In California, how much can I sue for in small claims court?
Answered for: California
116.221. In addition to the jurisdiction conferred by Section 116.220, the small claims court has jurisdiction in an action brought by a natural person, if the amount of the demand does not exceed twelve thousand five hundred dollars ($12,500), except as otherwise prohibited by subdivision (c) of Section 116.220 or subdivision (a) of Section 116.231. (Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 861, Sec. 6. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2024.)
On top of the general limit in section 116.220, a case brought by a natural person can go to small claims court for up to $12,500, except where subdivision (c) of section 116.220 or subdivision (a) of section 116.231 prohibits it. So the higher figure applies to a claim brought by a person, not to every claimant.
This answer is true in California and nowhere else on this site. Another jurisdiction is another answer, or an honest gap: see what has been read for California.