Florida Bankruptcy Law

Bankruptcy Courts in Florida

If you live in Florida and are thinking about filing for bankruptcy, your case will be handled in federal bankruptcy court. Florida has three bankruptcy districts, each serving specific counties:

• Northern District of Florida – based in Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, and Gainesville
• Middle District of Florida – based in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers
• Southern District of Florida – based in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach

Each district has its own courthouse, judges, and trustees. You’ll file your case in the district that covers the county where you live or where your main property or business is located. Because filing in the correct district is important, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your case is filed properly and handled efficiently.

All Florida bankruptcy courts apply the same federal bankruptcy laws, but each district also has its own local rules and procedures that supplement those laws. Because these requirements can vary and change over time, it’s best to work with an experienced bankruptcy attorney who understands the local practices in your area. Court decisions follow guidance from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, which also covers Georgia and Alabama.

Bankruptcy Filing Trends in Florida

Bankruptcy filings in Florida remain among the highest in the nation, reflecting the state’s large population and high rates of mortgage and consumer debt. According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, tens of thousands of Florida residents file each year, most commonly under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 allows individuals to discharge unsecured debts such as credit cards and medical bills, while Chapter 13 repayment plans help homeowners and wage earners catch up on missed payments. These filings show how many Floridians use bankruptcy each year to stop collection efforts, prevent foreclosure, and regain financial control.

Florida Exemptions — What You Can Keep

Filing for bankruptcy does not mean losing everything you own. Florida law protects certain property called exempt property, which includes the things you need to live and work. These items are protected by law and cannot be taken or sold to pay creditors.

Florida has opted out of the federal exemption system, so residents must use Florida state exemptions instead. Below are some of the most common exemptions available under Florida law.

If you’re married and file jointly, most exemption amounts double. Because Florida’s homestead exemption is among the most generous in the country but has strict residency and ownership rules, it’s important to consult a bankruptcy attorney before filing to ensure your home and other property are fully protected.

Steps and Local Requirements

Credit counseling. Before filing, you must complete a short credit-counseling course from an approved agency. A second debtor-education course is required before your debts can be discharged (legally erased).

Means test. To qualify for Chapter 7, your household income must be below Florida’s median income or pass a means test comparing income and necessary expenses.

Filing fees. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. If you can’t pay the full amount upfront, you can request to pay in installments or apply for a waiver.

Meeting of creditors. About a month after filing, you’ll attend a brief “341 meeting.” This meeting is not held in front of a judge. Instead, a bankruptcy trustee assigned to your case will ask a few questions to confirm your identity and review your paperwork.

In Florida, meetings are typically held virtually or in person depending on the district where your case was filed. Meetings in the Northern District are conducted virtually or in Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, or Gainesville; meetings in the Middle District take place in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, or Fort Myers; and meetings in the Southern District are generally held virtually or in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach.

Local rules and forms. Each district follows local rules that supplement federal law. The court’s website provides the latest rules, required forms, and filing instructions. Following them carefully helps your case move forward without delay.

What This Means for You

Filing for bankruptcy in Florida can provide a fresh financial start and immediate relief from creditor pressure. The process stops most collection actions, including lawsuits, garnishments, foreclosures, and repossessions.

Most individuals who file are able to keep their homes, vehicles, retirement savings, and personal property. Because bankruptcy involves detailed eligibility rules, local filing procedures, and strict deadlines, it’s best to consult an experienced bankruptcy attorney before filing.

An attorney can help you:

• Decide whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is best for your situation
• Protect your home and property using Florida’s exemptions
• Complete the required credit-counseling and debtor-education courses
• File all forms correctly and meet local deadlines

With the right preparation and support, bankruptcy can provide lasting debt relief and a foundation for long-term financial recovery.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Florida

Federal Circuit: Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Tallahassee, Pensacola, Panama City, Gainesville

Where You File Depends on Where You Live

The Northern District of Florida is divided into four divisions, each serving specific counties.

Tallahassee Division

• Franklin County
• Gadsden County
• Jefferson County
• Leon County
• Liberty County
• Madison County
• Taylor County
• Wakulla County

Pensacola Division

• Escambia County
• Okaloosa County
• Santa Rosa County
• Walton County

Panama City Division

• Bay County
• Calhoun County
• Gulf County
• Holmes County
• Jackson County
• Washington County

Gainesville Division

• Alachua County
• Dixie County
• Gilchrist County
• Lafayette County
• Levy County
• Suwannee County

If you’re unsure which division covers your county, a qualified bankruptcy attorney can help ensure your case is filed in the correct location and handled efficiently.

Recent Filing Statistics

The Northern District of Florida consistently reports several thousand consumer bankruptcy filings each year. Chapter 7 cases are most common, reflecting the region’s mix of rural and suburban populations, while Chapter 13 repayment plans remain a popular choice for debtors seeking to protect their homes or vehicles.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Middle District of Florida

Federal Circuit: Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers

Where You File Depends on Where You Live

The Middle District of Florida is divided into four divisions, each serving specific counties.

Tampa Division

• Hardee County
• Hernando County
• Hillsborough County
• Manatee County
• Pasco County
• Pinellas County
• Polk County
• Sarasota County

Orlando Division

• Brevard County
• Lake County
• Orange County
• Osceola County
• Seminole County
• Volusia County

Jacksonville Division

• Baker County
• Bradford County
• Clay County
• Columbia County
• Duval County
• Flagler County
• Hamilton County
• Nassau County
• Putnam County
• St. Johns County
• Suwannee County
• Union County

Fort Myers Division

• Charlotte County
• Collier County
• DeSoto County
• Glades County
• Hendry County
• Highlands County
• Lee County

If you’re uncertain which division serves your county, an experienced bankruptcy attorney can help determine the proper filing location and guide you through the process.

Recent Filing Statistics

The Middle District of Florida consistently records the highest volume of bankruptcy filings in the state, with tens of thousands of cases filed annually. Chapter 7 cases remain the majority, while Chapter 13 filings are common among homeowners seeking to prevent foreclosure and restructure debts through court-approved repayment plans.

U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Southern District of Florida

Federal Circuit: Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
Court Locations: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach

Where You File Depends on Where You Live

The Southern District of Florida is divided into three divisions, each serving specific counties.

Miami Division

• Miami-Dade County

Fort Lauderdale Division

• Broward County

West Palm Beach Division

• Indian River County
• Martin County
• Okeechobee County
• Palm Beach County
• St. Lucie County

If you’re unsure which division covers your county, a knowledgeable bankruptcy attorney can help identify the correct division and ensure your case is properly filed.

Recent Filing Statistics

The Southern District of Florida consistently reports one of the highest bankruptcy filing rates in the nation, driven by the region’s large population and active real estate market. Chapter 7 filings are most common, while Chapter 13 cases remain a significant portion of filings among individuals seeking to prevent foreclosure or vehicle repossession.