in their system and print a new one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay the hardship filing fee online?

Some Florida counties allow online payment through the clerk's website, but not all. Call your county clerk's office or visit their website to see if they offer this option. If they do, you will get a confirmation number when ready, which counts as proof of payment.

What if I do not know my case number yet?

If you are filing your hardship motion for the first time, you do not have a case number yet. Tell the clerk you are filing a new hardship motion and ask what information they need from you. You can usually pay the fee at the same time you submit your motion paperwork, and the clerk will assign a case number then.

Can I pay the fee with a credit card?

Many Florida clerk offices accept credit or debit cards in person or online, but some do not. Call your county clerk first to confirm. If they accept cards, ask whether they charge a processing fee on top of the hardship filing fee — some do.

What happens if I file the motion but do not pay the fee?

The clerk will not process your motion until the fee is paid. Your case will not move forward, and if you have a court important date, you could miss it. Pay the fee as soon as you file the motion to avoid delays.

Can I get the hardship filing fee back if my case is dismissed?

Court fees are generally not refunded once paid, even if your case is dismissed or settled. Ask the clerk about your county's refund policy, as it may vary. Some counties make exceptions in specific situations, but this is rare.