Florida Chapter 13 Wizard
How to fill out your Chapter 13
Florida Chapter 13 Questionnaire
is where you create your initial Chapter 13 filing, also called a "skeleton filing."
A skeleton filing is the minimum paperwork required to officially start your bankruptcy case and activate immediate protection from eviction, collections, and other creditor actions. This section collects your basic identifying information, household details, and core financial information needed to open your case with the court.
Florida Creditors Questionnaire
Section A — Harris County Chapter 13 Filing
(Creditors Matrix)
The Creditors list is where you list everyone you owe money to.
This includes landlords, credit cards, loans, medical bills, collection agencies, and any other debts. The information you enter here is used to create your official Creditors Matrix — a required document that tells the court and your creditors that your bankruptcy case has been filed.
The court uses this list to send notices and stop collection activity. If a creditor is not listed, they may not receive notice of your case. Completing this section carefully helps ensure that all creditors are properly included and that your protections apply to everyone you owe.
Once this section is completed and filed, the court recognizes your case as active, and legal protections can begin. The remaining documents can be completed and submitted shortly after filing. This step is the foundation of your entire Chapter 13 case and is what allows you to move quickly when time is critical.
Florida Chapter 13 plan Questionnaire
Florida Chapter 13 Plan
(Payment Plan)
This section is where your Chapter 13 payment plan is created.
In this section, the system uses your income, expenses, and debt information to calculate a realistic monthly payment plan that the court can approve. This plan shows how you will catch up on past-due rent and other debts over time while staying protected.
The Chapter 13 plan is one of the most important documents in your case. It explains to the court how you intend to repay certain debts and remain compliant with bankruptcy requirements. Once this section is completed, your plan will be generated and included in your filing package.
Mandatory Waiver
Great! You only have ONE more thing to do to be ready to file.You MUST get your Credit Counseling Certificate!!!
Real People, Real Results
How to Get Your Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Certificate (DebtorCC)
Step 1 — Click Start Now (or First Course / Pre-Filing Credit Counseling).
This is the FIRST course required before filing bankruptcy.
Step 2 — Enter your First Name.
Step 3 — Enter your Last Name.
Step 4 — Enter your Email Address.
Step 5 — Enter your Date of Birth.
Step 6 — Enter the Last 4 digits of your Social Security Number.
Step 7 — Enter your ZIP Code.
Step 8 — Click Continue.
Step 9 — Choose how to pay for the course.
Most people will see a fee of about $19.95.
Step 10 — If you can pay, enter your debit or credit card information.
Step 11 — If you cannot afford the fee, click Request Fee Waiver and follow the instructions.
Step 12 — Click Submit Payment or Continue.
Step 13 — Begin the course.
Step 14 — Answer the questions about your income.
Step 15 — Answer the questions about your expenses.
Step 16 — Answer the questions about your household size.
Step 17 — Continue clicking Next until you reach the end of the course.
The course usually takes about 60–90 minutes.
Step 18 — Complete the final step by answering the last questions or briefly chatting with a counselor.
Step 19 — Wait for the confirmation screen that says you have completed the course.
Step 20 — Check your email for your Pre-Filing Credit Counseling Certificate.
Step 21 — Download and save the certificate PDF.
Step 22 — Provide this certificate when you file your bankruptcy case.
DebtorCC Help Phone Number
1-800-610-3920
I'm Finished! Now how do I file?
Before filing, confirm you have:
✔ Completed all 4 sections
✔ Checked your email
✔ Downloaded all 4 PDFs
✔ Completed credit counseling
✔ Received your certificate
PRINTED THEM ALL OUT
Then you are ready to file.
Now Just take the paperwork down to the Federal Courts Clerk and file!
(Do NOT file this at the eviction court! ONLY at the address below!!!!)
Tampa Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Court
Court Name:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Florida — Tampa Division
Physical Filing Address:
Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
Main Phone Number:
813-301-5400
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Important Notes for Your Workflow
This is a federal court, not a county courthouse.
All Tampa-area Chapter 13 cases (including Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk counties) are filed at this location.
Government-issued photo ID is required to enter the building.
You must pass through federal security screening before accessing the clerk’s office.
Mailing Address (If Sending by Mail)
Clerk of Court
United States Bankruptcy Court
801 North Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
If You Need the Trustee Contact (Often Requested After Filing)
Standing Chapter 13 Trustee:
Michael P. Williamson
Phone:
813-221-7777
Jacksonville Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Court
Court Name:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Florida — Jacksonville Division
Physical Filing Address:
Bryan Simpson U.S. Courthouse
300 North Hogan Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Main Phone Number:
904-549-1900
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Important Notes for Your Workflow
This is a federal court, not a county courthouse.
All Jacksonville-area Chapter 13 cases (including Duval, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties) are filed at this location.
Government-issued photo ID is required to enter the building.
You must pass through federal security screening before accessing the clerk’s office.
