SCAM ALERT: DO NOT PAY CALLERS WHO THREATEN TO ARREST YOU OR CLAIM TO BE AFFILIATED WITH THE COURT (Posted: Thursday, December 12, 2024)
Residents of the Middle District of Florida continue to receive fraudulent phone calls or emails claiming that they have an arrest warrant or face a similar adverse situation due to a failure to appear in federal court. The scammer may claim the individual missed jury duty or has been charged with a crime. The scammer may tell the victim that he or she can avoid arrest or other negative consequences by making a payment, which may include purchasing a prepaid card and then giving the card number to the scammer. The scammer may also ask for payment via Venmo, Zelle, or cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin.
Click HERE for more information.
CHANGES TO BANKRUPTCY RULES AND FORMS EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2024 (
Posted: Monday, December 9, 2024)
Effective December 1, 2024, the following Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, Official Bankruptcy Forms, and Director's Bankruptcy Forms were amended:
- Bankruptcy Rules 1007, 4004, 5009, 7001, 8023.1 (new rule), and 9006;
- Official Form 410; and
- Director's Forms 1040, 2000, and 2630.
Official Form 423 was abrogated. Rule 1007(b)(7) requires submission of a certificate from the approved course provider to evidence completion of a course in personal financial management.
In addition, the Bankruptcy Rules, Parts I through IX, have been restyled.
Click HERE for information about the rule amendments.
Click HERE for information about the form amendments.
**Closed** - CLERK OF COURT, ANNOUNCEMENT NO. 25-02 (
Posted: Monday, November 18, 2024)
Full-Time - $193,607 - $224,178 Annually
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida seeks a highly qualified, senior level executive to serve as its Clerk of Court. The Clerk works in collaboration with and reports directly to the bankruptcy judges. Please review the announcement for application procedures.
CM/ECF IS BACK ONLINE
(
Posted: Monday, November 11, 2024)
Maintenance to CM/ECF has been completed, and the application is back online. Please email the court's Help Desk at ecfhelp@flmb.uscourts.gov if you encounter any user issues.
ALERT REGARDING NEW CONSUMER BANKRUPTCY SCAM (
Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024)
Scammers are targeting debtors, using information they obtain from individuals' bankruptcy petitions. Attorneys, please alert your clients to this scam. A scammer recently sent a letter to a consumer bankruptcy attorney's client in the Middle District of Florida, right after the client's petition date. The letter referenced the debtor's case number and attorney's name, asserted the debtor "intentionally withheld assets in your bank account tied to your Social Security number xxx-xx-XXXX (the last four digits were actually included), and demanded a one-time amnesty fine to avoid referral to the trustee.
Click HERE to read more about the scam. Do not respond to any such demand. If you have an attorney, please send scam correspondence to your attorney immediately upon receipt. Forward scam correspondence to Guy A. Van Baalen, Assistant U.S. Trustee, at guy.a.vanbaalen@usdoj.gov.
FRAUDULENT NOTICES OF ELECTRONIC FILING (NEFs) (
Posted: Thursday, November 7, 2024)
There have been recent nationwide reports of fake Notices of Electronic Filing (NEFs) being sent to attorneys and law firms. These fraudulent NEFs are phishing attempts designed to prompt recipients to reply, after which they receive a follow-up email containing a link to a malicious website. We urge you to exercise caution if you receive any suspicious NEFs. Please verify case details and documents through CM/ECF only and avoid downloading attachments or clicking on links from unofficial or unverified sources.
CM/ECF PLANNED OUTAGE: MAINTENANCE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 9-11, 2024 (
Posted: Tuesday, November 5, 2024)
Due to scheduled maintenance, the CM/ECF application will be offline and unavailable from Saturday, November 9, at 1:00 a.m. to Monday, November 11, at 12:00 p.m.
AVAILABILITY OF BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP POSITION IN THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA AT TAMPA (
Posted: Thursday, October 17, 2024)
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Florida at Tampa. The position has become available due to the passing of Judge Michael G. Williamson. Please note all applications must be submitted to the Circuit Executive's Office by November 25, 2024.
Click HERE to view the full notice.
