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 experienced 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 a reassuring 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 baseline Florida median. If you are below the line, the math stops here—you qualify.
Standard Result:
Automatic Qualification
📋 Part 2: Expense Deductions
If you are over the median, we deduct IRS-allowed living expenses (housing, vehicles, healthcare). If your remaining disposable income is low enough, you still qualify.
Standard Result:
Qualified via Deductions
Florida Median Income Standards — 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 Filing Situations
Social Security Exemption
SSDI, SSI, and standard retirement benefits are 100% excluded from the calculation. This legal shield helps retired residents pass the threshold instantly.
Job Adjustments & Timings
Because the evaluation relies strictly on a rolling 6-month historical average, timing your presentation can help capture lower income windows strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do tips count as income in Orlando?
Yes. For professionals working in the tourism, service, and hospitality fields, tips (both cash and card-reported) do count toward your gross history. However, our 6-month averaging system smooths out off-season or seasonal spikes, often keeping you safely under the median threshold.
What if I fail the Chapter 7 Means Test entirely?
You are not out of luck. You can seamlessly file a Chapter 13 Debt Reorganization instead. In the Orlando Division of the courts, Chapter 13 allows you to build your attorney representation costs right into your structured payment plan, meaning you can often start with minimal financial strain upfront.
Run Your Numbers Competently Today
Unsure where you stand with the new 2026 guidelines? We will run the official math to clarify your path forward.
Gracias a su apoyo pude organizar mi situación financiera y atravesar este proceso con confianza y esperanza.
Lo recomiendo 100 % a cualquier persona que necesite un abogado de bancarrota responsable, comprometido y verdaderamente interesado en ayudar a sus clientes.
¡Mil gracias por todo, abogado Burgos!