Mailing Address (If Sending by Mail)
Clerk of Court
United States Bankruptcy Court
300 North Hogan Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
If You Need the Trustee Contact (Often Requested After Filing)
Standing Chapter 13 Trustee:
R. Scott Shuker
Phone:
904-399-4555
Orlando Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Filing Court
Court Name:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Middle District of Florida — Orlando Division
Physical Filing Address:
George C. Young Federal Building and Courthouse
400 West Washington Street
Orlando, FL 32801
Main Phone Number:
407-835-4200
Hours:
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Important Notes for Your Workflow
This is a federal court, not a county courthouse.
All Orlando-area Chapter 13 cases (including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Brevard counties) are filed at this location.
Government-issued photo ID is required to enter the building.
You must pass through federal security screening before accessing the clerk’s office.
Mailing Address (If Sending by Mail)
Clerk of Court
United States Bankruptcy Court
400 West Washington Street
Orlando, FL 32801
If You Need the Trustee Contact (Often Requested After Filing)
Standing Chapter 13 Trustee:
Laurie S. Weatherford
Phone:
407-648-5110
Can't get to the Bankruptcy Court to file?
No problem! Just hire a Courier! They will Pick up your papers and file them for you!
Filing Chapter 13 in the Middle District of Florida Using a Courier
(Jacksonville • Orlando • Tampa)
When to Use a Courier
If you cannot physically go to the courthouse, you can hire a court runner / courier to deliver your bankruptcy filing for you.
Couriers are commonly used to:
Deliver bankruptcy filings to the clerk’s office
File documents before a deadline
Obtain stamped copies from the court
Return confirmation that the case was filed
Legal courier services routinely handle court filings and document submissions to clerk offices on behalf of individuals and law firms.
The Generic Process (Works for Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa)
Step 1 — Prepare Your Filing Packet
Your packet should be fully completed and ready to file.
Typical skeleton filing documents:
Voluntary Petition (Official Form 101)
Creditor Matrix
Credit Counseling Certificate
Statement of Social Security Number (Form 121)
Filing Fee OR Installment Application
Do not send incomplete paperwork.
The courier is only delivering — not reviewing forms.
Step 2 — Contact a Local Courier
Tell them:
You need same-day court filing
It is for a Chapter 13 bankruptcy
The destination is the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
You need file-stamped confirmation
Most legal couriers offer rush or same-day delivery specifically for court filings because deadlines are critical in legal matters.
Step 3 — Provide the Filing Instructions
Give the courier:
Your full name
Your phone number
The division where the case will be filed
The filing fee (if required)
Instructions to obtain stamped copies
Example instruction:
“Please file this Chapter 13 bankruptcy at the clerk’s office and return a stamped copy showing the case number.”
Step 4 — Courier Files the Case
The courier will:
Go to the federal courthouse
Pass through security
Deliver the documents to the clerk
Pay the filing fee (if provided)
Receive the official case number
Couriers typically provide proof of delivery and confirmation once documents are filed.
Step 5 — Receive Confirmation
You should receive:
Case number
File-stamped petition
Filing confirmation
This is your proof the case was successfully filed.
Divisions Covered by This Process
This exact process works for all three major filing locations in the Middle District of Florida:
Jacksonville Division
(Covers Duval and surrounding counties)
Orlando Division
(Covers Orange and surrounding counties)
Tampa Division
(Covers Hillsborough and surrounding counties)
The process is identical across all three locations.
Recommended Best Practices
Use same-day service if facing an eviction deadline
Call the clerk first to confirm hours
Keep a copy of everything you send
Ask for file-stamped copies
Provide clear written instructions
Couriers are commonly used because they can deliver documents quickly and securely to the correct courthouse while meeting strict legal deadlines.
Congrat! Now that you have your Chapter 13 filed, the last step to do is to take a copy of your filing receipt and give it to the Eviction Court Clerk.
After you file your Chapter 13 case, you must promptly notify the eviction court that your bankruptcy has been filed.
This step is important because the bankruptcy filing creates an automatic stay, which can stop eviction enforcement actions. The eviction court and the landlord must be informed so they know that your case is now protected under federal bankruptcy law.
You should notify the court as soon as possible after filing — ideally the same day. This helps prevent the issuance or execution of a writ of possession and ensures the court has accurate information about your case status.
How to Notify the Court — Step by Step
Step 1 — Obtain Your Bankruptcy Case Number
After filing your Chapter 13, you will receive a bankruptcy case number. This number confirms that your case is active.
Step 2 — Prepare a Notice of Bankruptcy Filing
Use your case information to complete a simple notice stating that you have filed a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Include your name, case number, filing date, and the court where your bankruptcy was filed.
Step 3 — File or Deliver the Notice to the Eviction Court
Take the notice to the clerk’s office for your eviction case, or send it by email, fax, or hand delivery if those options are available. Many people use a court courier to deliver the notice quickly.
Step 4 — Notify the Landlord or Their Attorney
Provide a copy of the notice to the landlord or the landlord’s attorney so they are aware that the bankruptcy stay is in effect.
Step 5 — Keep Proof of Delivery
Save any receipt, confirmation, or stamped copy showing that the notice was delivered. This can be important if there is any question about whether the court was notified.
Important Reminder
Filing the bankruptcy starts the protection — but notifying the eviction court helps ensure the process stops quickly and avoids confusion or delays.
We are dedicated to providing expert legal solutions to help you navigate through financial challenges and rebuild your life. Our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.