(TMZ)-Casey Anthony made a public appearance for the first time since being acquitted of murdering her daughter ... showing up for a bankruptcy hearing in Tampa to face her creditors today.

Anthony filed for Chapter 7 back in January, saying she owes over $800,000 to about 80 creditors ... and has no income to speak of.

Anthony has kept a very low profile since her high-profile trial ended in 2011, only having been seen in blurry restaurant photos and random YouTube videos.

Some people are better not being seen or heard.