Bankruptcy in Florida

Florida has one of the highest bankruptcy filing rates in the United States, driven by factors including high consumer debt, volatile real estate markets, and limited wage garnishment protections. Chapter 7 liquidation bankruptcy attorney fees in Florida typically range from $1,200 to $2,500, plus the $338 federal filing fee. Chapter 13 reorganization plans are more complex and cost $2,800-$7,000 in attorney fees, plus a $313 filing fee. Florida offers some of the most generous bankruptcy exemptions in the nation — notably an unlimited homestead exemption that protects your primary residence from creditors regardless of value (provided you've lived there for at least 1,215 days). Personal property exemptions include $1,000 per person for general assets and $1,000 for motor vehicles. Pre-filing credit counseling ($15-$50) and post-filing debtor education courses ($10-$30) are mandatory federal requirements. The mean income test threshold for Chapter 7 eligibility in Florida is approximately $59,000 for a single filer.