Orlando Bankruptcy Record Search

Orlando bankruptcy records are filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. The Orlando Division handles cases from Orange County and surrounding areas of Central Florida. These records are public and open for anyone to search. The courthouse on West Washington Street in downtown Orlando processes new filings and keeps case records going back many years. You can access Orlando bankruptcy records through PACER online, by calling VCIS, or by visiting the clerk's office in person. The Orange County Comptroller also maintains local civil records that sometimes relate to bankruptcy filings.

Orlando Bankruptcy Court and County

Orlando is the county seat of Orange County. All bankruptcy filings from Orlando go to the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Call (407) 237-8000 for court info. The Middle District bankruptcy court website posts local rules, forms, and filing procedures for all three of its divisions.

The Orlando Division serves a wide section of Central Florida, covering Orange County and several neighboring counties. The region's growth over the past two decades has pushed case volume higher. Bankruptcy judges assigned to this division hear cases at the Washington Street courthouse. The Middle District also has divisions in Tampa and Jacksonville, but Orlando residents always file locally. Hearings and meetings of creditors take place here in Orlando.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, filers must live in the district or have property there. Orlando is in the Middle District, so residents use the Orlando Division.

Orange County Comptroller

The Orange County Comptroller is Tiffany Moore Russell. The office is at 425 N. Orange Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801. In Orange County, the Comptroller serves as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and handles local civil records. Bankruptcy is federal, but this office maintains the state court records that often tie into a bankruptcy case. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and evictions all come through here.

Call (407) 836-2000 to reach the Comptroller's office. The Orange County Comptroller website has online search tools for civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are state court records, not federal bankruptcy files. But when an Orlando resident files for bankruptcy, local court actions like foreclosures or debt lawsuits may be affected, and those records are in the Comptroller's system.

Below is a screenshot of the Orlando city government website, available at orlando.gov.

The city site links to community services and programs that may benefit Orlando residents going through financial hardship.

Search Orlando Bankruptcy Records

Three main options exist for searching Orlando bankruptcy records. PACER is the quickest online method. VCIS works over the phone. And the courthouse on Washington Street has public access terminals.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers the Middle District of Florida and every other federal court. Sign up for a free account, then search Orlando cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. The cost is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly fees under $30 are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. No special reason is needed to view them.

VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. Dial 1-866-222-8029 for free case info. The automated line gives you the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. It runs 24 hours a day. No account is needed. VCIS is good for a fast check on whether a case exists in the Middle District.

Visit the courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, in Orlando. Public terminals there let you search and view case files for free. Bring a photo ID. The clerk's staff can help you find specific filings or documents in an Orlando bankruptcy case.

Bankruptcy Filing in Orlando

Orlando residents most often file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Chapter 7 costs $338 and wipes out most unsecured debts. Some non-exempt property may be sold to pay creditors. Chapter 13 costs $313 and puts you on a repayment plan for three to five years. The court allows installment payments on the filing fee. Chapter 7 filers with very low income may get the fee waived.

Credit counseling is required before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice has the approved agency list for the Middle District of Florida. This step must happen within 180 days of your petition date. You also need tax returns, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of your debts and assets. All forms are available on the U.S. Courts website.

Once you file, an automatic stay begins under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. This halts all collection actions against you. No calls, lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosures. The court sets a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days out. Keep in mind that some debts survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, such as child support, alimony, and certain tax debts.

Orlando Legal Resources

Florida Legal Services provides free help to low-income residents statewide. Orlando residents can get guidance on bankruptcy options and paperwork. Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida also serves the Orlando area with free civil legal assistance for those who qualify by income.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that connects you with a bankruptcy attorney in the Orlando area. Many local attorneys offer free consultations. If you choose to file pro se, the Middle District court has guides on its website. A discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 releases you from personal liability on most qualifying debts. Even if you plan to represent yourself, a quick consultation with a lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes in your Orlando filing.

Nearby Cities

These Florida cities are near Orlando. Each page has local court details and bankruptcy resources.