How Much Does a Bankruptcy Attorney Cost in Florida? Fees, Court Costs, and What’s Included
One of the most common questions people ask before speaking with a bankruptcy attorney is how much the process actually costs. In Florida, bankruptcy costs are governed by a combination of federal court filing fees and attorney fees, both of which are subject to specific rules and disclosure requirements. While the exact amount varies by case, the structure of bankruptcy costs is not arbitrary.
This article explains how bankruptcy costs work in Florida, what expenses are set by the court, what attorney fees typically cover, and why Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases are priced differently under federal law.
Bankruptcy Costs Are Governed by Federal Rules
Bankruptcy is a federal legal process, even when filed in Florida. Court filing fees are set by the United States Bankruptcy Court and are the same statewide. These fees are published and periodically updated by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Attorney fees, by contrast, are not fixed by statute. However, they are regulated by court rules that require transparency and reasonableness. Bankruptcy attorneys must disclose their fees to the court, and those fees are subject to review.
This framework exists to ensure that filers understand the cost of bankruptcy upfront and that legal fees are not hidden or misleading.
Court Filing Fees in Florida Bankruptcy Cases
When a bankruptcy case is filed, a court filing fee is required. The amount depends on the chapter under which the case is filed. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 each have distinct filing fees established by federal regulation.
In some cases, the court may allow filing fees to be paid in installments or, for qualifying Chapter 7 filers, waived entirely. Fee waivers are governed by federal eligibility standards and require court approval. Attorneys cannot promise or guarantee that a filing fee will be waived.
Why Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Vary
Attorney fees vary because bankruptcy cases vary. The amount of work required depends on factors such as the type of bankruptcy, the complexity of the filer’s financial situation, and whether the case involves assets, secured debts, or ongoing repayment obligations.
In a Chapter 7 case, most of the attorney’s work occurs before the case is filed. This includes reviewing income, assets, debts, and exemptions, preparing the required schedules, and ensuring the filing complies with eligibility rules such as the means test. Because Chapter 7 cases generally conclude within a few months, attorney fees are usually paid before filing.
Chapter 13 cases are structured differently. These cases involve the preparation of a repayment plan and ongoing representation throughout the life of the plan, which can last three to five years. For that reason, Chapter 13 attorney fees are often approved by the court and paid in part through the repayment plan itself, subject to court oversight.
What Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Typically Cover
While fee structures differ, bankruptcy attorney fees generally cover legal services required to properly file and administer a case. This includes preparing and filing the petition and schedules, communicating with the trustee, and representing the filer at the required meeting of creditors.
Attorney fees do not include court filing fees, credit counseling course fees, or debtor education course fees. These additional requirements are mandated by federal law and must be completed regardless of which attorney is retained.
Cost Differences Between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13
The difference in cost between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 is tied directly to how the law structures each case.
Chapter 7 cases are shorter and more front-loaded, which is why attorney fees are typically lower overall and paid before filing. Chapter 13 cases involve ongoing court supervision, plan payments, and potential plan modifications, which increases both the duration and scope of legal representation.
These differences are procedural, not discretionary, and apply uniformly across Florida.
Affordable Bankruptcy Representation and Transparency
Many people searching for an affordable bankruptcy attorney in Florida are concerned about whether cost alone should determine who they hire. Federal bankruptcy rules emphasize disclosure and reasonableness, not pricing competition.
A legitimate bankruptcy attorney will explain their fee structure clearly, identify what is included, and distinguish attorney fees from court-imposed costs. Attorneys are prohibited from making guarantees about outcomes, timelines, or approval of payment arrangements.
Understanding th e Full Cost Before You File
Before filing bankruptcy, it is important to understand the full financial picture, including court fees, attorney fees, and required course costs. Federal law is designed to ensure that filers receive this information in advance so they can make informed decisions.
Speaking with a bankruptcy attorney in Tampa allows you to ask how published fees and rules apply to your specific situation without assumptions or promises beyond what the law allows.
Ziona Kopelovich, Esq. is a Board-Certified Consumer Bankruptcy Attorney and founder of Debt Relief Law Offices of Tampa Bay. Since 1996, she has helped Floridians navigate Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 filings, lien stripping, foreclosure defense, and post-discharge credit rebuilding. Passionate about second chances, Ziona blends deep legal expertise with genuine compassion to guide clients toward brighter, debt-free futures.
