How Much Does It Cost to File for Bankruptcy in Florida?
If you are planning to file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, Stiberman Law, P.A. explains the typical costs involved when filing for bankruptcy in Florida.
Before diving into specific fees, it’s important to understand that the total cost to file for bankruptcy in Florida generally ranges between $1,400 and $3,000 for Chapter 7 cases and $3,000 to $5,000 or more for Chapter 13 cases, depending on your attorney fees, court costs, and case complexity. These figures include mandatory filing fees, credit counseling courses, and other administrative expenses.
Below is a breakdown of the common fees and factors that can influence your total cost.
|
Item |
Amount / Note |
|
Chapter 7 filing fees (total) |
$338 ($245 filing + $78 administrative + $15 trustee surcharge) |
|
Chapter 13 filing fees (total) |
$313 ($235 filing + $78 administrative) |
|
Reopen fee |
Chapter 7: $260 • Chapter 13: $310 |
|
Attorney fees |
Chapter 7 typically $1,000–$1,800 (estimate). Chapter 13 usually higher and set by court guidelines; varies by district and case complexity. |
|
Credit counseling |
~ $50. Two courses are required. |
|
Installments / waivers |
Installments available (up to four over 120 days with Form 103A). Fee waiver possible if income is below 150% of the poverty line. |
|
What can increase costs |
Many assets, non-exempt property, multiple income sources, many creditors, prior bankruptcy (8 years), business + personal filing, non-dischargeable debts. |
Contents
How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
Average Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees
Average Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cost
Are There Factors that Can Increase the Amount of the Fees?
Cost-Effectiveness of Working with an Experienced Bankruptcy Lawyer
How to Pay for Your Bankruptcy Case
Can You Pay Bankruptcy Court Filing Fees in Installments?
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy Attorney in Florida
How Much Does It Cost to File Bankruptcy?
If you’re thinking of filing for bankruptcy, there are many factors to consider. One of those is how much it’s going to cost to file for bankruptcy. Since you are already having financial troubles, the cost of bankruptcy can weigh heavily on your mind. That’s why knowing how much it’s going to cost before you go through the process is so important.
The type of bankruptcy you’re going to file is going to determine the cost as well as several other factors. We’re going to take a look at how much it costs to file for bankruptcy in Florida as well as what may increase the amount.
Average Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Fees
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common form of bankruptcy that is filed because it is the easiest to file. These are the bankruptcy filing fees as of this writing:
Chapter 7 filing fee: $245
Administrative fee: $78
Trustee surcharge: $15
Total bankruptcy cost: $338
If you are planning to reopen a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing, there is a fee of $260.
The above costs only cover the filing fee and not the cost of hiring a bankruptcy attorney. When you’re looking at how much it costs to file for bankruptcy, it’s important to keep this in mind as well.
Attorney fees are going to be different depending on where you live and the details of your case. The more time your case takes to resolve, the more you can expect to pay.
On average, attorney fees for Chapter 7 bankruptcy can range from $1,000 to $1,800. Again, this is only an estimate since everyone’s case is going to be different.
Average Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Cost
When it comes to Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the fee structure is a bit different.
Chapter 13 filing fee: $235
Administrative fee: $78
Total Filing fee: $313
The cost to reopen a Chapter 13 bankruptcy filing is $310.
Attorney fees for Chapter 13 bankruptcy are typically higher than those for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. This is due to the additional work involved. The bankruptcy court governs Chapter 13 fees so they can vary greatly from district to district. Attorneys seeking to charge in excess of the court guidelines are required to obtain court permission.
No matter whether you’re filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you must also pay for credit counseling. This typically costs $50. Anyone who files for either type of bankruptcy must complete two credit counseling courses. Contact a non-profit credit counseling agency to schedule your course.
Are There Factors that Can Increase the Amount of the Fees?
Besides the filing and attorney fees, there are other factors that may increase how much it costs to file for bankruptcy. If any of the following pertain to your case, you’ll want to see how they may impact how much it’s going to cost you to file for bankruptcy:
You have numerous assets
You are non-exempt
You have more than one income source
There are many creditors involved
You’ve filed for bankruptcy in the past 8 years
You are filing for business bankruptcy as well as personal bankruptcy
You have non-dischargeable debts like student loans, child support, alimony, or past-due taxes
Your bankruptcy attorney will let you know how much your case is going to cost before beginning the process. This way you can budget for the costs and determine how you’re going to pay for your case.
