Cape Coral Bankruptcy Record Search

Cape Coral bankruptcy records are filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. Cape Coral is in Lee County on the southwest coast of Florida. The city has grown rapidly over the past two decades, and bankruptcy filings from Cape Coral residents go through the Tampa Division. There is also a Fort Myers courthouse location, though it does not have a staffed clerk's office for bankruptcy. These records are public and anyone can search them. You can use PACER online, call VCIS for basic case data, or visit the court in person. The Lee County Clerk also keeps local civil records that may connect to federal bankruptcy cases.

Cape Coral Bankruptcy Court

Cape Coral is in Lee County. Bankruptcy filings from Cape Coral go to the Middle District of Florida. Lee County falls under the Tampa Division, with the main courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 301-5162 for court info. The Middle District bankruptcy court website posts local rules, forms, and filing guides for all divisions.

There is a satellite courthouse in Fort Myers at 2110 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. However, this location does not have a staffed bankruptcy clerk's office. Some hearings may be held there, but filings go through the Tampa Division. Cape Coral residents should check with the court about where their specific hearings will take place. The drive from Cape Coral to Tampa is roughly two hours on I-75.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, filers must reside in the district or have property there. Cape Coral is in the Middle District, so residents file at the Tampa Division, with some proceedings possibly held at the Fort Myers courthouse.

Lee County Clerk of Court

The Lee County Clerk of Court is Linda A. Doggett. The office is at 1700 Monroe Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk handles local civil records that may overlap with bankruptcy cases. Foreclosures, liens, judgments, and debt collection lawsuits in Lee County all come through this office. When a Cape Coral resident files for bankruptcy, related state court cases are often in the clerk's system.

Call (239) 533-5000 to reach the Lee County Clerk. The Lee County Clerk website has tools for searching civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets online. These are state records, not federal bankruptcy files. But a judgment against a Cape Coral resident, for example, might be affected by a bankruptcy discharge. Both sets of records tell part of the story.

Below is a screenshot of the Cape Coral city government website, available at capecoral.net.

The city site links to local services and community resources for Cape Coral residents.

Search Cape Coral Bankruptcy Records

Three ways exist to find Cape Coral bankruptcy records. PACER is the best online option. VCIS works by phone. And you can visit the Tampa courthouse or the Fort Myers location in person.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers every federal court, including the Middle District of Florida. Create a free account and search Cape Coral cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER costs $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 per-document cap. If you stay under $30 in a quarter, fees are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public. Anyone can search them.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 for free automated info. The line provides case numbers, filing dates, chapter types, and current status. It runs 24 hours a day. No account or registration is needed. VCIS is handy for a quick check on a Cape Coral resident's bankruptcy filing.

In person, the main option is the Tampa courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555. The Fort Myers courthouse at 2110 First Street may also have public access terminals, but check with the court first since it is not staffed full-time for bankruptcy. Bring a photo ID to either location.

Filing Bankruptcy in Cape Coral

Cape Coral residents file at the Tampa Division of the Middle District. Chapter 7 costs $338 and wipes out most unsecured debts. You may have to give up non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 costs $313 and sets up a payment plan for three to five years. The court allows installment payments on the filing fee if you show hardship. Fee waivers may be available for Chapter 7 filers with very low income.

Before you file, credit counseling is required. The U.S. Department of Justice has the approved list for the Middle District. Complete counseling within 180 days of your petition date. Collect your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a thorough list of all debts and assets. Every form you need is on the U.S. Courts website.

After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 kicks in. Creditors must stop all collection activity. No phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosures while the stay is active. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days out. Remember that certain debts, like child support and student loans, cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.

Cape Coral Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents across the state, including those in Cape Coral. They can advise on bankruptcy options and help with forms. Florida Rural Legal Services also serves the Lee County area and handles civil legal matters for qualifying individuals. The Lee County Bar Association may offer referrals as well.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. You pay a small fee and speak with a bankruptcy attorney who handles cases in the Middle District. Many Cape Coral and Fort Myers attorneys offer free initial consultations. If you choose to file pro se, the Middle District court has self-help guides on its website. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a Chapter 7 discharge removes personal liability on most qualifying debts. Even a brief meeting with a lawyer can help you understand which debts will be wiped out and which will remain.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Cape Coral. Each page covers local bankruptcy details and resources.