Frequently Asked

The means test compares your household income to the Florida median for a household your size. If you're below the median, you generally qualify for Chapter 7. If you're above, you may still qualify after subtracting allowed expenses — that's where an attorney often helps.

Chapter 7 typically discharges credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, most older tax debt, deficiency balances after repossession, and many judgments. It does NOT discharge most student loans, recent taxes, child support, alimony, or debts from fraud.

Florida has one of the strongest homestead exemptions in the country — unlimited equity in your primary residence, subject to acreage limits (½ acre inside a municipality, 160 acres outside) and a 1,215-day ownership requirement for the full amount under federal law.

About 20–40 days after filing, you attend a short (usually 5–10 minute) meeting with the trustee. They verify your identity and ask basic questions about your petition. Creditors rarely attend. Most Florida districts hold these by phone or video.

Typical timeline is 3–6 months from filing to discharge. You must complete both required education courses (pre-filing credit counseling and post-filing debtor education).

A Chapter 7 filing stays on your credit report for 10 years. In practice, most people see their score begin to recover within 12–24 months as debt-to-income improves, and can qualify for a mortgage 2–4 years after discharge depending on the loan program.