STATUS UPDATE RE TAMPA AND ORLANDO FEDERAL COURTHOUSES (
Posted: Sunday, October 13, 2024)
The Tampa and Orlando Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will resume normal operations on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
The Jacksonville Division resumed normal operations on Friday, October 11.
FURTHER UPDATE RE TAMPA, ORLANDO, AND JACKSONVILLE COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON (
Posted: Thursday, October 10, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Milton, the Tampa and Orlando Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will remain closed on Friday, October 11, 2024. All hearings scheduled for October 11 in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando cases are canceled and will be rescheduled.
The Jacksonville Division will resume normal operations on Friday, October 11.
Any additional court closures will be announced here as they become official.
For information on creditors' meetings, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
FURTHER UPDATE RE TAMPA, ORLANDO, AND JACKSONVILLE COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON (
Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will close on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, October 9, 10, and 11, 2024. All hearings scheduled for October 9 - 11 in the Tampa division are canceled and will be rescheduled.
The Orlando and Jacksonville Divisions will close on Wednesday and Thursday, October 9 and 10, 2024. All hearings scheduled for October 9 and 10 in the Orlando and Jacksonville divisions are canceled and will be rescheduled.
Any additional court closures will be announced here as they become official.
For information on creditors' meetings, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
UPDATE RE TAMPA, ORLANDO, AND JACKSONVILLE COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON (
Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Milton, the Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will close on Wednesday and Thursday, October 9 and 10, 2024. All hearings scheduled for October 9 and 10 in each division are canceled and will be rescheduled.
Any additional court closures will be announced here as they become official.
For information on creditors' meetings, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
UPDATE RE TAMPA AND ORLANDO COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON (
Posted: Monday, October 7, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will close on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 8 - 10, 2024. All hearings scheduled for Tampa and Fort Myers cases on October 8, 9, and 10 are canceled and will be rescheduled.
The Orlando Division will close on Wednesday and Thursday, October 9 and 10, 2024. All hearings scheduled for Orlando cases on October 9 and 10 are canceled and will be rescheduled.
Any additional court closures will be announced here as they become official.
For information on creditors' meetings in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Orlando cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
DUE TO HURRICANE MILTON, THE TAMPA AND FORT MYERS DIVISIONS OF THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA WILL CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 AND 9, 2024. (
Posted: Monday, October 7, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida will close on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 8 and 9, 2024. All hearings scheduled for Tampa and Fort Myers cases on October 8 and 9 are canceled and will be rescheduled. Any additional court closures will be announced here as they become official. For information on creditors' meetings in Tampa and Fort Myers cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
FURTHER UPDATE RE STATUS OF MIDDLE DISTRICT COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO HURRICANE HELENE (
Posted: Thursday, September 26, 2024)
Due to Hurricane Helene, the Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, including the Tampa intake window, will remain closed on Friday, September 27. All hearings scheduled for Tampa and Fort Myers cases on September 27 are cancelled and will be rescheduled.
The Orlando and Jacksonville Divisions, including the intake windows, will reopen and resume normal operations on Friday, September 27.
UPDATE RE TAMPA, ORLANDO, AND JACKSONVILLE COURTHOUSE CLOSURES DUE TO TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE HELENE (
Posted: Wednesday, September 25, 2024)
Due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene, the following courthouse closures and suspensions of operations will occur:
The Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, including the Tampa intake window, will close on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25 and 26, 2024. All hearings scheduled for Tampa and Fort Myers cases on September 25 and 26 are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Depending on conditions, and subject to further announcement, the Tampa courthouse may reopen on Friday. For information on creditors' meetings in Tampa and Fort Myers cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
The Orlando and Jacksonville Divisions, including the intake windows, will close on Thursday, September 26. All hearings scheduled for Orlando and Jacksonville cases on September 26 are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Depending on conditions, and subject to further announcement, the Orlando and Jacksonville courthouses may reopen on Friday. For information on creditors' meetings in Orlando and Jacksonville cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
DUE TO TROPICAL STORM/HURRICANE HELENE, THE TAMPA AND FORT MYERS DIVISIONS OF THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA WILL CLOSE TO THE PUBLIC ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 AND 26, 2024 (
Posted: Tuesday, September 24, 2024)
Due to Tropical Storm/Hurricane Helene, the Tampa Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, including the Tampa intake window, will close on Wednesday and Thursday, September 25 and 26, 2024. All hearings scheduled for Tampa and Fort Myers cases on September 25 and 26 are cancelled and will be rescheduled. Depending on conditions, and subject to further announcement, the Tampa Courthouse may reopen on Friday. For information on creditors' meetings in Tampa and Fort Myers cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR BRAND NAME OR EQUIVALENT ON GSA - CHAIRS (
Posted: Friday, September 6, 2024)
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida is soliciting bids for office chairs for our Tampa, Jacksonville and Orlando locations. For any technical or specification questions, please contact Dario Pavic, Contracting Officer at dario_pavic@flmb.uscourts.gov
To be considered, all quotes must be received by Friday, September 20, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Please email quotes to dario_pavic@flmb.uscourts.gov.
