CM/ECF Maintenance - November 23, 2016
The CM/ECF application will be offline Saturday 11/26 from 10am - 5pm EST for a maintenance procedure.
During the maintenance the CM/ECF application will be offline and unavailable.
Filing Fee Increases and Changes effective December 1, 2016 - November 8, 2016
Please be aware of increases to fees included in the Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Scheduled (28 U.S.C. 1930) effective December 1, 2016.
Filing fees for the following motions will increase to $181.00
Motion to Withdraw the Reference of a Case
Motion to Compel Abandonment of Property of the Estate
Motion for Relief from the Automatic Stay
Motion to Sell Property of the Estate Free and Clear of Liens under 11 U.S.C. § 363(f)
Exemplification fee for any document will increase to $22.00.
CD reproduction of recording of proceedings fee will increase to $31.
Filing fees for filing Amendments to Schedules D and E/F, list of creditors or mailing matrix will increase to $31.00.
Fee for conducting a search of the bankruptcy court records will increase to $31.00.
Filing or indexing a paper not in a pending case or proceeding, including registering a judgment from another district will increase to $47.00.
Judge McEwen's Mentoring Program for New Bankruptcy Lawyers: Chapter 13 Motion Practice - November 8, 2016
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2016, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa. Judge McEwen’s special guests for this program are Chapter 13 Trustees:
Jon Waage and Kelly Remick
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - October 25, 2016
Click Here to view the October 2016 edition.
CLOSING OF UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA TAMPA DIVISION DUE TO HURRICANE MATTHEW - October 6, 2016
The United States Bankruptcy Court Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando Divisions will be CLOSED on Friday, October 7, 2016.
All court hearings scheduled during this period are cancelled. Attorneys and the public will NOT be able to conduct routine business in person at the United States Bankruptcy Court Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando Divisions. The court will also be CLOSED on Monday, October 10, 2016, in observance of Columbus Day.
The court is expected to resume normal business operations on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. The public is advised to continue to check the court’s website at www.flmb.uscourts.gov and listen to all local news broadcasts for information on the status of federal court operations in each Division.
CLOSING OF UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY COURT MIDDLE DISTRICT OF FLORIDA JACKSONVILLE AND ORLANDO DIVISIONS DUE TO HURRICANE MATTHEW - October 5, 2016
The United States Bankruptcy Court Jacksonville and Orlando Divisions will be CLOSED on Thursday, October 6 and Friday, October 7, 2016.
All court hearings scheduled during this period are cancelled. Attorneys and the public will NOT be able to conduct routine business in person at the United States Bankruptcy Court Jacksonville and Orlando Divisions. Additionally, the Office of the United States Trustee has cancelled ALL Section 341 meetings of creditors scheduled for Thursday and Friday in Jacksonville and Orlando Divisions. The court will also be CLOSED on Monday, October 10, 2016, in observance of Columbus Day.
The court is expected to resume normal business operations on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. The public is advised to continue to check the court’s website at www.flmb.uscourts.gov and listen to all local news broadcasts for information on the status of federal court operations in each Division.
Updated Negative Notice List - October 4, 2016
The Court has updated its Negative Notice List, posted on the Court's external website. The update addresses negative notice in adversary proceedings. Because negative notice is required in adversary proceedings, the term "permissive" was removed from the title of the list as well. The adversary section list items excepted from the negative notice requirement. Negative notice for items included on the list for bankruptcy cases remains permissive. You may view the updated list by clicking here.
We have received reports that when using Internet Explorer, the updated list, dated October 3, 2016, does not display. If you have this issue, you may need to clear your cookies and cache or use an alternative browser.
Jacksonville Division Closed - Friday, September 2, 2016. - September 1, 2016
Due to inclement weather, the Jacksonville Division will be closed on Friday, September 2, 2016.
