Tampa bankruptcy cases are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, at 801 N Florida Avenue. Florida's homestead exemption is one of the strongest in the country — unlimited equity in your primary residence (subject to acreage and 1215-day ownership rules). The $4,000 personal property exemption ($8,000 if you don't claim homestead) and Florida's wage exemption are also unusually debtor-friendly. These 10 firms know the local trustees, the chief judges, and how Tampa Division practice actually works.
Updated February 26, 202614 min readEditorially independent
Tampa bankruptcy practice covers Chapter 7 (liquidation, most consumer cases), Chapter 13 (reorganization with payment plan), and Chapter 11 (business reorganization, and Subchapter V for small businesses). The Tampa Division has a strong Subchapter V business-bankruptcy practice and a high-volume consumer docket. Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association are all reliable signals. We checked credentialing, U.S. Trustee disciplinary records, and direct firm tenure before publishing.
How we picked these 10: We cross-referenced peer rankings (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Justia, Martindale-Hubbell), state bar specialty certifications, published verdict and case results, AILA / specialty-bar membership, client review patterns, and firm history. Only firms confirmed by at least two independent sources made the list. We do not accept payment for placement and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
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Stichter, Riedel, Blain & Postler, P.A.
📍 Tampa, FLFounded 1983Large
Practice focus: Chapter 11 business reorganization, Subchapter V, complex consumer Chapter 11, creditor representation
Tampa's premier bankruptcy and restructuring firm. Reports nine attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2026 Edition. Chambers and Partners-ranked. Scott Stichter and Charles Postler are multi-year Super Lawyers selectees. Strong on Chapter 11 business and complex consumer cases.
30+ years handling Tampa bankruptcy. Buddy Ford is a multi-year Super Lawyers selectee. Volume consumer practice with experienced staff; predictable flat fees for Chapter 7 and Chapter 13.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, 11, 13, financial restructuring, debt reorganization, creditor and debtor
Jake C. Blanchard is a multi-year Super Lawyers selectee (2019-2025). Background in collateral recovery before law practice gives unusual perspective on debtor-creditor dynamics. Located in Largo serving the entire Tampa Bay.
Practice focus: Chapter 7, Chapter 13, foreclosure defense, debt settlement
Multi-location Tampa Bay firm with substantial consumer bankruptcy volume. Crossover into foreclosure defense and debt settlement for clients who don't need full bankruptcy.
Tampa Bay consumer-focused boutique. Combines bankruptcy with Fair Debt Collection Practices Act work — useful when creditors have crossed the line into harassment.
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What to expect from a bankruptcy case in Tampa
Chapter 7 (most consumer cases): file → 341 creditors meeting in 30-45 days → discharge in 60-90 days after that. Total: 90-120 days from filing to discharge. Chapter 13: 3-5 year payment plan, discharge at plan completion. Chapter 11 (business reorganization): 6-18 months. Chapter 11 Subchapter V (small business): 90-120 days to confirmation in many cases.
What does a bankruptcy lawyer in Tampa cost?
Tampa Chapter 7 consumer fees: $1,200-$2,500 attorney flat + $338 filing fee + $30-$60 credit counseling. No-asset cases generally fall in this range. Chapter 13: $4,000-$5,500 attorney (a court-approved flat fee or 'no look' fee) + $313 filing fee, with most fees paid through the plan. Chapter 11 consumer: $7,500-$20,000+. Chapter 11 Subchapter V business: $15,000-$50,000 retainer + ongoing fees. Chapter 11 traditional business: $50,000-$500,000+. Most consumer attorneys offer payment plans for the pre-filing portion of the fee.
How to choose between these Tampa firms
All 10 firms on this list are reputable. Pick between them on fit, not prestige. Five questions worth asking each one before you sign an engagement letter:
Who specifically will work on my case day to day? Get a name and an email. Big-firm matters often start with a partner pitch and end with a junior associate doing the work. That isn't always bad — but you should know before you sign.
How many cases like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not marketing copy. For bankruptcy cases in Tampa, an attorney with 20-50+ comparable matters in recent years is what you're looking for.
What's the realistic range of outcomes? A good lawyer gives you a range with the assumptions stated. A bad lawyer promises the best case.
What's the fee, and what triggers extra charges? Get the answer in writing before you sign anything. Engagement letters should list fee structure, what's covered, what's billed separately, and what happens if you fire the firm.
How will we communicate, and how often? Email-only? Monthly calls? Set the expectation now and you'll avoid the most common client complaint about lawyers — that they go silent.
Red flags to watch for
The directories list hundreds of Tampa bankruptcy firms. Most are competent. A few are problematic. Patterns to avoid:
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can guarantee a result. If a firm promises a specific recovery, dismissal, or approval, walk away.
