Jacksonville Bankruptcy Records

Jacksonville bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. As the largest city in Florida by both area and population, Jacksonville generates a high volume of bankruptcy filings each year. These cases are public records. The Jacksonville Division courthouse on North Hogan Street handles all filings for Duval County residents. You can search these records online, by phone, or in person at the courthouse. The Duval County Clerk of Court also keeps related civil records that may tie to local bankruptcy cases.

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Court and County

Jacksonville sits in Duval County. The city and county share a consolidated government, so there is no separate county seat. All bankruptcy filings from Jacksonville residents go to the Middle District of Florida. The Jacksonville Division covers Duval County and several nearby counties. The federal courthouse is at 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202. You can call the court at (904) 301-6490 for basic questions about your case or filing procedures.

The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court runs three main divisions: Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. Jacksonville has its own division, which means residents do not need to travel to Tampa or Orlando for hearings. Cases filed here stay in the Jacksonville courthouse. A bankruptcy judge assigned to this division handles local matters. The court posts local rules and filing guides on its site.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or have property there to file. Jacksonville is firmly in the Middle District, so residents file at the Jacksonville Division.

Duval County Clerk of Court

The Duval County Clerk of Court is Jody Phillips. The office is at 501 W. Adams St., Jacksonville, FL 32202. While bankruptcy is a federal matter, the county clerk keeps civil records that often relate to bankruptcy cases. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection suits all pass through this office. If a creditor has filed a claim against you in Duval County, or if there are local court cases tied to your debts, those records are with the clerk.

You can reach the clerk at (904) 255-2000. The Duval County Clerk website has tools to search civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets online. These are not bankruptcy files, but they can show related matters. For instance, a mortgage foreclosure in Duval County might be stayed by a bankruptcy filing, and both records would appear in different systems.

The screenshot below shows the Duval County Clerk of Court website, which you can visit at duvalclerk.com.

From this site you can search civil cases and recorded documents for Duval County, which may show records tied to Jacksonville bankruptcy filings.

Search Jacksonville Bankruptcy Records

There are three ways to search for bankruptcy records in Jacksonville. The fastest is PACER. You can also use VCIS by phone. And you can go in person to the courthouse on North Hogan Street.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers all bankruptcy courts, including the Middle District of Florida. You need a free account to search. Once logged in, you can look up Jacksonville bankruptcy cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a cap of $3.00 per document. If your total stays under $30 in a quarter, the fees are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy records are public. Anyone can search them for any reason.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is free. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on any case in the Middle District. The automated system provides the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. It runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. No account needed. VCIS works well when you just need a quick yes or no on whether someone filed.

You can also visit the Jacksonville Division courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street. Public terminals in the clerk's office let you search and view case files at no charge. Bring a valid photo ID. Staff can help you locate specific documents or filings from Jacksonville cases.

Filing Bankruptcy in Jacksonville

Jacksonville residents most often file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. It wipes out most unsecured debts but may require giving up certain property. Chapter 13 costs $313 and sets up a repayment plan over three to five years. The court can let you pay the filing fee in installments if you show financial hardship. Some filers qualify for a full fee waiver under Chapter 7.

Before filing, you must complete credit counseling from an approved agency. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps the list of approved providers for the Middle District of Florida. This is required by law and must happen within 180 days before you file. You also need to gather pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and a full list of debts and assets. All forms go to the Jacksonville Division court.

Once your case is filed, an automatic stay takes effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This stops creditors from calling, suing, or garnishing your wages. Foreclosures and repossessions also halt while the stay is in place. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. Official bankruptcy forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

Jacksonville Bankruptcy Legal Resources

Several groups help Jacksonville residents with bankruptcy. Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income individuals across the state. They can advise on whether filing makes sense and help with paperwork. Jacksonville Area Legal Aid (JALA) is another option for those who qualify based on income. They handle civil matters and can refer you to bankruptcy help.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney who handles Jacksonville cases. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations as well. If you plan to file without a lawyer, the Middle District court provides pro se resources on its website. Pro se means you handle your own case. The court has guides and sample forms to walk you through the steps.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases you from personal liability on most debts. But not all debts qualify. Student loans, child support, alimony, and certain taxes survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. A lawyer can help you understand which debts will be cleared and which will remain after your Jacksonville case is resolved.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Jacksonville. Each has its own page with local bankruptcy court details and resources specific to that area.