Tropical Storm Hermine - Court to Remain Open - August 31, 2016
Please be advised that the Clerk's office in all staffed divisions will remain open on Thursday, September 1, 2016 and Friday, September 2, 2016. All hearings and meetings of creditors will continue as scheduled. Should conditions warrant closure or cancelation of hearings, the Court's website will be updated and an announcement will be broadcasted via email and the Court's Twitter and Facebook accounts.
Judge McEwen's Mentoring Program For New Bankruptcy Lawyers - August 18, 2016
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Wednesday, September 28, 2016, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa. Judge McEwen’s special guest for this program is: Thomas Newcomb Hyde, Esq.
Program Title: Professionalism Standards and Resolution Of Professionalism Complaints.
CM/ECF Maintenance Cancelled - August 9, 2016
CANCELLED - These upgrades are being rescheduled to a later date to be determined.
During the weekends of August 20 and August 27, upgrades to core IT infrastructure will occur. These upgrades are expected to take place between the hours of 10:00 p.m. on Saturday to 8:00 a.m. on Sunday. The CM/ECF systems will be off line during this maintenance window.
Local Rules Lawyers' Advisory Committee Solicits Proposals for New or Revised Local Rules - August 1, 2016
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 September 15, 2016.
You may click the link below to submit recommendations to the committee.
http://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/localrules/comments-with-form.asp
Pilot Telephonic Appearance Bridge for Chief Judge Williamson and Judge Colton - July 19, 2016
The Court is conducting a pilot project using a new telephonic appearance conference bridge. Effective August 1, 2016, those appearing telephonically at hearings before Chief Judge Williamson or Judge Colton will be required to use CourtSolutions. All persons who wish to listen to or participate in a scheduled hearing telephonically must register for a CourtSolutions account in addition to complying with newly updated Telephonic Appearance Procedures posted on the Court's external website. Those procedures may be viewed by clicking here. We encourage anyone who may wish to listen to or participate in a hearing telephonically before Chief Judge Williamson or Judge Colton to carefully review the process described in the Court's posted procedure and information contained on the CourtSolutions website which may be viewed by clicking here.
As part of its service, CourtSolutions offers hearing participants access to a Hearing Dashboard which provides a visual representation of the participants on the call, real-time information about who is speaking, the ability to "raise your hand" to be recognized by the Court and means for the Court to control the conduct of the hearing.
CourtSolutions is an independent service provider. By using CourtSolutions’ services, users are entering into a service agreement with CourtSolutions pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth on the CourtSolutions’ website and shall be solely responsible for any costs or other expenses incurred for those services provided.
Federal Bankruptcy Rule 3015 and new Rule 3015.1 Published for Public Comment - July 1, 2016
On July 1, 2016, the Judicial Conference Advisory Committee on Bankruptcy Rules published a proposed amendment to Bankruptcy Rule 3015 and a new Rule 3015.1 and requested that they be circulated to the bench, bar, and public for comment.
The proposed amendments, rules committee reports explaining the proposed changes, and instructions on how to submit comments are posted on uscourts.gov.
The public comment period ends October 3, 2016.
Amendments to Local Rules effective - July 1, 2016 - June 10, 2016
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved new and amended Local Rules, effective July 1, 2016.
Please click Here to view a memorandum from Hon. Caryl E. Delano summarizing the changes.
Click Here to access the new and amended Local Rules.
CM/ECF Connectivity Issues - June 6, 2016
CM/ECF is experiencing connectivity issues . The AO has a team working on the problem and hopes to have it resolved shortly. The web site will be updated as information becomes available.
For Our Subscriber Services: - April 29, 2016
Q & A* WITH OUR NEWEST BANKRUPTCY COURT JUDGE - May 20, 2016
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Friday, May 20, 2016, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa. Judge McEwen’s special guest for this program is: HONORABLE ROBERTA A. COLTON.
