United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida
About This Court
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida is a unit of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and operates within the Eleventh Circuit. The court has jurisdiction over bankruptcy cases filed by individuals and businesses located within the Middle District of Florida, which spans a large portion of the Florida peninsula and includes major metropolitan areas such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
The Middle District of Florida is one of the busiest bankruptcy courts in the country, reflecting the district's large population base and significant commercial activity. The court handles cases under all chapters of the Bankruptcy Code, including Chapter 7 liquidations, Chapter 11 reorganizations, and Chapter 13 wage-earner plans.
The court maintains multiple divisional offices across the district to serve the geographic breadth of its jurisdiction. Judges and staff are stationed in Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville, providing access to bankruptcy proceedings throughout the district.
Handles cases filed under the federal Bankruptcy Code within the jurisdiction of the Middle District of Florida. Bankruptcy judges are appointed by the court of appeals for 14-year terms. Proceedings are governed by the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Divisions
Tampa Division (Tampa), Orlando Division (Orlando), Jacksonville Division (Jacksonville)
Caseload
The Middle District of Florida consistently ranks among the highest-volume bankruptcy courts in the nation, with particularly high numbers of consumer bankruptcy filings. The court also handles a significant number of complex Chapter 11 business reorganizations given the district's active commercial environment.
Bar Admission
Attorneys must be admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida to appear in the bankruptcy court. Electronic filing registration with CM/ECF is also required for attorneys practicing before this court.
Clerk's Office
Sam M. Gibbons United States Courthouse, 801 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 301-5162
Local Rules
The Local Rules of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, which supplement the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure. See the court's official website for the authoritative text.