Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Checklist for Florida: Everything You Need in 2026

Filing for bankruptcy is a major decision, but gathering the paperwork doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, most of the stress comes from simply not knowing what you need. To make the process smoother, we’ve compiled the definitive checklist of documents required by the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court for 2026 filings.

At Juan Burgos Law, we help you organize these documents to ensure your case is filed correctly the first time, avoiding delays and protecting your assets.

1. Proof of Income (The “Means Test” Key)

To qualify for Chapter 7 and wipe out your debts, we must prove your income to the court. You will need:

• Pay Stubs: From the last 60 days (2 months). If you are paid weekly, that’s about 8 stubs; if bi-weekly, it’s 4.
• Other Income Sources: Proof of Social Security, pension, Child Support, or unemployment benefits.
• If Self-Employed: A current Profit & Loss Statement (P&L) for the last 6 months.

2. Tax Returns

The Bankruptcy Trustee needs to verify that you have filed your taxes and confirm your annual income.

• Last 2 Years: Copies of your most recent federal tax returns (Form 1040).
• If you haven’t filed taxes in recent years, you must file them before we can finalize your case.

3. Asset and Property List

To protect your property using Florida’s exemption laws, we need to know exactly what you own and what it’s worth.

• Real Estate: Your most recent mortgage statement and a recent appraisal or valuation of your home (if you have one).
• Vehicles: The car title (or financing contract if you are still paying) and current mileage.
• Bank Accounts: Statements from the last 3 months for all your accounts (checking and savings).
• Retirement: Statements for your 401(k), IRA, or pension (these are 100% protected, but we must list them).

4. List of All Your Creditors

Bankruptcy only eliminates the debts we tell the court about. If you forget to list a creditor, that debt might survive.

• Most recent credit card bills.
• Medical and hospital bills.
• Personal loans or payday loans.
• Letters from collection agencies or attorneys.

Tip: We can pull your credit report to find most of these, but you must provide bills for debts that don’t appear on credit reports, like medical bills.

5. Credit Counseling Certificate

Before we can file your case, federal law requires you to complete a “Credit Counseling” course.

• It can be done online or by phone.
• It takes about 60 minutes.
• We will provide you with a list of approved providers when you hire us.

What If I Can’t Find Something?

Don’t panic. Part of our job is helping you put the financial puzzle together. We can help you request IRS transcripts or search public property records.

The most important thing is complete honesty with your attorney. If we know everything you own and everything you owe, we can protect you. Hiding information puts your entire case at risk.