Tampa Division - Chapter 13 Cases Reassigned to Judge Colton - April 26, 2016
Please be advised that effective May 1, 2016, all Tampa Division Chapter 13 Cases currently assigned to the Honorable Caryl E. Delano will be reassigned to the Honorable Roberta A. Colton. Judge Colton will conduct Tampa Division Chapter 13 hearings in Courtroom 9A, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, 801 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida. Any questions regarding scheduling or hearing related matters on Judge Colton's Tampa Division, Chapter 13 cases should be directed to the Courtroom Deputy Lisa Mills.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available. - April 25, 2016
Click Here to view the April 2016 edition.
April is National Financial Literacy Month - April 5, 2016 - April 5, 2016
April has been designated by Congress as National Financial Literacy Month. The United States Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida are participating in this annual promotion of financial well-being and invite you to browse the following resources for acquiring good financial habits.
Press Release - New Judge Appointed in Orlando - April 1, 2016
- April 4, 2016
Pending Changes [Revised Dollar Amounts] In Bankruptcy Forms - March 24, 2016
On April 1, 2016, automatic adjustments will be made to dollar amounts stated in various provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, one provision in Title 28, and in the bankruptcy forms and instructions. The adjustments will apply to cases commenced on or after April 1, 2016.
Click Here for details and affected bankruptcy forms.
JUDGE McEWEN'S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR NEW BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS - March 16, 2016
New Proof of Claim Form:
Don’t Trust Your Luck When Going for the Gold. Learn how to accurately complete official form 410.
Proposed Amended and New Local Rules - March 15, 2016
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 below for public comment commencing on March 15, 2016. The public comment period ends on April 30, 2016. When promulgated by the judges, the amended and new Local Rules will become effective on July 1, 2016.
Click Here to review the proposed amendments.
Click Here to provide comments regarding the proposed amendments
Procedures Manual - March 7, 2016
The Court is pleased to announce that the first edition of our External Procedures Manual is now available on the Court's website from the Procedures page, the Attorneys drop down menu and the Filing Without an Attorney page. The manual may also be viewed by clicking - Procedures
The manual generally explains procedures uniformed district-wide, provides links to relevant parts of the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, and contains check lists for items to review before filing papers with the Court. Also available are sample form motions, orders and other papers. Parties and their attorneys should use this as a reference guide. Also of note is that the sample forms are generic suggestions. Parties and their attorneys should revise them to address the unique circumstances of each case. As we move forward the manual will continue to be expanded and enhanced. We hope this new tool will prove to be helpful to all our filers.
Updated Mailing Address for the Jacksonville Division. - February 24, 2016
The mailing address for the Jacksonville Division has changed due to the relocation of the intake counter to the east side of the 3rd floor of the federal courthouse. Please note that only the suite number is changing. The new address is: United States Bankruptcy Court Jacksonville Division 300 North Hogan Street Suite 3-150 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 This new mailing address should be used in the Negative Notice legend for cases assigned to the Jacksonville division.
Please make a note of this change.
Reappointment Of Incumbent Bankruptcy Administrator - Northern District Of Alabama - February 1, 2016
The current five-year term of J. Thomas Corbett, United States Bankruptcy Administrator for the Northern District of Alabama, expires 4 December 2016. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has established a review committee to consider whether Mr. Corbett should be reappointed to a new five-year term.
Comments should be submitted to James P. Gerstenlauer, Circuit Executive, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303. Comments must be received in the Circuit Executive's Office no later than 14 March 2016. Email and fax copies will not be considered.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available. - January 22, 2016
Click HERE to view the January 2016 edition.
Mortgage Modification Mediation Document Portal unavailable Sunday 1/10/2016 from 12:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. - January 6, 2016
The Court has received notification that the DMM Portal used for Mortgage Modification Mediation will be unavailable on Sunday 1/10/16 from 12:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. for a site upgrade. According to the notification, "most of the changes are solely cosmetic and the functionality of the DMM Portal remains mostly unchanged for Servicers, Mediators, and Default Attorneys." Any questions about this update should be directed to Default Mitigation Management LLC.
