Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg, FL

Feeling overwhelmed by bills that won’t stop piling up? In St. Petersburg, even a single unexpected event—like a job loss, medical emergency, or divorce—can send your finances into a tailspin. 

Bankruptcy may offer the legal reset you need. It’s not about failure—it’s about regaining control. 

The right bankruptcy plan can help you stop wage garnishments, prevent foreclosure, and eliminate many types of debt. Florida’s exemptions—especially for your home—can offer additional protection during this process. 

Start by learning your options. Then take the next step toward financial relief by requesting a referral to a local qualified attorney.

Types of Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg, Florida

Bankruptcy offers individuals and businesses in St. Petersburg a legal pathway to reset their finances. If you’re facing overwhelming debt, filing for bankruptcy may allow you to discharge a portion—or even all—of your unsecured financial obligations. 

It’s also important to know that some debts are excluded from discharge. Obligations like child support, certain taxes, alimony, and most student loans typically remain even after a bankruptcy case is resolved. 

Florida residents can generally pursue relief under Chapter 7, 11, or 13. Your choice depends on the nature of your debt, your income, and what assets you want to protect. An experienced attorney can help you weigh these factors.

Residents of St. Petersburg must file with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. While there’s no courthouse within city limits, the Tampa division, just across the bay, handles all filings and related proceedings for this region.

Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Chapter 7 bankruptcy can be a practical solution for individuals in St. Petersburg who are buried in debt and need a clean financial slate. That said, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Before moving forward, you should take a realistic look at your income and ability to repay. A bankruptcy attorney can help you determine if a Chapter 7 liquidation makes sense based on your current situation and long-term goals.

This option is generally reserved for individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, or have experienced a financial shock, such as a medical crisis or job loss, that makes it impossible to manage their obligations. While Chapter 7 discharges most unsecured debts, it may also require you to give up certain assets like your vehicle or real estate. Once you file, a court-ordered automatic stay goes into effect, temporarily stopping collections. However, it does not block all forms of debt recovery. Court-ordered obligations like child support or restitution still apply.

To qualify for Chapter 7 in St. Petersburg, you’ll need to pass the Means Test, which compares your income against Florida’s median for a household of your size. If your income exceeds the limit, you may be directed toward Chapter 13 instead. It’s also worth noting that creditors can request to lift the automatic stay under specific conditions, allowing them to resume collection actions.

Federal law requires you to complete a credit counseling course before filing. These are often available online and must be from a provider approved by the U.S. Department of Justice for the Middle District of Florida. Once completed, you’ll receive a certificate to include with your petition. Without it, your case could be dismissed.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is often considered a lifeline for struggling businesses or high-asset individuals who need time and structure to reorganize their financial obligations. Unlike Chapter 7, it doesn’t involve liquidating assets to satisfy creditors. Instead, it gives debtors the chance to develop a court-approved repayment plan that allows them to stay operational or maintain ownership of key assets while paying down their debt over time, usually within four to 18 months.

If you’re filing for Chapter 11 in St. Petersburg, you’ll work through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The court provides standardized forms to start the process. These typically include:

• Petition and $1,738 filing fee
• Complete list of creditors
• Summary of exempt and nonexempt assets
• Detailed income and expense statement
• Full summary of assets and liabilities

Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Chapter 13 bankruptcy allows individuals in St. Petersburg to restructure their debt without giving up valuable assets. Often called a “wage earner’s plan,” this option is designed for people with regular income who can repay their debts over time. After filing, the court will assign a trustee to review your financial records, including your income, assets, and liabilities. If approved, you’ll follow a repayment plan lasting three to five years, depending on your circumstances. Some debts may be partially or fully discharged once the plan is complete.

To begin a Chapter 13 case in St. Petersburg, you’ll need to meet the court’s filing requirements, which include:

• Filing a petition and paying the $313 fee
• Providing a complete list of creditors
• Submitting a certificate of credit counseling
• Summarizing all assets and liabilities
• Detailing your income and expenses
• Filing a proposed repayment plan using the court’s local form

The Bankruptcy Process in St. Petersburg, Florida

Filing for bankruptcy is a difficult decision, but for many in St. Petersburg, it can be the turning point toward financial stability. If repaying your debt in the next five years feels out of reach, bankruptcy may give you a chance to reset and regain control of your future.

The process begins with assembling a full picture of your finances. You’ll need to gather documents outlining your monthly expenses, total debts, income, and assets. These records allow the court to properly evaluate your case. Be thorough—missing or incomplete paperwork can result in delays or outright denial of your petition.

Florida does not permit bankruptcy filers to choose between federal and state exemption rules. Instead, residents in St. Petersburg use Florida’s exemptions, which are among the most protective in the country. These include:

• Unlimited homestead equity (subject to acreage and ownership requirements)
• Up to $1,000 in vehicle equity (doubled if filing jointly)
• Full protection of retirement accounts and pensions
• A wildcard exemption of $1,000, or $4,000 if the homestead exemption is not claimed

To qualify for these Florida exemptions, you must have lived in the state for at least 730 days before filing. If not, you’ll be required to use the exemptions from your previous state of residence.

As you prepare to file, it’s essential to avoid unnecessary purchases and refrain from running up your credit cards. You’ll also need to complete a credit counseling course through a provider approved by the Department of Justice. This course, which is typically completed online or by phone, guides budgeting and responsible financial habits. A certificate of completion must be included in your bankruptcy filing, or the court will reject your case.

Work With an Experienced St. Petersburg, Florida Lawyer

Hiring a bankruptcy attorney in can make a significant difference in how your case is handled—and how it turns out. They can also help ensure your paperwork is complete, deadlines are met, and your interests are protected from start to finish.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.