FORM 1.997. INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING CIVIL
COVER SHEET
Plaintiff must file this cover sheet with the first document filed in the action or proceeding
(except small claims cases, probate, or family cases). Domestic and juvenile cases should be
accompanied by a completed Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure Form 12.928, Cover
Sheet for Family Court Cases. Failure to file a civil cover sheet in any civil case other than
those excepted above may result in sanctions.
I. Case Style. Enter the name of the court, the appropriate case number assigned at the
time of filing of the original complaint or petition, the name of the judge assigned (if
applicable), and the name (last, first, middle initial) of plaintiff(s) and defendant(s).
II. Amount of Claim. Enter the estimated amount of the claim, rounded to the nearest
dollar. The estimated amount of the claim is requested for data collection and clerical
processing purposes only. The amount of the claim shall not be used for any other purpose.
III. Type of Case. Place an “X” on the appropriate line. If the cause fits more than one
type of case, select the most definitive. If the most definitive label is a subcategory (indented
under a broader category label), place an “X” on the category and subcategory lines.
Definitions of the cases are provided below in the order they appear on the form.
Circuit Civil
(A) Condominium—all civil lawsuits pursuant to Chapter 718, Florida Statutes,
in which a condominium association is a party.
(B) Contracts and indebtedness—all contract actions relating to promissory notes
and other debts, including those arising from the sale of goods, but excluding contract
disputes involving condominium associations.
(C) Eminent domain—all matters relating to the taking of private property for
public use, including inverse condemnation by state agencies, political subdivisions, or
public service corporations.
(D) Auto negligence—all matters arising out of a party’s allegedly negligent
operation of a motor vehicle.
(E) Negligence—other—all actions sounding in negligence, including statutory
claims for relief on account of death or injury, that are not included in other main
categories.
(F) Business governance—all matters relating to the management, administration,
or control of a company.
(G) Business torts—all matters relating to liability for economic loss allegedly
caused by interference with economic or business relationships.