New means test updates effective 11/1/2025
November 1, 2025
Starting 11/1/2025, new Florida means test changes might make it easier to qualify for Chapter 7!
f you’ve been considering bankruptcy in Florida, there’s an important update that could impact your eligibility — and potentially open the door to a fresh financial start!
As of November 1, 2025, the U.S. Trustee Program has increased the median income levels for the Florida bankruptcy means test. These numbers determine whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy (which eliminates unsecured debt like credit cards and medical bills) or whether you must file a Chapter 13 repayment plan. Of course there are other considerations that go into which Chapter you should file. But you have to qualify for a Chapter 7.
At Lynn Law Group, we’ve helped thousands of families across Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Florida with the means test— and one thing is certain: the means test isn’t black and white. Even if you’re “over the limit,” there are often ways to qualify once allowable expenses are factored in.
💡 What Is the Means Test, and Why Does It Matter?
The bankruptcy means test was created to ensure that those seeking Chapter 7 relief genuinely need it. It compares your household’s current monthly income to the Florida median income for a household of your size.
If your income is below the median, you qualify for Chapter 7. If your income is above the median, don’t panic — it just means we need to move to the second part of the test.
That second step examines your actual expenses — the cost of living, debts, and obligations that eat away at your disposable income. This deeper analysis often reveals that, even though you’re technically “over,” you still meet the criteria for Chapter 7 once your legitimate living costs are applied.
📊 New Florida Means Test Figures (Effective November 1, 2025)
Here are the updated income thresholds for Florida households:
Household Size Median Income
1 $68,085
2 $84,305
3 $95,039
4 $111,819
5 $122,919
6 $134,019
(Add $12,100 for each additional household member.)
These numbers increase periodically to reflect cost-of-living changes, meaning more Floridians may now qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy than before.
⚖️ It’s Not Always Black and White
Many people assume that if their income is above the median, Chapter 7 bankruptcy is off the table. That’s simply not true.
We routinely meet clients who were told by a friend, or even another attorney, that they “make too much” to file. But the means test allows a detailed look at necessary and reasonable living expenses that can significantly change the outcome.
These include, but are not limited to:
Mortgage or rent payments
Vehicle loans and insurance
Taxes and mandatory payroll deductions
Health insurance premiums
Medical expenses not covered by insurance
Childcare and dependent care costs
Educational expenses for dependent children
Charitable contributions (within limits)
Non filing spouse expenses
Once we calculate all allowable deductions under federal and local standards, we often find clients who appeared “over the limit” actually qualify for Chapter 7 after all.
For example, a family of four with an income of $120,000 may seem too high for Chapter 7 based on the raw numbers. But after accounting for a mortgage, two car payments, medical insurance, and childcare, their disposable income might fall under the threshold, opening the door to Chapter 7.
🧮 How the Means Test Works in Real Life
Think of the means test like a financial X-ray. It doesn’t just look at your gross income; it looks at what you realistically have left to pay creditors after life’s necessities. If your disposable income is too high, the court may steer you toward Chapter 13. But if your budget shows little or no leftover income, Chapter 7 is appropriate. The key lies in accurate documentation. We work with clients to gather paystubs, tax returns, receipts, and expense proof to make sure every allowable cost is captured. Small differences such as properly classifying vehicle expenses or including out-of-pocket medical costs — can shift the balance dramatically.
🏡 Why These Changes Matter for Florida Families
The November 2025 updates reflect the reality of living costs across Florida. Things like inflation, rising insurance rates, housing prices, and everyday expenses. The increase means that more individuals and families now fall below the median line, making them eligible for a faster, simpler Chapter 7 discharge. Even if you’re still above the limit, these higher figures give your case more room to breathe. Combined with the right strategy and legal insight, they can make the difference between a repayment plan and a full fresh start.
💬 Common Questions About the Means Test
Q: Does the means test look at my income today or over time?
It looks at your average income over the past six months. If you recently lost a job or your income has changed, we can time your filing strategically so it reflects your current reality.
Q: What if I’m self-employed or own a business?
We use your gross receipts minus legitimate business expenses, not just the money that lands in your pocket.
Q: What if I don’t pass the means test?
You may still qualify for Chapter 13, which can stop foreclosures, reorganize debt, and protect your assets. We’ll help you choose the best path based on your goals.
✨ The Bottom Line: Don’t Assume You Don’t Qualify
The means test can look intimidating, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle. With experienced guidance, many “over the limit” clients end up qualifying for Chapter 7 once all their expenses are properly documented.