Click Here to view the full Public Notice.
JUDGE MCEWEN'S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG LAWYERS (
Posted: Tuesday, September 3, 2024)
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled virtually for Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from Noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom. LOGIN INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE FIRST 100 WHO RSVP. Judge McEwen's special guest for this program is Guy Van Baalen, Assistant U.S. Trustee, Tampa Division.
Program Title: SUBCHAPTER V: LET US INTRODUCE (OR REINTRODUCE) THE MOST POPULAR 11 ON THE PLANET (AT LEAST IN FLMB)
Click HERE to view the full announcement.
Local Rules Lawyers' Advisory Committee Solicits Proposals for New or Revised Local Rules (
Posted: Friday, August 30, 2024)
The Local Rules Lawyers' Advisory Committee invites interested parties, including members of the Bar and Court employees, to submit their suggestions, comments, and proposals for proposed new Local Rules or revisions to our current Local Rules. Suggestions should be submitted no later than October 15, 2024.
Click HERE to submit recommendations to the Committee.
AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL RULES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 15, 2024 (
Posted: Thursday, August 15, 2024)
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved amendments to the Local Rules, effective August 15, 2024.
Please
Click HERE to view a memorandum from Judge Lori V. Vaughan summarizing the changes.
Click HERE to access the amended Local Rules.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR OPEN MARKET QUOTES - TAMPA CYCLICAL MAINTENANCE PROJECT (
Posted: Wednesday, August 14, 2024)
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida is soliciting bids for a cyclical maintenance project in the Tampa Division for flooring and painting. To request a copy of the Scope of Work, please email dario_pavic@flmb.uscourts.gov and enter the Tampa cyclical maintenance project on the subject line.
To be considered, all Bids must be received by Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Click HERE to view the full Public Notice.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR OPEN MARKET QUOTES - BRAND NAME OR EQUIVALENT (
Posted: Wednesday, August 7, 2024)
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida is soliciting bids for a quantity of nine (9) the Kramer 8X8 4K HDR HDCP 2.2 matrix switcher, KRVS88H2. For any technical or specification questions, please contact Isaac Pagan, IT Supervisor, at Isaac_Pagan@flmb.uscourts.gov. To be considered, all quotes must be received by Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Please email quotes to dario_pavic@flmb.uscourts.gov.
Click HERE to view the full Public Notice.
DUE TO TROPICAL STORM DEBBY, THE JACKSONVILLE DIVISION OF THE U.S. BANKRUPTCY COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA WILL CLOSE ON MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2024. (
Posted: Sunday, August 4, 2024)
Due to Tropical Storm Debby, the Jacksonville Division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, including the intake window, will close on Monday, August 5, 2024. All hearings scheduled for August 5, 2024 are cancelled and will be rescheduled. For information on creditors' meetings in Jacksonville cases, please contact the trustee assigned to the case.
AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL RULES EFFECTIVE AUGUST 15, 2024 (
Posted: Monday, July 22, 2024)
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved amendments to the Local Rules, effective August 15, 2024.
Please
Click HERE to view a memorandum from Judge Lori V. Vaughan summarizing the changes.
Click HERE to access the amended Local Rules.