The disappearing partner. You meet a senior partner at intake, then never speak to them again. Ask in writing who will be your day-to-day attorney.
Pressure to sign immediately. Reputable firms give you the retainer in writing, time to read it, and the option to take it home. High-pressure intake is almost always the sign of a volume mill.
No verifiable track record. The firm should be able to point to verdicts, settlements, peer rankings, board certifications, or bar association recognition. "We've helped thousands of clients" is marketing copy. Named cases, specific numbers, and third-party rankings are evidence.
Vague fee terms. "Don't worry about cost" is a red flag. Every legitimate Tampa attorney will give you a written engagement letter listing the fee structure, what's covered, what triggers extra charges, and what happens if you fire the firm.
What's specific about a bankruptcy case in Tampa
Tampa is its own market. The procedure, the courts, and the strategy are city- and state-specific in ways that matter to your outcome.
Florida's unlimited homestead. Florida has one of the country's most powerful homestead protections — unlimited equity in your primary residence (subject to 0.5-acre urban / 160-acre rural limit and the 1215-day ownership rule under BAPCPA). For Tampa homeowners who've built equity, this can mean a Chapter 7 wipes credit card debt while keeping the house.
Tampa Division trustees. The Tampa Division Chapter 7 panel trustees are well-known to the local bar. Each has predictable patterns on asset cases, abandonment, and 341 conduct. Your attorney's familiarity with the trustee assigned can affect strategy.
Tampa Bay Bankruptcy Bar Association. TBBBA is an active local bar group; meaningful participation is a positive signal about a firm's standing in the local court. Many of the firms on this list have officers or board members.
Subchapter V boom. The 2020 Small Business Reorganization Act / Subchapter V option (debt limits raised and extended through 2024) has been heavily used in Tampa for restaurants, contractors, and small healthcare practices. If you own a small business with under ~$7.5 million in debt, Subchapter V may be far cheaper than traditional Chapter 11.
Florida wage and IRA exemptions. Wages of head-of-household earners up to $750/week are exempt from garnishment in Florida. IRAs and 401(k)s are exempt up to federal caps. These protections often matter more than the bankruptcy schedules — your lawyer can help you decide whether bankruptcy is even necessary.
Frequently asked questions
Should I file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 in Tampa?
Chapter 7 if you pass the means test (income below Florida median for your household, with some allowable deductions) and you don't need to save a house from foreclosure or a car from repossession. Chapter 13 if you want to catch up on arrears or your income disqualifies you from 7. Your attorney will run the means test and model both.
How much does a Tampa Chapter 7 bankruptcy cost?
$1,200-$2,500 in attorney fees plus $338 filing fee plus $30-$60 in mandatory credit counseling and debtor education courses. Total out-of-pocket: $1,600-$2,900 for most consumer cases. Many attorneys allow payment plans for the attorney portion before filing.
Will I lose my Tampa house in bankruptcy?
Almost certainly not. Florida's unlimited homestead exemption protects your primary residence regardless of equity, subject to acreage and 1215-day ownership rules. The only exception: very recent purchases (within 1215 days of filing) or non-homestead investment property.
Will I lose my car?
Florida protects up to $1,000 in vehicle equity (plus the standard exemption stack). If your car has equity above that, Chapter 13 can protect it. If you're current on the loan, you can usually reaffirm and keep paying.
How long is a Tampa bankruptcy on my credit report?
Chapter 7: 10 years. Chapter 13: 7 years. Credit recovery typically starts immediately — most clients see scores rebound to the 650-700 range within 18-24 months of discharge as they responsibly add new credit.
What debts get wiped out in Chapter 7?
Credit cards, medical bills, most personal loans, deficiency balances after foreclosure or repossession, business debts, and most older tax debt. Not wiped: student loans (with very limited exceptions), child support, alimony, recent taxes, fraud-based debts, and DUI-related personal injury judgments.
Can I keep my retirement accounts?
Yes. IRAs and 401(k)s are fully protected up to federal caps (currently over $1.5M for IRAs). This is one of the most powerful reasons to file rather than drain your retirement to pay creditors.
What about my small business?
Small business owners can file personally or use Chapter 11 Subchapter V (if debts under $7.5M) to reorganize the business. Subchapter V is much cheaper than traditional Chapter 11 and is widely used in Tampa for restaurants, contractors, and small medical practices.
Will my employer know I filed bankruptcy?
Generally no for Chapter 7. For Chapter 13, your employer may be served with a wage deduction order if you choose payroll deduction. Federal law prohibits discrimination by employers based on bankruptcy filing.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one the same questions, and compare the answers. The right fit is rarely the most famous name; it's the one whose practice actually matches your situation. — The LawFirmSquare team
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