At Lynn Law Group, we help clients throughout Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, and across all of Florida understand their options and use the law to their advantage.
If you’ve been told you make too much or aren’t sure where you stand under the new November 2025 means test limits, let’s take a second look. You might be closer to a true fresh start than you think!
📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s see if the new Florida means test updates work in your favor.
Why Choosing an Experienced Bankruptcy Attorney Matters More Than You Think Filing for bankruptcy can be one of the most important financial decisions you ever make. It’s not just about filling out forms or checking boxes, it’s literally about protecting your home, your car, and your future. That’s why choosing an experienced bankruptcy attorney can make the difference between a true financial fresh start and years of unnecessary stress or mistakes that could have been avoided. At Lynn Law Group, serving clients throughout Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, and all of Florida, we’ve seen what happens when people try to navigate bankruptcy alone, or with someone who doesn’t fully understand the process. The truth is simple: when it comes to bankruptcy, experience matters. 1. Bankruptcy law is technical and mistakes are costly! Bankruptcy is governed by complex federal laws, local rules, and constantly changing case law. In Florida’s Middle District Bankruptcy Court, even a small mistake like missing a deadline, misreporting an asset, or undervaluing property — can lead to delays, dismissal, or even loss of important protections or assets. For example, one of the most misunderstood areas involves Florida’s exemptions, which determine what property you can keep. The difference between claiming a homestead exemption versus using the wildcard exemption can completely change the outcome of your case. An experienced bankruptcy attorney knows how to use these exemptions strategically to maximize your protection under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. An experienced bankruptcy attorney can help you strategically plan around potential issues in your case. Filing on your own, or hiring a lawyer who only dabbles in bankruptcy, is like trying to perform surgery with a YouTube tutorial. The stakes are simply too high. As filings increase around the country and specifically in Florida, more and more attorneys will "get into" Bankruptcy. A lot of situations are not clear cut. 2. Statistics prove that having an attorney increases your chances of success According to the American Bankruptcy Institute, in a 2007 study of over 85,000 cases, 17.6% of pro se (self-filed) debtors had their case dismissed compare to just 1.9% of represented debtors. Meaning 8 times the chances of dismissal by filing their own case. With Chapter 13, the number is even more high! In Chapter 13, represented debtors are far more likely to receive their discharge without delay or dismissal. Experienced attorneys know how to respond to trustee questions, negotiate reaffirmation agreements, and prevent issues that commonly derail cases. According to the same data, only about 4% of pro se debtors even had an open case by year 4 of their Chapter 13 case (out of a 5 year plan). In short: representation isn’t just helpful — it’s statistically proven to improve your odds dramatically of getting the debt relief you deserve. 3. A good bankruptcy attorney does more than file your paperwork At Lynn Law Group, we don’t just help you “file bankruptcy.” We help you rebuild your financial life. An experienced attorney will: Analyze your income, assets, and debts to determine whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 is right for you. Explain what you can keep under Florida’s exemption laws. Stop creditor harassment, lawsuits, and garnishments immediately through the automatic stay. Protect co-debtors and family members where possible. Guide you through credit rebuilding so you can qualify for a mortgage or car loan sooner than you think. Bankruptcy isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of your financial reset. The right attorney sees the big picture and helps you move forward confidently. 4. Local experience matters in Florida bankruptcy courts Bankruptcy is federal law, but it’s applied locally. That means the rules, judges, and trustees vary from one district to another. Florida has 3 federal districts: Northern, Middle and Southern. Having a Fort Myers bankruptcy attorney who regularly practices in the Middle District of Florida for instance — and knows the preferences of local trustees and judges — can save you time, money, and headaches. At Lynn Law Group, our attorneys have handled thousands of cases across Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glades Counties. We know what each trustee looks for in a 341 meeting, how to handle reaffirmation agreements efficiently, and how to protect your assets under Florida law, and how local trustees view things and judges are likely to rule on certain issues. That level of local knowledge can’t be learned overnight, it comes from decades of hands-on experience representing real people right here in Southwest Florida. 5. Bankruptcy can open doors, not close them Many people fear that filing bankruptcy means they’ll never recover financially. But in truth, the opposite is often true. Once your debts are discharged, your debt-to-income ratio improves immediately, and you can begin rebuilding your credit responsibly. In fact, many of our clients receive credit card offers or car loan approvals within months of their discharge. And most mortgage lenders allow qualified borrowers to apply for a new home loan two to three years after Chapter 7, or even sooner in Chapter 13 cases. An experienced attorney knows how to guide you through that recovery process: helping you set goals, rebuild credit, and use bankruptcy as the foundation for long-term financial success. 