IN OBSERVANCE OF THE JULY 4 HOLIDAY WEEKEND (
Posted: Monday, July 1, 2024)
In observance of the July 4 Holiday Weekend, the Middle District of Florida clerk's offices in all divisions will be closed on Thursday, July 4. The Orlando and Tampa clerk's offices will also be closed on Friday, July 5. A lawyer or a layperson in need of court services in any of the divisions on July 5 can contact the Jacksonville division clerk's office, which will be open.
AMENDMENTS TO LOCAL RULES AND COMMENT FORM (
Posted: Tuesday, May 28, 2024)
The judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida are considering proposed amendments to the Local Rules. The proposals are posted for public comment on the Court's website commencing on May 28, 2024. The public comment period ends on July 1, 2024. When promulgated by the judges, the amended Local Rules will become effective on August 1, 2024.
Attorneys and parties who appear before the Court are encouraged to review the proposed amendments. The Court appreciates all comments and will consider them prior to the promulgation of the amended Local Rules.
Click HERE to view the proposed amendments to Local Rules.
Click HERE to submit comments regarding the proposed amendments.
JUDGE MCEWEN'S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG LAWYERS (
Posted: Monday, May 13, 2024)
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled virtually for
Thursday, June 6, 2024, from Noon to 1:15 p.m. via Zoom. LOGIN INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE FIRST 100 WHO RSVP. Judge McEwen's special guest for this program is Chief Judge Caryl E. Delano.
Program Title: ONE WHITE BOARD: A FAST-PACED OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRESSION OF A CHAPTER 11 CASE AND WHAT CODE SECTIONS ARE IMPLICATED AT EACH STAGE
Click HERE to view the full announcement.
PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR OPEN MARKET QUOTE - ORLANDO DIVISION CYCLICAL MAINTENANCE PROJECT (
Posted: Thursday, May 2, 2024)
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida is soliciting bids for a cyclical maintenance project in the Orlando Division for flooring and painting.
To be considered, all Bids must be received by Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.
Click HERE to see the full public notice.
THE COURT'S LATEST COURT CONNECTION NEWSLETTER IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE (
Posted: Tuesday, April 30, 2024)
Click HERE to view the April 2024 edition.
CHANGES TO MIDDLE DISTRICT'S SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND NEGATIVE NOTICE PROCEDURES (
Posted: Thursday, April 25, 2024)
Effective April 25, 2024, the Bankruptcy Court will issue and serve an Order Setting Deadline for Filing Response to Motion for Summary Judgment for all summary judgment motions filed in bankruptcy cases and adversary proceedings. The Order provides that responses to summary judgment motions must be filed within 21 days of the date of the Order, unless the Court has previously set a different briefing schedule.
The Court has removed Motions for Summary Judgment from the
Negative Notice List and has included a comment to Local Rule
7001-1(k)(4)(F) to inform readers, pending an upcoming amendment to the rule, that motions for summary judgment are no longer eligible for negative notice.
LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUAL DEBTORS AND CREDITORS IN CERTAIN MATTERS (
Posted: Wednesday, March 13, 2024)
The Middle District of Florida has revised its Legal Assistance Program (LAP) to supplement the types of matters eligible for pro bono services by a volunteer attorney under the LAP. The following types of matters are eligible for referral to a volunteer attorney under the LAP:
- Adversary proceedings or motions relating to the debtor's entitlement to a discharge and/or the dischargeability of a debt, including motions for a hardship discharge under 11 U.S.C. § 1328(b).
- Contested matters concerning the debtor's claimed exemptions.
- Representation of spouses and former spouses of debtors in connection with the dischargeability of obligations under marital settlement agreements and/or judgments for the dissolution of marriage.
- Representation of an individual defendant in an action to recover money or property under 11 U.S.C. §§ 542, 544, or 547 - 550.
In addition, if circumstances warrant, the Bankruptcy Judge assigned to the case may refer a party to LAP.
The Court maintains a list of attorneys who have volunteered to accept a request to serve as a pro bono attorney for a qualifying low-income individual. We hope that all attorneys will consider volunteering for the LAP.
Click HERE for more information on the LAP.
Click HERE for the Attorney Volunteer Form.