Chief Justice Roberts Issues 2015 Year-End Report - January 4, 2016
Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. has issued his 2015 Year-End Report on the Federal Judiciary, focusing on amendments made to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
The report is the eleventh since Roberts was appointed chief justice in 2005. For reports from previous years, visit the U.S. Supreme Court website.
Court Closure - December 24, 2015 at 12 noon - December 18, 2015
In addition to the regularly scheduled closure on the Federal Holidays of December 25, 2015 and January 1, 2016, all Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, will also be closed for regular business beginning at noon on Thursday, December 24, 2015.
CM/ECF Forms Available: - December 1, 2015
The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida would like to remind you that revised Official Forms went into effect today, December 1, 2015. All filers should use the new revised forms on December 1, 2015 for all newly filed cases and any initially filed schedules and statements filed on or after today. For additional information, please consult the forms update web page at http://www.flmb.uscourts.gov/forms/december-form-changes/
CM/ECF Updates were completed last night. Some filers where unable to file papers via CM/ECF this morning. That matter is now resolved and all CM/ECF users should have their usual access. Should you experience any difficulties accessing CM/ECF, please report any issues you experience to the Court's Help Desk via the following link. https://ecf.flmb.uscourts.gov/training/support.htm
CM/ECF Unavailable - Monday, November 30, 2015, 6 p.m. to 12 midnight. - November 13, 2015
To apply updates necessary for the December 1, 2015 substantial Official Forms changes, CM/ECF will be unavailable beginning on Monday, November 30 at 6 p.m. and will not be available for use until at 12 a.m. (Midnight) on Tuesday, December 1. No other programs will be affected.
Telephone Maintenance in Orlando is Complete - November 9, 2015
Orlando Division Phones are now working properly.
Telephone Maintenance in Orlando Division - November 9, 2015
Because of maintenance, calls will not be able to be received for a short period this morning in the Orlando Division. Should you have an emergency, please call 407-237-8080. As soon as phones are working properly, we will update the website.
Reappointment of Incumbent Federal Public Defender - Middle District of Florida - November 6, 2015
Please review the Public Notice and submit comments to James P. Gerstenlauer, Circuit Executive, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Comments must be received in the Circuit Executive's Office no later than 21 December 2015.
Scam Targets Bankruptcy Filers - October 26, 2015
Phone scammers are targeting bankruptcy filers in several states, using personal information from filings and posing as attorneys to get intended victims to immediately wire money to satisfy debt. Consumers receiving this kind of call are advised to hang up and contact their bankruptcy attorney as soon as possible. Do not give any personal or financial account information to the caller. Click here to read the U.S. Courts official announcement.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - October 26, 2015
Click Here to view the October 2015 edition.
National Pro Bono Celebration Week from October 25, 2015 to October 31, 2015 - October 25, 2015
In conjunction with the National Pro Bono Celebration Week please see the attached article from The Tampa Tribune submitted by Judge McEwen. The Court appreciates those attorneys who have contributed to Pro Bono efforts throughout the year.
Judge McEwen's Mentoring Program for New Bankruptcy Lawyers - October 23, 2015
Program Title: Best Practices for Bankruptcy Paralegals.
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law* is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18, 2015, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa. Bankruptcy paralegals are also invited and encouraged to attend.
Reappointment Of Incumbent Federal Public Defender - Southern District of Florida At Miami - October 16, 2015
Please review the Public Notice and submit comments to James P. Gerstenlauer, Circuit Executive, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Comments must be received in the Circuit Executive's Office no later than 30 November 2015.
Official Bankruptcy Forms Update - Effective 12/1/2015 - October 6, 2015
Official Bankruptcy Forms are scheduled to be replaced with substantially revised, reformatted, and renumbered versions effective December 1, 2015. Attorneys and Bankruptcy Petition Preparers should use the revised Official Forms for all cases to be filed on or after December 1, 2015. Those who use petition preparation software are advised to contact their provider for updated software. The revised forms and other related information can be found on the U.S. Courts website at http://www.uscourts.gov/rules-policies/pending-rules-amendments/pending-changes-bankruptcy-forms.
