Florida Chapter 7 Income Limits 2026
Do You Qualify? Full Means Test Guide
Quick Answer: If your household income is below Florida’s median for your family size, you automatically pass Part 1 and are presumed eligible for Chapter 7. If you are above the median, Part 2 allows us to deduct allowed expenses to see if you still qualify. Most working families in Orlando qualify. Run your free estimate →
The most common question bankruptcy attorneys in Orlando hear is: “I have a job—does that mean I make too much to file Chapter 7?” For the vast majority of Central Florida residents, the answer is no.
Pass Step 1 Outright
Median for Family of 4
Lookback Period
How the Means Test Works
✅ Part 1: Median Comparison
We compare your annualized “Current Monthly Income” (CMI) to the Florida median. If you are below the line, you stop here—you qualify.
Standard Result:
Automatic Qualification
📋 Part 2: Expense Deductions
If above the median, we deduct IRS-allowed expenses (housing, cars, healthcare). If “disposable income” is low enough, you still qualify.
Standard Result:
Qualified via Deductions
Florida Median Income — 2026
| Household Size | Annual Median | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $57,396 | $4,783/mo |
| 2 Persons | $71,268 | $5,939/mo |
| 3 Persons | $81,432 | $6,786/mo |
| 4 Persons | $96,012 | $8,001/mo |
Special Situations
Social Security
SSDI, SSI, and Retirement benefits are 100% excluded. This often helps retired residents qualify immediately.
Job Loss / Raises
Because we use a 6-month average, timing your filing is critical to capture lower income periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tips count as income in Orlando?
Yes. For those in tourism and hospitality, tips (cash or reported) count. However, the 6-month average smooths out seasonal spikes, often keeping you under the median.
What if I fail the Chapter 7 Means Test?
You can still file Chapter 13 Reorganization. In the Orlando Division, Chapter 13 allows you to pay attorney fees through your plan, often requiring $0 upfront to the lawyer.
Run Your Numbers Today
Not sure where you stand? We’ll run the official federal calculation with you live.
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¡Mil gracias por todo, abogado Burgos!