You can find Florida bankruptcy records through three federal court districts, the PACER online system, and free public computer terminals. Florida bankruptcy cases are handled at the federal level, not by state or county courts.
All 67 counties fall under the Northern, Middle, or Southern District of Florida bankruptcy courts. These courts keep petitions, docket sheets, discharge orders, and creditor claims. The records are open to the public under federal law. Anyone can search them for free at court terminals or for a small fee on PACER. This page explains exactly where to look, what each district covers, and how to get the documents you need.
How Florida Bankruptcy Records Work
Bankruptcy is a federal legal process that helps people and businesses erase or repay debt. When someone files in Florida, the case goes to one of three U.S. Bankruptcy Courts. Each court keeps a full record of every filing, hearing, and discharge. These records are public, meaning you do not need to be a lawyer or party to the case to view them.
Three Types of Bankruptcy Cases
Florida bankruptcy filings fall into three main chapters under federal law. Chapter 7 is a liquidation case where some assets may be sold to pay creditors. Most filers receive a discharge that clears qualifying debts. Chapter 13 is a repayment plan for people with steady income, lasting three to five years. Chapter 11 is mostly used by businesses that want to reorganize while continuing operations. Each chapter creates a separate type of record on the court docket.
Federal vs. State Court Records
Florida bankruptcy records live only in federal court databases. State courts, county clerks, and city offices do not handle bankruptcy filings. If you search a county clerk’s website for bankruptcy records, you will find nothing. The federal court system, not the state of Florida, stores every petition, schedule, and order. Knowing this saves time when you begin your search.
Public Access Laws
Federal law under 11 U.S.C. § 107 makes bankruptcy filings public. Creditors, employers, journalists, and private citizens can all view the same records. The court cannot deny access without a specific court order sealing the case. Most cases remain fully visible for the entire life of the filing and after the discharge.
Florida Bankruptcy Court Districts Map
Florida is split into three federal bankruptcy districts. Each district has its own judges, clerk’s office, and set of counties. Your county of residence determines which district handles your case. Below is a breakdown of each district and the counties it covers.
Northern District of Florida
The Northern District covers 23 counties across the panhandle and north-central Florida. The main office sits in Tallahassee at 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100. Branch offices operate in Pensacola, Gainesville, and Panama City. Chief Judge Karen K. Specie leads the court. Clerk of Court Traci E. Abrams oversees daily operations. You can call the main office at (850) 521-5001 or use the toll-free line at (866) 639-4615. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern Time. Counties under this district include Leon, Escambia, Alachua, Bay, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton, and Jackson, among others.
Middle District of Florida
The Middle District is the largest by county count, covering 35 counties in central Florida. The main office is in Tampa at 801 N. Florida Avenue. Branch offices operate in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Chief Judge Jacob A. Brown took the bench in October 2025. Clerk José A. Rodriguez runs the court offices. You can call the Tampa office at (813) 301-5162 for case help. Counties covered include Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, Pinellas, Polk, Brevard, Volusia, Seminole, and Lee. The Fort Myers office does not accept filings directly. All Fort Myers filings go through Tampa.
Southern District of Florida
The Southern District covers nine counties in southeast Florida. The main office sits in Miami at 301 North Miami Avenue. Branch offices operate in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Chief Judge Scott M. Grossman leads the court. Clerk Joseph Falzone manages operations. The Miami office can be reached at (305) 714-1800. This district handles the highest case volume in the state due to the dense population. Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties make up the bulk of filings.
| District | Main Office | Counties Covered | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern District | Tallahassee | 23 counties (panhandle) | (850) 521-5001 |
| Middle District | Tampa | 35 counties (central) | (813) 301-5162 |
| Southern District | Miami | 9 counties (southeast) | (305) 714-1800 |
Search Bankruptcy Records Online With PACER
PACER is the federal court’s electronic records system. It lets you search Florida bankruptcy records any time of day from your computer. PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. The system covers all three Florida bankruptcy districts plus every federal court in the country. Registration is free at pacer.uscourts.gov. You only pay when you view documents.
PACER Account Setup
Creating a PACER account takes about ten minutes. You will need a valid email address, a credit card or bank account for billing, and basic personal details. After you confirm your email, your account is active right away. There is no waiting period or approval step. Once logged in, you can search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number across all Florida districts.
PACER Search Fees in 2026
PACER charges $0.10 per page for most document views. A single document cannot cost more than $3.00, no matter how long it is. Court opinions are always free to read. Audio recordings of hearings cost $2.40 each. If your total fees stay under $30 in a calendar quarter, all charges are waived. Most users searching for a single case pay nothing at all.
