Find Largo Bankruptcy Records

Largo bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. Sitting in the heart of Pinellas County, Largo is the third largest city on the Pinellas peninsula. Residents file their cases at the federal courthouse in Tampa. These records are public under federal law, and you can search them online through PACER, by phone using the VCIS line, or in person at the Tampa courthouse. The Pinellas County Clerk of Court also keeps civil records that may relate to local bankruptcy filings.

Largo Bankruptcy Court and County

Largo is in Pinellas County. All bankruptcy filings from Largo residents go to the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The courthouse is at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 301-5162 for court questions. Getting from Largo to the Tampa courthouse means crossing the bay, which typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court has three divisions: Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. Pinellas County falls under the Tampa Division. Cases from Largo are assigned to judges in that division. All hearings and motions are handled at the Tampa courthouse. The court website posts local rules, calendars, and filing guides.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. Largo is in Pinellas County, part of the Middle District, so residents file at the Tampa Division.

Pinellas County Clerk of Court

Ken Burke is the Pinellas County Clerk of Court. The office is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk keeps civil records that often overlap with bankruptcy cases. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and collection suits all go through this office. If creditors have filed claims against you in Pinellas County, the clerk has those records on file.

You can reach the Pinellas County Clerk at (727) 464-7000 during business hours. The Pinellas County Clerk website has online tools for searching civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are not federal bankruptcy records. They are county court files. But they can reveal related matters like a foreclosure stayed by bankruptcy or a collection judgment that a trustee needs to deal with.

The Largo city government website is shown below, which provides local services and community information for residents.

From the Largo city site you can access community programs and find contact information for local offices that may assist during financial hardship.

Search Largo Bankruptcy Filings

Three ways let you search for bankruptcy records from Largo. PACER online is the most complete. VCIS by phone is free. And you can go to the Tampa courthouse to look at case files in person.

PACER covers all federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida. Sign up for a free account. Search by name, case number, or Social Security number to find Largo cases. Fees are $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly total is under $30, there is no charge. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case records are public. Anyone can search them.

The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a free phone line. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time. The automated system gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status. No account needed. VCIS is a solid choice when you just want to confirm if someone in Largo has a bankruptcy case.

You can also visit the Tampa Division courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue. Public terminals let you search and view files at no cost. Bring a valid photo ID. Clerk's office staff can assist you in locating specific documents. The drive across the bay from Largo is not long, but plan around bridge traffic during rush hour.

Filing Bankruptcy in Largo

Largo residents typically file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 costs $338 to file and eliminates most unsecured debts. You might have to give up certain property. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan for three to five years. If the fee is hard to pay all at once, the court can set up installments. A full fee waiver is sometimes available for Chapter 7 filers who qualify.

Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you can file. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps the approved list for the Middle District of Florida. This must be done within 180 days of your filing date. Pull together your pay stubs, tax returns, bank records, and a complete list of debts and assets. All forms are filed with the Tampa Division. Get the official forms from the U.S. Courts website.

After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 takes effect. Creditors must stop calling, suing, garnishing, and foreclosing right away. A meeting of creditors gets scheduled about 30 to 45 days out. Largo residents attend these at the Tampa courthouse, though phone hearings are sometimes allowed.

Largo Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income people statewide, including Largo residents. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right move and help with forms. Gulfcoast Legal Services also covers Pinellas County and may assist with civil debt matters for those who qualify.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service that covers Pinellas County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney. Many lawyers in the Largo and Clearwater area also offer free first meetings. If you want to file without a lawyer, the Middle District court posts pro se resources on its website. Pro se means you handle your own case from start to finish.

A Chapter 7 discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases you from personal liability on most debts. Not every debt qualifies, though. Student loans, child support, alimony, and certain tax debts remain after bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. Talk with a lawyer to find out what your Largo case can realistically accomplish. Even a short consultation can make a real difference in how you approach your filing.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are close to Largo. Each page covers local bankruptcy court information and resources.