Cost-Effectiveness of Working with an Experienced Bankruptcy Lawyer
While it may seem too expensive to hire a bankruptcy lawyer and you may consider doing the work yourself, having an attorney can save you significant costs in the long run.
The benefits of having an attorney include:
Having an experienced legal counselor help you make informed choices about your financial future;
Making the bankruptcy process simple and more streamlined so it can be completed quickly and correctly;
Ensure all necessary documentation is prepared and the paperwork is completed properly;
Advocating for you against your creditors and attending court appearances with you or, after the initial appearance, in place of you.
Most of all, your bankruptcy attorney will ensure that you will keep as many of your assets as possible if you’re filing for Chapter 7. If you are filing for Chapter 13, they will ensure that your payments are minimized to an affordable rate and as much of your debt can be discharged as possible.
How to Pay for Your Bankruptcy Case
Once you have an accurate estimate of how much your bankruptcy case is going to cost, you need to have a plan on how you’re going to pay it. While you may try to file on your own to save money, this may cost you more in the end if it is not done correctly. This is why hiring a bankruptcy attorney is often the best way to go. You can feel confident that all of the paperwork is being done correctly and you can ask questions as you go along.
You can ask your attorney whether you can set up a payment plan or how they would like payments. Some people borrow money from family or friends to cover the cost.
When it comes to the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver. To be eligible, your income must fall below 150% of the poverty line for your state and household size. If your request is denied, the bankruptcy court will typically give you a chance to pay the filing fee in a payment plan.
Can You Pay Bankruptcy Court Filing Fees in Installments?
Yes, you can pay bankruptcy court filing fees in installments in Florida. This option provides significant relief for those who cannot afford the full filing fee upfront. The Bankruptcy Court recognizes this challenge and offers a structured solution.
To request an installment plan, you must complete and submit Form 103A, “Application for Individuals to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments.” This form must be filed simultaneously with your bankruptcy petition. The court typically allows payment in up to four installments over 120 days.
The first installment payment is due when you file bankruptcy. Subsequent payments follow a court-approved schedule, with the final payment due no later than 120 days after filing. Missing an installment deadline could result in case dismissal without refund of fees already paid.
Remember that all installment payments must be completed before receiving a discharge in your bankruptcy case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bankruptcy Attorney in Florida
If you would like to learn more about filing for bankruptcy or find out if it’s right for you, we can help. At Stiberman Law, we understand that filing for bankruptcy can feel overwhelming—both emotionally and financially. Our team works to keep your costs as low as possible and offers flexible payment plans to ease some of the burden.
To learn more about filing for bankruptcy and the costs you can expect, schedule a free consultation with Stiberman Law today.
FAQs About Bankruptcy Costs in Florida
Are Other Debt Relief Options Cheaper Than Bankruptcy?
Yes. Options like debt settlement, credit counseling, or payment restructuring can sometimes be less expensive than bankruptcy. However, they may not eliminate all debts or stop collection actions. The right choice depends on your financial situation and goals.
Who Actually Pays for Bankruptcies?
The filer (you) pays most costs associated with bankruptcy, including court filing fees, attorney fees, and required credit counseling courses. In rare cases, low-income filers may qualify for fee waivers or installment plans.
How Much Do Bankruptcy Attorneys Charge?
In Florida, Chapter 7 attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $1,800, while Chapter 13 fees can range from $3,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the case’s complexity and local court guidelines.
Can I File Bankruptcy for Free?
If your household income is below 150% of the federal poverty level, you can apply for a fee waiver using Form 103B. Some nonprofit organizations also provide low-cost or pro bono legal assistance for qualified individuals.
What Other Bankruptcy Costs Should I Account For?
Beyond filing and attorney fees, you may face credit report fees, document preparation costs, postage, or court motion fees if additional actions are required in your case.
How Much Do Credit Counseling Courses Cost?
Both the credit counseling course and debtor education course are required for bankruptcy filers and generally cost $25 to $50 each. Many providers offer discounted or free options for low-income individuals.
