Miami-Dade County is the most populous county in Florida and the economic center of South Florida. It handles the highest volume of bankruptcy filings in the Southern District of Florida.
Florida offers strong bankruptcy exemptions. The homestead exemption is unlimited in value for properties up to half an acre in a municipality or 160 acres outside a municipality. You must have owned the home for at least 1,215 days, or the federal $189,050 cap applies. Personal property: $1,000 per person ($2,000 if no homestead claimed). Vehicle exemption: $1,000 ($2,000 with no homestead). Wildcard: $4,000 (or $5,000 with no homestead). Wages of head of household are 100% exempt. Florida does not allow federal exemptions.
Exemptions determine what property you can keep in bankruptcy. See the full exemptions guide.
Miami-Dade County cases are filed in the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. The courthouse is at 301 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33128. Both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases are handled at this location.
Florida's homestead exemption is unlimited in value for properties up to half an acre within a municipality. Most Miami-Dade properties qualify. However, you must have owned the home for at least 1,215 days (about 3.3 years) or the federal cap of approximately $189,050 applies.
Florida law provides strong wage protections. Head-of-household wages are 100% exempt from garnishment. This protection is among the strongest in the nation and applies both inside and outside of bankruptcy.
Use the free 1328(f) screener to check whether a prior discharge affects your eligibility.
Free Discharge Screener