File Bankruptcy for Free in Florida: 2025 Chapter 7 Guide

Filing bankruptcy can help you eliminate overwhelming debt. You can often do it without a lawyer.

Many people file Chapter 7 bankruptcy on their own for free. Filing without a lawyer is called filing pro se.

Qualify for Chapter 7 in Florida?

Answer a few questions to see if you meet Florida's means test requirements. Connect with a bankruptcy attorney for a free consultation about eliminating your debt.

Check Eligibility Now

You’ll follow 10 key steps to complete your case.

10 Steps to File Bankruptcy in Florida

1. Collect Your Florida Bankruptcy Documents

Filing bankruptcy requires paperwork. Organizing your financial documents early makes the process smoother.

You’ll need these essential documents:

Last two years of tax returns
Last 60 days of paycheck stubs
Recent bank statements

You must include pay stubs in your bankruptcy petition. The trustee will ask to see your tax returns and bank statements.

Additional helpful documents include:

Bank statements from the last 6-12 months
Creditor statements and bills
Letters from collection agencies
Recent credit report

You can get a free credit report every week from each major credit bureau. Visit AnnualCreditReport.com to access yours.

2. Take Credit Counseling

You must complete a credit counseling course before filing. The course explains your debt relief options.

Key facts about credit counseling:

Complete it within 180 days before filing
Costs $10-$50, but fee waivers are available
Must be from an approved agency
Submit the certificate with your bankruptcy forms

Without this certificate, you can’t file your case. Your case may be dismissed if you file without it.

3. Complete the Bankruptcy Forms

After credit counseling, you’ll fill out your bankruptcy forms. Federal forms are mostly the same nationwide.

Some Florida districts require additional local forms. You can access free federal bankruptcy forms at USCOURTS.gov.

Working with a bankruptcy attorney means they’ll handle your forms for you.

4. Get Your Filing Fee

Chapter 7 filing costs $338. You pay this when filing your case.

Can’t afford the fee? Request a fee waiver from the court. Your income must be under 150% of federal poverty guidelines.

You can also pay in installments. Many filers choose this to stop creditor actions quickly. The automatic stay begins as soon as you file.

Missing an installment payment risks case dismissal. You won’t get your money back if your case is dismissed.

5. Print Your Bankruptcy Forms

Print and sign your forms once you have a fee plan. Visit a copy shop or public library if needed.

Florida courts don’t let filers use courthouse printers.

Follow these printing requirements:

Use letter-size white paper
Print with black ink only
Print single-sided
Sign all necessary spots

Double-check you’ve printed everything. Use a checklist to stay organized.

6. File Your Forms With the Florida Bankruptcy Court

You’ll file in person or by mail. Pro se filers can’t file online in Florida.

Filing in person is ideal when possible. Clerks can catch errors immediately. You may fix problems on the spot.

7. Mail Documents to Your Trustee

The court assigns a trustee after you file. Trustees review your forms and verify compliance.

You’ll receive your trustee’s contact information within 1-2 weeks.

Send these documents at least seven days before your meeting:

Last two years of tax returns
Bank statement covering your filing date

Send additional documents if your trustee requests them. Contact the trustee’s office after 2-3 weeks if you haven’t heard anything.

8. Take a Debtor Education Course

Complete a second course called debtor education. It teaches budgeting and financial management skills.

You can take it by phone, internet, or in person. Choose an approved provider.

Finish within 60 days of your creditors’ meeting. File the completion certificate with the court.

No certificate means no bankruptcy discharge. The discharge erases your eligible debts.

9. Attend Your 341 Meeting

The 341 meeting happens 1-2 months after filing. You’ll meet with your trustee virtually or in person.

Key meeting details:

Usually takes under 10 minutes
Creditors can attend but rarely do
Most filers receive their discharge within 60-90 days after

People worry about this meeting unnecessarily. Most go smoothly without issues.

10. Deal With Your Car (if You Have One)

Many Floridians keep their cars in bankruptcy. Whether you can depends on several factors.

Consider your car’s value, loan status, and available exemptions.

If making car payments, you have three options:

Reaffirm the loan: Keep the car and continue payments
Redeem the car: Pay current fair market value in one lump sum
Surrender the car: Return it to eliminate the loan debt

Own your car outright? Florida’s $5,000 motor vehicle exemption protects it. You can protect up to $9,000 total if not using the homestead exemption.

