Chapter 7 Means Test in Florida Made Clear: Do You Qualify?

1. The Chapter 7 means test in Florida is your first step in finding out if you’re eligible for powerful debt relief through bankruptcy.
2. The test reviews all income and necessary living expenses.
3. Bringing the right documents to your attorney ensures you receive honest answers and a clear path forward.
   

If you’re a homeowner wrestling with the threat of foreclosure, sleepless nights over debt, or relentless calls from creditors, you’ve likely heard about the Chapter 7 means test in Florida. It can sound intimidating, but understanding what it is, and what it isn’t, can replace fear with hope.
 
Essentially, this Chapter 7 test is designed to sort out who qualifies for debt discharge under this type of bankruptcy. The court reviews your household income from all sources and measures it against the average income for a household of your size across Florida. If your income falls below the state’s median, you usually qualify automatically for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.
 
But the Chapter 7 means test doesn’t stop there. If your income is above the median, there’s a second step, which looks at your necessary living expenses. The goal? To see if you have any meaningful money left after covering your essentials. The means test helps ensure Chapter 7 is reserved for people genuinely unable to pay their debts, while allowing those struggling to seek real relief.
 
At Ozment Law, we believe you deserve empathy and straightforward guidance while navigating this process. We stand beside you every step, answering questions in everyday language, so you feel confident in what comes next.

Worried all your income will hurt your case? The Chapter 7 means test in Florida takes a thorough look at what comes into your household, but not everything counts equally. 

Here’s what you should know:

Counted income typically includes:

Common exclusions can be:

But income is just one side of the balance. The Chapter 7 means test also factors in your necessary monthly expenses. Instead of a long list of bills, the test allows you to subtract standardized “living expenses.” It’s not about every single item you buy, but about what’s reasonable for food, housing, utilities, healthcare, childcare, required transportation, and court-ordered payments (like child support).

This second part is where many families find they do qualify after all. Deductions that reflect your real-life costs can tip the scales. But every case is unique, and the smallest details can make a difference.

Not everyone passes the Chapter 7 means test in Florida in their first review, and that’s okay. If your means test results show you don’t qualify, there are still other ways forward.
 
A common alternative is Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Instead of wiping out all qualifying debts in one go, Chapter 13 sets up a manageable three- to five-year payment plan. This often lets you keep your home, prevent foreclosure, and reorganize debts to make life affordable again.
 
For some, other options like negotiating with creditors, pursuing a mortgage modification, or exploring state or federal assistance programs may make sense. The right chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer won’t rush you into a “one size fits all” solution; instead, you’ll look at every path based on your family’s needs.
 
At Ozment Law, we know these choices can feel overwhelming. That’s why we explain your options so you can decide what makes sense for your life, not just your debt.

Walking in prepared for a Chapter 7 means test helps turn that first meeting from stressful to empowering. To figure out your Chapter 7 eligibility in Florida and get the most accurate advice from your attorney, bring:

• Pay stubs or proof of all income for the last six months (for you and your partner)
• Recent federal tax returns (usually two years)
• Bank statements (three to six months)
• A summary/list of ongoing monthly household expenses (utilities, food, rent/mortgage, insurance, child support, medical costs, transportation)
• Mortgage, lease, and car loan documents
• Credit card, personal loan, and other account statements
• Notices from creditors or mortgage lenders
• Court documents about debt or foreclosure (if any)
• Information about any rental income, investments, or large recent financial changes
  

Having these documents means your Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer can quickly and accurately assess your Chapter 7 eligibility in Florida and explore all other options if needed. It’s not about perfect paperwork; it’s about painting an honest picture so we can help, not judge.

Financial stress feels like a heavy burden, but you shouldn’t carry it alone. If you’re ready to explore what the Chapter 7 means test in Florida means for your family, the compassionate team at Ozment Law is ready to stand at your side. With decades of hands-on experience and a commitment to each client, we help you take safe, confident steps forward. Let’s talk about your Chapter 7 eligibility, protect your home, and get you real relief and not just promises. Call us today at (772) 344-9090 for a personal conversation and find the hope you’ve been searching for.