Free Phone Access Through VCIS
The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) provides free case data by phone. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time, day or night. Press #1 for English, then #3 for Florida, then pick your district from the menu. The system reads off the case status, filing date, chapter type, discharge date, and trustee name. You cannot get document copies through VCIS, but you can confirm if a case exists before paying PACER fees.
Visit a Florida Bankruptcy Court Clerk’s Office
Every Florida bankruptcy district has public computer terminals inside the clerk’s office. You can use these terminals to search records for free. No login or account is needed. Court staff can help you start a search but cannot give legal advice. Walk in during business hours and ask the clerk for terminal access.
Northern District Office Locations
The Northern District has four offices. The Tallahassee Division at 110 East Park Avenue serves Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. The Pensacola Division at 1 North Palafox Street covers Escambia, Okaloosa, and Santa Rosa. The Gainesville office at 401 SE First Avenue handles Alachua, Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette, and Levy. The Panama City office at 30 W. Government Street serves Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Walton, and Washington.
Middle District Office Locations
The Middle District has four offices but only three accept filings. The Jacksonville Division at 300 North Hogan Street serves Baker, Bradford, Clay, Duval, Nassau, Putnam, St. Johns, Suwannee, and Union. The Orlando Division at 400 W. Washington Street covers Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia. The Tampa Division at 801 N. Florida Avenue handles Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota. The Fort Myers Division covers Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, and Lee, but all filings go through Tampa.
Southern District Office Locations
The Southern District has three offices. The Miami Division at 301 North Miami Avenue serves Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Call (305) 714-1800. The Fort Lauderdale Division at 299 East Broward Blvd. covers Broward, Highlands, and Okeechobee. Call (954) 769-5700. The West Palm Beach Division at 1515 North Flagler Drive handles Indian River, Martin, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie. Call (561) 514-4100. All three offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Types of Florida Bankruptcy Records Available
Each Florida bankruptcy case produces several types of public records. The docket sheet is the master list showing every event in the case. The petition lists the debtor’s name, address, and the chapter filed. Schedules detail assets, income, and debts. The discharge order is the final document clearing qualifying debts. Creditor claims show who filed to collect money from the estate.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 7 records in Florida show the debtor’s assets, the trustee assigned to the case, exempt property claims, and the discharge date. Most Chapter 7 cases close within four to six months. The discharge order is the most searched document. It proves the court cleared specific debts. Trustees are private attorneys appointed by the U.S. Trustee Program to liquidate assets.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 13 records include the repayment plan, confirmation order, and trustee reports on plan completion. These cases last three to five years, so the docket grows long. The plan document shows how the debtor pays creditors each month. The discharge at the end of the case wipes out remaining qualifying debts.
Chapter 11 Business Records
Chapter 11 records cover business reorganizations. They include the plan of reorganization, disclosure statement, creditor committee reports, and operating reports filed during the case. These dockets can be very large because businesses file many motions. Some Chapter 11 cases in Florida run for years before confirmation.
Florida Bankruptcy Filing Fees and Costs
Filing fees vary by chapter and are set by federal law. These fees apply to every Florida bankruptcy court the same way. Payment methods include cash, money order, cashier’s check, and most major credit cards. Installment payments are allowed for filers who cannot pay the full amount upfront.
| Chapter | 2026 Filing Fee | Case Length |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | 4 to 6 months |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | 3 to 5 years |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | 1 to 5+ years |
Fee Waivers and Installment Plans
Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty line can ask for a fee waiver. The court reviews the application and decides based on ability to pay. Installment plans let filers pay the fee in up to four installments over 120 days. Missing an installment can result in case dismissal.
Credit Counseling Course Costs
Federal law requires two courses for any personal bankruptcy filing. The pre-filing credit counseling course costs between $10 and $50. The post-filing financial management course also costs between $10 and $50. Both courses are available online or by phone from approved providers listed on the U.S. Trustee’s website.
Find Bankruptcy Forms for Florida Filing
The U.S. Courts website hosts every official bankruptcy form at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms. The same forms work in all three Florida districts. Forms include the voluntary petition, schedules of assets and liabilities, statement of financial affairs, and means test calculation. Local forms vary slightly by district.