REAPPOINTMENT OF JUDGE PAUL W. BONAPFEL - NORTHERN DISTRICT OF GEORGIA - September 18, 2015
The current 14-year term of office of The Honorable Paul W. Bonapfel, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Georgia at Atlanta, is due to expire on 9 April 2016. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit presently is considering whether to reappoint Judge Bonapfel to a new 14-year term of office. Members of the bar and the public are invited to submit written comments for consideration by the Court of Appeals.
FORECLOSURE WARS(Rev.): Lessons from experienced JEDTIs - August 19, 2015
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law* is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court's training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa.
Local Rules Lawyers' Advisory Committee Solicits Proposals for New or Revised Local Rules - August 18, 2015
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 September 15, 2015.
You may click the link below to submit recommendations to the committee.
http://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/localrules/comments-with-form.asp
Official Bankruptcy Filing Statistics Released 12-month period ending June 30, 2015 - August 1, 2015
Nationally, bankruptcy filings for the 12-month period ending June 30, 2015 fell 12% when compared to the same time period last year. Filings for Florida Middle fell 13.8% during this time period. Currently, Florida Middle is the fourth busiest bankruptcy court in terms of total filings and ranks second in the total number of business filings. 18.5% of our cases are filed without an attorney.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available.
- July 30, 2015
Click here to view the July 2015 edition.
Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing-DeBN - June 26, 2015
Effective Monday, June 29, 2015, the Court will begin implementation of a new beneficial and free program titled, Debtor Electronic Bankruptcy Noticing, also known as DeBN. Debtor's wishing to receive electronic notification of court generated notices and orders the same day they are entered on the docket, will be able to do so by simply filing out a request form. Attorney's may file the request form electronically for their debtor's.
DeBN is a voluntary service, which does not require the debtor to have a PACER login and does not require an enrollment fee.
For more information on DeBN, please click HERE.
Fall Judicial Intership Announcement - June 15, 2015
The United States Bankruptcy Judges for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division, are currently accepting applications to fill 2 intern positions for the fall of 2015. Application Deadline: Must be received by July 10, 2015 or Until Filled. Please refer to announcement for more information.
Amendments to Local Rules effective - July 1, 2015. - June 1, 2015
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved new and amended Local Rules, effective July 1, 2015. A brief summary of the revisions is available by clicking one of the links below.
Click here to access the amended Local Rules.
Bankruptcy Judgeship Position in the Northern District of Alabama at Birmingham. - May 29, 2015
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Alabama at Birmingham.
For further details, click here to see the announcement.
Bankruptcy Judgeship Position in the Northern District of Georgia at Atlanta. - May 29, 2015
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Georgia at Atlanta.
For further details, click here to see the announcement
New Amended Administrative Order Requiring Photo Identification by Unrepresented Parties - June 1, 2015
Effective June 1, 2015, every unrepresented party, including debtor(s) wishing to file a voluntary bankruptcy petition and petitioning creditor(s) wishing to file an involuntary petition in any division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, must provide acceptable photo identification at the time of filing, and the required debtor(s) or petitioning creditor(s)signatures on the petition.
JUDGE McEWEN’S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR NEW BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS - June 3, 2015
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law* is scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2015, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa.
MONTHLY OPERATING REPORTS: ARE THEY “MAKE WORK” OR, ALTERNATIVELY, VALUABLE TOOLS FOR FINANCIAL REORGANIZATION?
*Note: Chapter 11 Debtors' counsel are strongly encouraged to invite to this free informational program client representatives responsible for completing MORs.
