The small claims limit in Savannah is $15,000. Filing fees are $50 to $100. Enter your claim amount below to check eligibility and see how to file.
Last updated: May 2026 · Data: MIT Living Wage Calculator, C2ER, U.S. Census, BLS, IRS, state and city sources
Enter your claim amount to see if it qualifies for small claims court in Savannah.
Small claims court in Savannah handles disputes up to $15,000. Attorneys ARE permitted in Georgia Magistrate Court (small claims), though many parties represent themselves. The same $15,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses. Cases are filed at the Magistrate Court of Chatham County.
| Detail | Savannah Small Claims |
|---|---|
| Maximum Claim | $15,000 |
| Filing Fee Range | $50 to $100 |
| Attorneys Allowed? | Yes - permitted but optional |
| Where to File | Magistrate Court of Chatham County |
| Typical Hearing Time | 30 to 90 days after filing |
| Business Claim Limit | $15,000 |
Savannah is Georgia's oldest city and a major Atlantic seaport, with an economy driven by the Port of Savannah (one of the busiest container ports in the country), tourism centered on its historic district, manufacturing, and logistics.
| Local Metric | Savannah (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| Metro population | 150,000 |
| County / jurisdiction | Chatham County |
| Cost of living index (US avg = 100) | 95 |
| MIT living wage, single adult | $18.25/hour |
| MIT living wage, one earner supporting a family of four | $39.00/hour |
| Applicable minimum wage | $7.25/hour |
| Average rent, 1-bedroom | $1,450/month |
| Average rent, 2-bedroom | $1,700/month |
| Median home price | $315,000 |
| Median household income | $52,000/year |
| Combined sales tax rate | 7% |
| Effective property tax rate | 1% of value/year |
Local figures are 2026 estimates compiled from the MIT Living Wage Calculator, the C2ER Cost of Living Index, U.S. Census and Zillow housing data, and city and county sources. Verify current figures before relying on them.
The maximum claim in Savannah is $15,000, set by Georgia law. The same $15,000 limit applies to individuals and businesses. Larger disputes must be filed in a higher court.
Attorneys ARE permitted in Georgia Magistrate Court (small claims), though many parties represent themselves.
File at the Magistrate Court of Chatham County, generally in the county where the defendant lives or does business or where the dispute happened. Filing fees are typically $50 to $100 depending on the claim amount.
Filing fees in Savannah run about $50 to $100, and fee waivers are available for low-income filers. You may also have small costs to serve the defendant by certified mail or through the constable or sheriff.
Most small claims hearings in Savannah are scheduled within roughly 30 to 90 days of filing. Bring all contracts, receipts, photos, and any witnesses to the hearing.