Your car’s fair market value determines if you keep it.

Florida Bankruptcy Means Test

You must meet income requirements for Chapter 7. The means test determines eligibility.

Your current monthly income must be below your household size’s median income. You pass the means test and qualify for Chapter 7.

Income above the median doesn’t automatically disqualify you. You’ll complete the second part accounting for expenses.

Consider hiring a bankruptcy attorney for complex calculations. They’ll evaluate your financial situation thoroughly.

Can’t qualify for Chapter 7? Chapter 13 bankruptcy might work instead. It requires a 3-5 year repayment plan.

Florida Districts and Filing Requirements

Florida has three bankruptcy districts. Each has specific filing requirements.

Your county determines which district serves you. Read local requirements before filing.

Northern District of Florida

The Northern District has four divisions. They serve 23 counties together.

File in Tallahassee or Pensacola if you live in these counties.

Pay with money order or cashier’s check only. Cash and personal cards aren’t accepted.

Northern District Requirements

File pay stubs with your petition
Submit a special form if you have no pay stubs
Keep copies of all forms and documents
Follow detailed creditor matrix instructions

Middle District of Florida

The Middle District covers 35 counties. Four divisions serve the region.

File at Tampa, Orlando, or Jacksonville courthouses.

Payment by money order or cashier’s check only.

Middle District Requirements

Submit creditor matrix on USB drive or CD
Jacksonville filers participate in pre-meeting phone conference
File Statement of No Payment Advices if no paychecks received

Southern District of Florida

The Southern District covers nine counties. Courthouses are in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

Pay by money order, cashier’s check, bank withdrawal, or debit card.

Southern District Requirements

Pay at least $169 when filing with installment plan
Submit pay stubs with petition
File Declaration Regarding Payment Advices form
Follow detailed creditor matrix formatting instructions

Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions

Bankruptcy exemptions protect your property in Chapter 7. They outline what you can keep.

Most Florida Chapter 7 filers keep all their belongings.

You’ll use Florida exemptions if you’ve lived here at least two years.

Key Florida Exemptions

Homestead exemption: Unlimited equity protection with certain requirements
Motor vehicle exemption: Up to $5,000 equity in one car
Personal property exemption: Up to $1,000 for household goods and clothing

Florida’s wildcard exemption provides $4,000 extra protection. You can use it if not claiming homestead exemption.

Add the wildcard to other exemptions to increase protection. Protect up to $9,000 car equity this way.

Additional exemptions protect income and benefits. Social Security, child support, and retirement accounts qualify.

Florida Bankruptcy Lawyer Costs

Most Florida bankruptcy lawyers charge flat fees. Average Chapter 7 costs range from $999 to $1,500.

Complex cases involving non-exempt property or secured debts cost more. A lawyer may help if your situation is complicated.

Florida Legal Aid Organizations

Florida offers strong legal aid networks. Organizations provide free or low-cost legal advice.

Low-income filers may qualify for assistance. Legal aid can help if you’re uncomfortable filing alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to file bankruptcy in Florida?

The court filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. You can request a fee waiver if your income is under 150% of federal poverty guidelines, or pay in installments over several months. Filing without a lawyer means you avoid attorney fees of $999-$1,500.

Can I keep my car when filing bankruptcy in Florida?

Yes, most people keep their cars. Florida exempts up to $5,000 of vehicle equity, or $9,000 if you don't use the homestead exemption. If making payments, you can reaffirm the loan and continue payments, redeem by paying current value, or surrender the vehicle.

What property can I keep in Florida bankruptcy?

Florida's exemptions protect unlimited home equity, up to $5,000-$9,000 in car equity, $1,000 in personal property, and most retirement accounts and benefits. The wildcard exemption provides an additional $4,000 to protect any property if you're not using the homestead exemption.

How long does Chapter 7 bankruptcy take in Florida?

Chapter 7 bankruptcy typically takes 3-4 months from filing to discharge. You'll attend a 341 meeting 1-2 months after filing, then receive your discharge 60-90 days later. The automatic stay stops creditor actions immediately when you file.

Do I need a lawyer to file bankruptcy in Florida?

No, many people file Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer, called filing pro se. You can handle simple cases yourself by completing required forms and following court procedures. Consider an attorney if you have complex property issues or secured debts.

File Chapter 7 Bankruptcy for Free in Florida: Complete 2025 Guide