6. Every case is unique and your lawyer should treat it that way There’s no one-size-fits-all bankruptcy. A single mother behind on rent, a business owner trying to save equipment, and a retired couple facing medical bills all have different goals and strategies. An experienced attorney will customize your approach, whether that means filing a Chapter 7 liquidation to wipe out credit card and medical debt, or a Chapter 13 repayment plan to stop foreclosure and catch up on car payments or cram your car loan down. At Lynn Law Group, we take the time to understand your story, your family, and your goals. We don’t just handle paperwork; we create a true roadmap to your fresh start. 7. The value of peace of mind There’s something powerful about knowing your case is being handled correctly from start to finish. When you hire an experienced bankruptcy attorney, you can stop worrying about court dates, deadlines, or creditor letters. You can focus on your life: your family, your job, your recovery — while we handle the legal details. You can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind. But you can experience it by working with a team that’s been trusted by thousands of Florida families for over 25 years. 8. Get your fresh start — the right way If you’re considering Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres or anywhere in Southwest Florida, don’t go it alone. Choose an attorney who’s experienced, compassionate, and ready to fight for your financial future. At Lynn Law Group, we offer free consultations so you can learn your options before making any decisions. We’ll explain every step clearly, like regular humans no jargon, no judgment, just honest guidance. We re real people too: we are parents, we are locals, and we know how hard the economy is getting in our area. Whether you’re facing wage garnishment, foreclosure, creditor harassment, or overwhelming medical or credit-card debt, we’re here to help you start fresh. Contact Lynn Law Group today to speak with an experienced bankruptcy attorney in Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, or anywhere in Florida. We handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases across the Middle District of Florida and all over Florida are proud to help good people get the financial relief they deserve. 📞 Call or Text us today to schedule your free consultation online — and take the first step toward your fresh start.
Lynn Law Group Attends the NACBA Advanced Bankruptcy Litigation Conference in Dallas, Texas At Lynn Law Group, we believe that staying at the cutting edge of bankruptcy law isn’t optional, it’s essential! This October, our attorneys attended the NACBA Advanced Bankruptcy Litigation Conference in Dallas, Texas, joining some of the nation’s most experienced bankruptcy judges, professors, and consumer protection attorneys for three days of intensive training and collaboration. Why We Attended The National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys (NACBA) hosts the nation’s premier conference for bankruptcy professionals, focusing on the latest developments in Chapter 7, Chapter 13, and Subchapter V cases. Our goal was to bring back the newest strategies for protecting Florida families from creditor abuse, foreclosure, and overwhelming debt, so our clients can move forward with confidence and dignity. What We Learned This year’s sessions covered advanced litigation tactics in: Automatic stay and discharge injunction violations Mortgage modification programs and proof of claim disputes Student loan discharge strategies under current federal updates Use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in bankruptcy case management and litigation support As a forward-thinking law firm, we are already integrating AI-powered tools and Google-based automation systems to streamline case preparation, improve accuracy, and make the bankruptcy process faster and easier for our clients. Bringing Innovation Back to Florida Whether you’re in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, or Lehigh Acres, our firm is committed to using every modern legal and technological resource available to deliver exceptional representation. By blending traditional courtroom experience with cutting-edge AI research and Google-based analytics, we can better predict creditor behavior, identify case opportunities, and ensure our clients receive the relief they deserve. Committed to Continuous Learning Even though we have been practicing bankruptcy for 25 years and have been involved in thousands of cases, it is our belief that we should always be on top of our game. Our participation in the Advanced Bankruptcy Litigation Conference reinforces our mission: to remain leaders in consumer bankruptcy and creditor violation litigation across the Middle District of Florida and all of Florida. We bring back not just new knowledge, but a renewed passion for helping families rebuild, recover, and thrive after financial hardship. If you or someone you know is struggling with debt, foreclosure, or creditor harassment, contact Lynn Law Group today. We proudly serve clients throughout Florida and offer bilingual representation (English and Spanish), evening and weekend appointments, and personalized, attorney-direct consultations. 📍 Lynn Law Group Fort Myers, Florida 📞 (239) 332-3720 @LynnLawGroup on social media platforms 🌐 www.LynnLawGroup.com
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