E-Orders in CM/ECF. - May 4, 2015
As of today, all divisions have transitioned to E-Orders in CM/ECF. The court has prepared an electronic learning module for our CM/ECF users which may be viewed using the following link: Learning Module Any CM/ECF user who has designated filing agents, will need to make adjustments within CM/ECF to provide their filing agent with access to submit orders on your behalf. To assist with this process, please follow the steps outlined in the attached document. CMECF eOrders Process for External Users Finally, an updated Style Guide providing revised order formatting for CM/ECF E-Orders is now posted on the Court's website and may be viewed by clicking Here.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available. - April 16, 2015
Click HERE to view.
Availability of a Bankruptcy Judge Position In The Middle District of Florida at Orlando. - April 10, 2015
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeks applications from highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the District of South Dakota. The position will have its duty station in Orlando, Florida, for the first five years of the term and thereafter as determined by the Eighth and Eleventh Circuits under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Bankruptcy Judge Vacancy Pilot Program.
For further details see the Public Notice of Appointment of U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, the Application for United States Bankruptcy Judgeship and the Memorandum of Understanding regarding the Bankruptcy Judge Vacancy Pilot Program.
JUDGE McEWEN’S MENTORING PROGRAM FOR NEW BANKRUPTCY LAWYERS - April 2, 2015
The next session of Judge McEwen’s mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Thursday April 2, 2015, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa.
Proposed Amended and New Local Rules - March 9, 2015
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 below for public comment commencing on March 9, 2015. The public comment period ends on April 24, 2015. When promulgated by the judges, the amended and new Local Rules will become effective on July 1, 2015.
Click here to review the proposed amendments.
Click here to provide comments regarding the proposed amendments.
Reappointment of Judge John S. Dalis - Southern District of Georgia - February 16, 2015
The current 14-year term of office of The Honorable John S. Dalis, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Southern District of Georgia at Brunswick, is due to expire on 13 October 2015. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit presently is considering whether to reappoint Judge Dalis to a new 14-year term of office. Members of the bar and the public are invited to submit written comments for consideration by the Court of Appeals.
Reappointment of Judge Margaret H. Murphy - Northern District of Georgia - February 16, 2015
The current 14-year term of office of The Honorable Margaret H. Murphy, United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Georgia at Atlanta, is due to expire on 18 October 2015. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit presently is considering whether to reappoint Judge Murphy to a new 14-year term of office.
Alabama Bankruptcy Judge Announcement - February 4, 2015
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit announces the availability of a bankruptcy judgeship in the Southern District of Alabama. Please click to review the announcements and qualifications.
CM/ECF Server Maintenance - February 3, 2015
Server maintenance on the CM/ECF server will occur on the morning of Saturday, February 21, 2015 beginning at 8 a.m. As a result, CM/ECF will be unavailable to both internal and external users from 8 a.m. until about 12 noon. No other programs will be affected.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - January 19, 2015
Click HERE to view.
Negative Notice List - December 21, 2014
The Negative Notice Document list has been updated.
Please Click HERE or go to our CODE, ORDERS & Rules section.
The Judicial Conference Advisory Comittees posted proposed amendments to Bankruptcy and Civil Rules - December 1, 2014
The Judicial Conference Advisory Committees on Bankruptcy and Civil Rules have proposed amendments to their respective rules and forms, and requested that the proposals be circulated to the bench, bar, and public for comment. The proposed rules and related information are posted on the Judiciary's website at: http://www.uscourts.gov/RulesAndPolicies/rules/proposed-amendments.aspx
Local Rules Lawyers' Advisory Committee Solicits Proposals for New or Revised Local Rules - December 1, 2014
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 September 30, 2014. You may click the link below to submit recommendations to the committee. http://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/localrules/comments-with-form.asp
Court Closure - December 1, 2014
Pursuant to Administrative Orders FLMB-2014-7 and FLMB 2014-8 , in addition to the regularly scheduled closure on the Federal Holidays of December 25, 2014 and January 1, 2015, all Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, will also be closed for regular business on Friday, December 26, 2014 and Friday, January 2, 2015.