Northern District Forms
The Northern District posts its local forms at flnb.uscourts.gov/forms. Forms include the cover sheet for new filings, matrix instructions, and payment plan motions. Local rules explain formatting requirements specific to the Northern District. The clerk’s office cannot help you complete the forms, but staff can explain which forms you need.
Southern District Forms
The Southern District posts local forms at flsb.uscourts.gov/node/297. These forms cover district-specific procedures like emergency motions and reaffirmation agreements. Local rules spell out formatting and filing deadlines. The forms page is updated whenever the court changes its procedures.
Bankruptcy Records and Credit Reports
A Florida bankruptcy filing shows up on credit reports after the case is filed. The court does not send your records to credit bureaus. Instead, the bureaus pull the data themselves from PACER. Once reported, the bankruptcy stays on a credit report for years based on the chapter filed.
How Long Records Stay on Credit Reports
A Chapter 7 bankruptcy stays on a credit report for ten years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 case stays for seven years from the filing date. Court records themselves never expire. You can look up a Florida bankruptcy case decades after it closed using PACER or VCIS. Old court records remain public forever unless a judge orders them sealed.
Removing Bankruptcy From Credit Reports
You cannot remove an accurate bankruptcy from your credit report. The Fair Credit Reporting Act protects accurate public records. You can only dispute entries that contain errors, like the wrong name, address, or filing date. The court has no power to remove bankruptcy entries from credit reports. Only the credit bureaus can make changes after a dispute.
Florida Bankruptcy Case Status and Hearings
You can check the status of any Florida bankruptcy case through PACER or VCIS. The docket sheet lists every hearing, motion, and order. Hearing dates and times are posted to the docket before the event. Most hearings in Florida bankruptcy court are short and focused on specific motions.
Court Calendars
Each Florida bankruptcy district posts daily court calendars on its website. The calendar lists the judge, case number, hearing type, and time. Calendars update as new hearings are scheduled. You can view the calendar without a PACER account. Past hearing results appear on the docket sheet after the hearing concludes.
Automatic Stay and Creditor Claims
The moment a Florida bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect under 11 U.S.C. § 362. This stops most collection actions, foreclosures, and lawsuits against the debtor. Creditors who want to keep collecting must file a motion to lift the stay. The court holds a quick hearing and decides whether to grant the motion.
Legal Help for Florida Bankruptcy Cases
Bankruptcy law is complex, and mistakes can cost you property or discharge rights. Most bankruptcy attorneys in Florida offer free first meetings. The Florida Bar runs a referral service that matches you with local bankruptcy lawyers. Low-income residents may qualify for free legal help through Florida Legal Services.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar website at floridabar.org lets you search for attorneys by practice area. You can filter by county to find lawyers near you. The referral service gives you a 30-minute consultation for a small fee. Many bankruptcy attorneys in Florida waive this fee for new clients. Always check an attorney’s license status before hiring.
Florida Legal Services for Low-Income Residents
Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to residents with low income. They handle bankruptcy cases across all three federal districts. You can apply online at floridalegal.org or call their intake line. Local legal aid offices in your county may also help with bankruptcy filings.
Pro Se Filing Without a Lawyer
You can file bankruptcy in Florida without an attorney. The court calls this pro se filing. It is allowed but not recommended. Bankruptcy paperwork is technical, and errors can lead to case dismissal. The Northern, Middle, and Southern districts all post pro se guides on their websites to help self-represented filers.
Florida Bankruptcy Court Contact Details
You can reach each Florida bankruptcy court by phone, email, or in person. The clerk’s offices handle record requests and case questions. Phone lines are busiest on Mondays and after federal holidays. Email works well for non-urgent questions.
Northern District Contact
Phone: (850) 521-5001. Toll-free: (866) 639-4615. Email: CMECF_HelpDesk@flnb.uscourts.gov. Main Office: 110 East Park Avenue, Suite 100, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Website: flnb.uscourts.gov. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.
Middle District Contact
Phone: (813) 301-5162. Main Office: 801 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602. Website: flmb.uscourts.gov. Branch offices are in Jacksonville, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.
Southern District Contact
Miami Office: (305) 714-1800. Fort Lauderdale Office: (954) 769-5700. West Palm Beach Office: (561) 514-4100. Main Office: 301 North Miami Avenue, Miami, FL 33128. Website: flsb.uscourts.gov. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM Eastern.
Florida Courts Website for Related Legal Matters
The Florida Courts website at flcourts.org covers state court matters. Bankruptcy is a federal issue, but state courts handle related cases like foreclosure defense and debt collection. If you are dealing with both bankruptcy and a state court matter, you may need to check both systems.
