While bankruptcy is federal law, many aspects, like exemptions involve state law, and —in the case of the means test — each county in Florida is assigned its own housing expense standards.
We're here to help you navigate these layers of federal, state, and local rules that come into play when you file bankruptcy in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
LegalConsumer.com's "Bankruptcy By Zip Code" website has provided free, local bankruptcy information to more than 10 million consumers since 2006! Let us help you learn how bankruptcy works in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
How to File
- Chapter 7: How does Chapter 7 bankruptcy work in Florida?
- Chapter 13: How does Chapter 13 bankruptcy work in Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Means Test
- Free Means Test Calculator: Are you eligible for Chapter 7? This calculator will help you find out. Online since 2006. Updated with April 2024 income & expense standards.
- Local Standards: Florida and Broward County: Every state and county differs.
- Florida Median Income: Each state has its own Median Income standard.
- Expense Standards For Broward County: Housing expense standards are by county and vary widely in Florida. Be sure you have selected the correct county to get an accurate result in the Bankruptcy Means Test.
- Line by Line Help: Just the bits you need when needed.
Bankruptcy Court
- Which court do I use? Bankruptcy is a federal law, so you use a "Federal District Bankruptcy Court," which differs from the Federal District Court. They're two different things.
Florida is divided into 3 federal districts with main cities in
- Miami, West Palm Beach (Southern Distrcit)
- Pensacola (Northern District)
- Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville (Middle District)
- Where do I file for bankruptcy?
Based on your current zip code 33301, you're in Broward County, so you would file in the Florida Southern District Bankruptcy Court.
- Can I file Electronically? A few courts are now allowing debtors to file electronically. Also, services like Upsolve.org can help.
- Court Info For Non-Attorneys: Every court offers guidance for debtors who don't have an attorney. Some courts more than others.
- Who is the Trustee? Learn about the court person you'll deal with if you file. It won't be the judge.
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Forms & Instructions
- Downloads: Where can I download free bankruptcy forms for my court?
- Which Forms? You don't need them all. We'll tell you which ones you need.
Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions
- Schedule C: The form where you claim your property as exempt.
- Federal Bankruptcy (§522) Exemptions: 19 states allow you to use the Federal Bankruptcy Exemptions listed in 11 USC § 522. The remaining states have "opted out" and only allow you to use the state law exemptions.
- Can use the Federal Bankruptcy (§522) exemptions in Florida?
No, except as to exemptions provided by 11 U.S.C. § 522(d)(10). Fla. Stat. §§ 222.20, 222.201
- Can use the Federal Bankruptcy (§522) exemptions in Florida?
- Florida Exemptions
- Real Estate
- Your Home (Florida Homestead Exemption):
Real or personal property including mobile or modular home to unlimited value; cannot exceed half acre in municipality or 160 acres elsewhere; spouse or child of deceased owner may claim homestead exemption (husband & wife may double)
- Your Home (Florida Homestead Exemption):
- Personal Property:
- Car/Truck/Van: Most states explicitly exempt motor vehicles. In some states, it's pretty generous.
Motor vehicle to $1,000
- Tools of Your Trade: From delivery vans to shop tools, most states allow you to exempt tools you use for your work, up to a certain amount.
- Wildcard
See personal property
- Car/Truck/Van: Most states explicitly exempt motor vehicles. In some states, it's pretty generous.
- Financial Accounts & Cash
- Retirement Accounts & Pensions: You can protect over $1M in retirement accounts if you file for bankruptcy.
- Public Benefits: States differ as to what benefits you can
- Bank Accounts:
Types of Debt
- Secured Debts: Bankruptcy doesn't get rid of secured debts, but in some cases, it can greatly reduce them. When you file, you'll be asked what you plan to do about your secured debts. Your options are: -
- Surrender: Give back the property and wipe out any remaining deficiency balance in bankruptcy.
- Redeem: - Come up with the cash to buy the property outright at its current value..
- Reaffirm: - Keep the arrangement you have, and leave this debt unaffected by your bankruptcy.
- Common Types of Secured Debts:
- Mortgages
- Car Loans
- Judgement Liens:
- How do you "void" them on exempt property?
- Unsecured Debts: Most unsecured debts, like credit cards and medical debts, can be discharged in bankruptcy.
- Credit Card Debt
- Medical Debt
- Personal Loans
- Payday loans
- Unsecured Debts that require extra steps:
- Student Loans: Extra steps required to get rid of it
- Undue Hardship: What do you have to prove to get a discharge?
- Adversary Proceeding: Like a mini-trial within your bankruptcy case.
- Student Loans: Extra steps required to get rid of it
Lawyers Near Me
- How can I find a good local bankruptcy lawyer near me?
- What should I expect from a bankruptcy attorney?
- Legal Aid in Florida:
Note: This website is updated as time permits. It is up to you to contact your local court and confirm and update any information you need. Information is not advice. See a bankruptcy lawyer for advice about how the law relates to your situation.