Reappointment Of Incumbent Federal Public Defender - Northern District of Alabama - December 1, 2014
Please review the Public Notice and submit comments to James P. Gerstenlauer, Circuit Executive, United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, 56 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. Comments must be received in the Circuit Executive's Office no later than 16 January 2015.
The Top 10 Court Websites of 2014 - November 1, 2014
The US Bankruptcy Court, Middle Florida website was named one of the Top 10 Court Websites of 2014 by FACT (Forum on the Advancement of Court Technology- A Special Committee of the National Association for Court Management) at their annual July 2014 NACM conference held in Scottsdale, AZ. Florida Middle was the only federal court named to this honor. For more information on this award, click on the FACT “ e Badge ” on the lower right of the court site.
Judges McEwen's Mentoring Program For New Bankruptcy Lawyers - July 29, 2014
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Thursday, October 2, 2014, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court's training room on the 5th floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse in Tampa.
New Administrative Order Requiring Photo Identification by Unrepresented Parties - September 1, 2014
Effective September 1, 2014, every unrepresented party, including debtors wishing to file a voluntary bankruptcy petition and petitioning creditors wishing to file an involuntary petition in any division of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, must provide acceptable photo identification at the time of filing. In addition, any individual filing a petition on behalf of an unrepresented party also must provide acceptable photo identification at the time of filing. Failure to supply acceptable photo identification will result in an immediate hearing before the Court to determine whether the Clerk should accept the papers.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - July 18, 2014
Click HERE to view.
Judge McEwen's Mentoring Program for New Bankruptcy Lawyers - July 29, 2014
The next session of Judge McEwen's mentoring program for lawyers new to Bankruptcy will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Topic: Best Practices, Summary Judgment.
Permissive Use of Negative Notice List - July 1, 2014
Effective July 1, 2014, the Court has revised the Permissive Use of Negative Notice List.
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved new and amended Local Rules, effective July 1, 2014 - July 1, 2014
A brief summary of the revisions is available by clicking on the link
Reappointment Notice - June 24, 2014
Reappointment of Bankruptcy Administrator Teresa R. Jacobs, Middle District of Alabama.
Change in Assignment of Volusia County from Jacksonville Division to Orlando Division - June 4, 2014
The Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved a revision to Local Rule 1071-1 Bankruptcy Court Divisions. The revision moves Volusia County from the Jacksonville Division to the Orlando Division. Amended Local Rule 1071-1 takes effect on August 1, 2014.
Attorney Noticing of Hearings Training Module - June 3, 2014
Attorney Noticing of Hearings is live in all divisions beginning on June 9, 2014. The following is a link to a training module prepared by the court to provide instructional information.
Click Here to view the module.
Amendments to Local Rules - June 2, 2014 - June 2, 2014
The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved new and amended Local Rules, effective July 1, 2014. A brief summary of the revisions is available by clicking one of the links below.
Click here to access the amended Local Rules
Trustee Noticing Training Module - May 21, 2014 - May 21, 2014
Trustee Noticing of Hearings is live in all divisions as of May 14, 2014. The following is a link to a training module prepared by the court to provide instructional information. Click here to view.
Revised Chapter 13 Model Plan in Ft. Myers and Tampa | Required as of June 1, 2014 - May 1, 2014
As of May 1, 2014, the judges of the Tampa and Ft. Myers Divisions have approved revisions to the Chapter 13 Model Plan. The revised Model Plan must be used by all Chapter 13 debtors in cases filed on or after June 1, 2014.
Paragraph 5 of the revised Model Plan provides that secured creditors who have filed proofs of claim prior to the claims bar date or within 14 days from the date of an order converting or dismissing the case, whichever date is earlier, shall have an administrative lien on plan payments paid by the debtor to the Chapter 13 Trustee prior to confirmation.
