Search Miami Bankruptcy Records

Miami bankruptcy records are managed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. The court handles a large number of cases each year, given the size and economic activity of the Miami area. Bankruptcy filings from Miami residents are public records that anyone can access. The Miami Division courthouse on North Miami Avenue processes all new petitions and maintains case files going back decades. You can search records through PACER, call the VCIS line, or visit the courthouse in person. The Miami-Dade County Clerk also keeps related civil case records that often connect to bankruptcy matters.

Miami Bankruptcy Court and County

Miami is the county seat of Miami-Dade County. All bankruptcy filings from Miami go to the Southern District of Florida, Miami Division. The courthouse is at 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, FL 33128. You can call (305) 714-1800 for general court information. The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court website has local rules, forms, and filing instructions.

The Southern District covers a large swath of South Florida, from Miami-Dade up through the Treasure Coast. The Miami Division handles cases from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. Multiple bankruptcy judges sit in this division because of the high case volume. Miami sees more filings than most Florida cities due to its large population and the economic pressures that come with a major metro area. Hearings take place at the North Miami Avenue courthouse.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or have a business there to file. Miami residents are in the Southern District and file through the Miami Division.

Miami-Dade County Clerk

The Miami-Dade County Clerk is Juan Fernandez-Barquin. The main office is at 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130. Bankruptcy is a federal process, but the county clerk handles local civil records that may relate to a bankruptcy case. Judgments, liens, foreclosures, and small claims cases all pass through this office. When a Miami resident files for bankruptcy, related state court actions often show up in the county clerk's records.

You can reach the clerk at (305) 275-1155. The Miami-Dade County Clerk website lets you search civil cases, view recorded documents, and look up court dockets online. These are state court records, not federal bankruptcy files. But they can show you the full picture of a debtor's legal situation in Miami-Dade County. A foreclosure case in state court, for example, might be paused by a federal bankruptcy filing.

The screenshot below shows the Miami city government website, which you can visit at miamigov.com.

The city site provides links to local services and community resources that may help Miami residents dealing with financial hardship.

Search Miami Bankruptcy Filings

You have three main options to search Miami bankruptcy records. PACER is the fastest. VCIS works by phone. You can also go to the courthouse on North Miami Avenue.

PACER lets you search all federal court records online, including the Southern District of Florida. Set up a free account, then look up Miami cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. Fees under $30 per quarter are waived entirely. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, these records are public. Anyone can view them.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 for free, automated case info. The system gives you the case number, filing date, chapter, and current status. It runs around the clock. No account is needed. VCIS is best for quick checks on whether someone has a case on file in the Southern District.

In person, go to 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150. The clerk's office has public terminals where you can search and view case files at no cost. Bring a photo ID. Court staff can help you find specific documents or pull up older Miami bankruptcy cases from the archive.

Filing for Bankruptcy in Miami

Most Miami filers choose Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 has a filing fee of $338. It eliminates most unsecured debts. You may need to give up some non-exempt property. Chapter 13 costs $313 to file. It sets up a repayment plan lasting three to five years. If you can't pay the full fee upfront, ask the court about installment payments. Chapter 7 filers may also qualify for a fee waiver.

Credit counseling is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Southern District of Florida. You must complete counseling within 180 days before filing your petition. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full accounting of debts and assets. The U.S. Courts website has every form you need.

An automatic stay goes into effect when you file, under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection activity. No more calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure actions while the stay is active. The court sets a meeting of creditors within 30 to 45 days. Some debts cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, including child support, alimony, and most student loans.

Miami Bankruptcy Legal Help

Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income residents across the state. Miami residents can get help with bankruptcy questions, document preparation, and referrals. Legal Services of Greater Miami is another group that serves the local community with free civil legal help for those who qualify.

The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service. You pay a small fee and get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney in the Miami area. Many local firms also offer free first meetings. If you want to file on your own, the Southern District court has pro se guides on its website. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge ends your personal liability on most qualifying debts. Getting the filing right is important, so consider talking to a lawyer even if you plan to go it alone.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are close to Miami. Each page covers local court details and resources for that area.