Northern District FAQ for Bankruptcy Filers
The Northern District FAQ page at flnb.uscourts.gov/faq answers common questions about filing and records. Topics include filing fees, pro se procedures, payment methods, and document formatting. The FAQ is updated whenever the court changes its procedures.
Middle District FAQ for Bankruptcy Filers
The Middle District FAQ at flmb.uscourts.gov/faqs covers PACER access, case lookups, and archived record searches. The page also explains how to request copies of old documents and what to do if you cannot find a record online. Archived cases from before 2000 may require in-person research.
Southern District FAQ for Bankruptcy Filers
The Southern District FAQ at flsb.uscourts.gov/faqs explains how to access records and what to expect during a court visit. The page lists required documents, identification needs, and computer terminal rules. Check the FAQ before visiting to save time at the clerk’s window.
Common Florida Bankruptcy Record Questions
Below are answers to questions people ask most often about Florida bankruptcy records. Each answer reflects current federal law and court procedures as of 2026. Rules can change, so always confirm details with the clerk’s office before relying on them for a legal matter.
How Long Does a Chapter 7 Case Take in Florida?
Most Chapter 7 cases in Florida close within four to six months. The timeline depends on whether the trustee sells any assets and whether creditors object to the discharge. Simple cases with no objections and no asset sales can finish in as little as 90 days. Complex cases with multiple creditors or contested matters can run longer than six months before the court enters the discharge order.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s Bankruptcy Filing?
Yes. Bankruptcy filings are public records under federal law. You can look up any Florida bankruptcy case using PACER or VCIS as long as you know the debtor’s name or case number. Employers, landlords, lenders, and journalists all use these tools. The only exceptions are cases sealed by court order, which are rare and usually involve sensitive personal matters like domestic violence.
What Happens to Bankruptcy Records After Discharge?
Florida bankruptcy records stay on PACER forever after discharge. The court does not delete closed cases. Old records from the 1980s and 1990s may only exist on microfilm at the clerk’s office, but cases filed after 2000 are fully searchable online. You can request copies of discharged case documents years or decades later through the same PACER system.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Search Bankruptcy Records?
No. You do not need a lawyer to search Florida bankruptcy records. Anyone can use PACER or VCIS without legal training. The court clerk’s staff can show you how to use the public terminals. However, if you are searching records for a legal dispute, consulting a Florida bankruptcy attorney helps you understand what the documents mean for your case.
Can Bankruptcy Records Be Sealed in Florida?
Sealing bankruptcy records in Florida is very rare. A debtor must file a motion asking the court to seal the case and show a specific reason, like identity theft or safety concerns. The court reviews the motion and decides whether the public interest outweighs the privacy interest. Most motions to seal are denied. If granted, the records disappear from PACER and VCIS.
How Do I Get a Certified Copy of a Bankruptcy Discharge?
You can request a certified copy of a bankruptcy discharge from the clerk’s office where the case was filed. The fee is typically $11 per certified copy. You can also download an uncertified copy from PACER for $0.10 per page. Mortgage companies and lenders usually need the certified version, while employers and landlords often accept the uncertified copy.
Are Florida Bankruptcy Records Free to View?
Viewing Florida bankruptcy records at a public terminal in the clerk’s office is free. Searching by phone through VCIS is also free. PACER charges $0.10 per page for online document views, but most users pay nothing because the $30 quarterly waiver covers almost every casual search. Court opinions and docket sheets are always free on PACER.
What Is the Difference Between a Dismissed and Discharged Case?
A discharged case means the court cleared the debtor’s qualifying debts after the bankruptcy process finished. A dismissed case means the court closed the case without a discharge, often because the debtor failed to follow the rules or stopped making Chapter 13 payments. Dismissed cases show up on PACER but do not include a discharge order. The debts remain owed after dismissal.
Florida Bankruptcy Records Search Summary
Florida bankruptcy records are public and free to search through three federal court districts and the PACER online system. The Northern District covers the panhandle, the Middle District covers central Florida, and the Southern District covers southeast Florida. Each district has a clerk’s office where you can search records in person for free. PACER gives you online access 24 hours a day for a small fee, with most users paying nothing due to the quarterly waiver. VCIS offers free case data by phone. The court system stores every petition, schedule, discharge order, and creditor claim forever. Whether you are a creditor checking a debtor, an employer running a background check, or a researcher tracking filings, the tools above give you full access to Florida bankruptcy records.