JUDGE MCEWEN'S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR YOUNG LAWYERS (
Posted: Tuesday, March 5, 2024)
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled
virtually for
Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from Noon to 1:15 p.m.
via Zoom. LOGIN INFORMATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE FIRST 100 WHO RSVP. Judge McEwen's special guests for this program are: Jeffrey Hakanson, Esq.; Grace Anne Monnig, Assistant United States Attorney; Pam Arciola, Courtroom Deputy; Acel Masar, IT Tech; and a Special "Ghost" Appearance.
Program Title: HODGE PODGE FOR $400
Click HERE to view the full announcement.
THE COURT'S LATEST COURT CONNECTION NEWSLETTER IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE (
Posted: Wednesday, January 31, 2024)
Click HERE to view the January 2024 edition.
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2024: UPDATE TO COURT PROCEDURES GOVERNING COURT APPEARANCES AND FORM NOTICES OF HEARING (
Posted: Wednesday, December 27, 2023)
The judges of the Middle District of Florida have posted their procedures governing court appearances (including remote access by video and telephone) on their individual webpages, located at
www.flmb.uscourts.gov/judges. In addition, the Court has revised its form Notices of Hearing to direct parties to the assigned judge's webpage for procedures governing court appearances. Judge Funk will continue to use CourtCall for telephonic appearances. All other judges will use Zoom for both video and telephonic appearances. NOTE: In accordance with the broadcast policy of the Judicial Conference of the United States, effective September 22, 2023, non-parties (i.e., members of the press or the public) are permitted audio access only to civil and bankruptcy proceedings in non-trial proceedings. Members of the press and the public may attend all hearings in person.
Click HERE for the updated Notice of Hearing procedure.
Click HERE for a sample form Notice of Hearing (bankruptcy case).
Click HERE for a sample form Notice of Hearing (adversary proceeding).
THE CLERK'S OFFICES IN JACKSONVILLE AND TAMPA WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2023 (
Posted: Wednesday, December 20, 2023)
Attorneys and laypersons in need of assistance on December 26 may contact the
Orlando Division clerk's office, which will remain open to the public.
CHAPTER 13 PRACTITIONERS: THE COURT HAS ENTERED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER FLMB- 2023-3 PRESCRIBING PROCEDURES FOR CHAPTER 13 CASES FILED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 4, 2023 AND ADOPTS REVISED MODEL CHAPTER 13 PLAN AND ORDER CONFIRMING PLAN, EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 4, 2023 (
Posted: Monday, December 4, 2023)
The Court has entered Administrative Order FLMB-2023-3, effective in Chapter 13 cases filed on or after December 4, 2023, The Court has also revised the Model Chapter 13 Plan and Order Confirming Plan, effective December 4, 2023. The revisions conform the Administrative Order, the Model Plan, and the Order Confirming Plan to the Middle District's current Chapter 13 procedures; facilitate more uniform Chapter 13 procedures; and make the procedures more understandable for practitioners, debtors, and creditors.
Click HERE for Chief Judge Delano's December 4, 2023 memorandum outlining the revisions to the Administrative Order, Model Chapter 13 Plan, and Order Confirming Plan.
Click HERE for the Administrative Order with revisions highlighted.
Click HERE for the Model Plan (PDF) with revisions highlighted.
Click HERE for the Model Plan (Word) with revisions highlighted.
Click HERE for the Order Confirming Plan (PDF) with revisions highlighted.
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1, 2023 - REVISIONS TO BANKRUPTCY COURT MISCELLANEOUS FEE SCHEDULE, AMENDED OFFICIAL BANKRUPTCY FORMS, FEDERAL RULES OF CIVIL PROCEDURE, FEDERAL RULES OF APPELLATE PROCEDURE, AND FEDERAL RULES OF EVIDENCE (
Posted: Friday, December 1, 2023)
Congress has taken no action on the proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Civil Procedure, and the Federal Rules of Evidence, adopted by the Supreme Court and transmitted to Congress on April 24, 2023. Under the Rules Enabling Act, 28 U.S.C. §§ 2071-75, rules take effect today, December 1, 2023.
Click HERE for the adjusted Miscellaneous Fee Schedule
Click HERE for the Amended Official Forms
Click HERE or the Rules of Practice and Procedure Effective December 1, 2023
Click HERE for a Summary of the Amendments to the Forms and Rules
Archives Announcements