The subsections of Paragraph 5 designate the treatment of secured creditors. In particular, please note Paragraph 5(G), (H) and (I) of the Model Plan. In 5(G), the debtor may elect to pay secured claims/leased claims direct to the creditor. The automatic stay and any codebtor stay are terminated in rem upon the filing of the Plan and the debtor’s state law contract rights are not abrogated. In 5(H), the debtor may designate secured claims that are not provided for under the plan. The automatic stay and any codebtor stay are terminated, the debtor’s liability to the creditor is not discharged under the plan, and the debtor’s state law contract rights are not abrogated. In 5(I), the debtor may elect to surrender secured/leased property. The automatic stay is terminated in rem as to the secured creditor.
Revisions have also been made to the following form orders to make them consistent with the revised Model Plan: Order Establishing Duties of Debtor, etc., the Order Granting Trustee’s Motion to Dismiss, and the Order Governing Procedures After Conversion to Chapter 7.
Appointment of Chapter 13 Standing Trustee - April 28, 2014
The United States Trustee seeks resumes from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a standing trustee to administer cases filed under chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code. The appointment, located in Ruskin (Tampa), FL, is for cases filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - April 28, 2014
Uniform State-Wide Procedures - April 23, 2014
On February 27, 2014, a state-wide summit was held in Orlando to discuss uniform procedures to adopt in the respective mortgage modification mediation (MMM) programs operating in Florida’s Northern, Middle, and Southern Districts of the United States Bankruptcy Court.
Bankruptcy Filing Fee Increases Effective June 1, 2014 - March 20, 2014
The Judicial Conference of the United States met on March 11, 2014, and approved changes to the Bankruptcy Court Miscellaneous Fee Schedule effective June 1, 2014. A summary of those changes follow:
The fee for filing a complaint increases to $350.00.
The following administrative fees are increased to the totals noted:
- For the filing of a petition under Chapter 7, 12, or 13, $75.00.
- For the filing of a petition under Chapter 9, 11, or 15, $550.00.
- When a motion to divide a joint case under Chapter 7, 12, or 13 is filed, $75.00.
- When a motion to divide a joint case under Chapter 11 is filed, $550.00.
As a consequence the increases effective June 1, 2014, the full fee for filing a:
Chapter 7 will be $335.00
Chapter 9 will be $1,717.00
Chapter 11 will be $1,717.00
Chapter 12 will be $275.00
Chapter 13 will be $310.00
Chapter 15 will be $1,717.00.
Local Rules Amendments - March 6, 2014
- March 6, 2014
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 commencing on March 5, 2014. The public comment period ends on April 18, 2014. When promulgated by the judges, the amended and new Local Rules will become effective on July 1, 2014.
Order Governing Administrative Orders - March 5, 2014
Pursuant to the Order Governing Administrative Orders, Administrative Order FLMB-2007-1, a periodic review of outstanding administrative orders is needed to archive unneeded orders and confirm the enforceability of extant orders. This Order will update the outstanding administrative orders.
Chapter 13 Mortgage Modification Mediation Summit & Workshop February 27 & 28, 2014 in Orlando - February 18, 2014
The statewide Chapter 13 Mortgage Modification Mediation Summit will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2014, in the jury assembly room of the Federal Courthouse in Orlando. Practitioners will discuss the programs in each district, focusing on what is working well and on possible efficiencies that could be implemented. Even if you are unable to attend, you can participate in the discussion and provide comments by visiting the Summit's website at www.mortgagemodsummit.com.
We have also provided you with a link to a Summary of responses received from survey takers to the jointly conducted survey on mortgage mitigation mediation programs offered in the three federal bankruptcy courts in Florida.
Reappointment of John T. Laney III, Chief U.S. Bankruptcy Judge in the Middle District of Georgia - February 3, 2013
The Court's latest Court Connection Newsletter is currently available - January 24, 2013
2013 Year-End Report on Judiciary: Help Needed to Repair Sequestration's Damage - January 2, 2014
Reappointment of Federal Public Defender in the Northern District of Florida at Tallahassee - December 16, 2013