Pompano Beach Bankruptcy Records
Pompano Beach bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division. With a population of about 118,000, Pompano Beach sits in Broward County and produces a steady stream of bankruptcy filings each year. All cases are public records under federal law. You can search them online, by phone, or at the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Clerk of Court also keeps local civil records that may connect to bankruptcy filings from Pompano Beach residents.
Pompano Beach Quick Facts
Pompano Beach Bankruptcy Court and County
Pompano Beach is in Broward County. All bankruptcy cases from Pompano Beach go to the Southern District of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale Division handles filings from Broward County residents. The federal courthouse is at 299 East Broward Blvd., Room 112, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can call the court at (954) 769-5700 for questions about case status or how to file.
The Southern District of Florida bankruptcy court has divisions in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and West Palm Beach. Pompano Beach residents use the Fort Lauderdale Division since the city is in Broward County. A judge assigned to this division will hear your case. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or own property there to file. Pompano Beach falls squarely in the Southern District, so residents file here without any issue.
The court posts local rules, filing guides, and forms on its website. Hearings for Pompano Beach cases take place at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse. You do not need to go to Miami or West Palm Beach for your case.
Broward County Clerk of Court
The Broward County Clerk of Court is Brenda D. Forman. While bankruptcy is a federal matter, the county clerk keeps civil case records that often tie to bankruptcy filings. Judgments, liens, and foreclosure cases from Pompano Beach all pass through this office. If a creditor has sued you or filed a claim in Broward County, those records are with the clerk.
You can reach the Broward County Clerk at (954) 831-6565. The Broward County Clerk website has online tools to search civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they can reveal related matters like debt collection suits or mortgage foreclosures in Pompano Beach.
The screenshot below shows the Pompano Beach city government website, which offers local resources for residents at pompanobeachfl.gov.
From the city site you can find contact details for local government offices and community services that may help during financial hardship in Pompano Beach.
| Clerk | Brenda D. Forman |
|---|---|
| Phone | (954) 831-6565 |
| Website | browardclerk.org |
Pompano Beach Bankruptcy Courthouse
Pompano Beach residents attend bankruptcy hearings at the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The building is about 10 miles south of Pompano Beach, roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic. The courthouse has public parking nearby, and Broward County Transit bus routes serve the area.
The Fort Lauderdale Division of the Southern District handles all the paperwork for Pompano Beach bankruptcy cases. You file your petition and schedules with this court. A trustee gets assigned to your case, and the meeting of creditors takes place at the Fort Lauderdale location. Bring a valid photo ID and your Social Security card to any court appearance.
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida |
|---|---|
| Division | Fort Lauderdale |
| Address | 299 East Broward Blvd., Room 112, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 769-5700 |
| Website | flsb.uscourts.gov |
Search Pompano Beach Bankruptcy Records
There are three main ways to search for Pompano Beach bankruptcy records. PACER is the fastest online option. The VCIS phone line is free. And you can go to the Fort Lauderdale courthouse in person to use public terminals.
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It covers all federal courts, including the Southern District of Florida. You need a free account to use it. Once you log in, search by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If you spend less than $30 in a quarter, the fees get waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can search them.
The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Pompano Beach bankruptcy cases any time of day. The automated system can tell you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. No account is needed. VCIS is the best choice when you just need a quick answer about whether a case exists.
At the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, public terminals let you search and view Pompano Beach bankruptcy records for free. The clerk's office staff can help you find specific documents. Bring a valid ID. You can also request copies of filings while you are there.
Filing Bankruptcy in Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach residents file bankruptcy at the Fort Lauderdale Division. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types. Chapter 7 costs $338 to file. It erases most unsecured debts but may require giving up some assets. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. The court can allow installment payments on the filing fee if you show financial hardship.
Before you file, you must finish credit counseling from an approved agency. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a list of approved providers for the Southern District. This step is required by law and must happen within 180 days before filing. You also need to gather tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full list of your debts and assets. All forms are filed with the Fort Lauderdale Division court.
Once you file, an automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection actions against you right away. No more phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, or foreclosure moves while the stay is in place. The court will schedule a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after the filing date. Official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.
After you complete the bankruptcy process, a discharge order releases you from personal liability on qualifying debts under 11 U.S.C. Section 727. Not every debt can be discharged. Student loans, child support, and recent tax debts survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.
Pompano Beach Bankruptcy Legal Resources
Several groups help Pompano Beach residents with bankruptcy questions. Florida Legal Services gives free legal help to people with low income across the state. They can tell you if bankruptcy is the right choice and assist with forms. Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida also serves Broward County and may be able to help with bankruptcy-related civil issues.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Pompano Beach and all of Broward County. You pay a small fee for a first consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney. Many lawyers in the Fort Lauderdale area handle cases from Pompano Beach and offer free initial meetings. If you want to file without a lawyer, the Southern District court has pro se guides on its website to walk you through each step.
A bankruptcy attorney can help you understand Florida's exemption laws, which determine what property you keep. Florida has some of the most generous homestead protections in the country. Getting advice before you file can make a real difference in the outcome of your Pompano Beach case.
Nearby Cities
These Florida cities are near Pompano Beach. Each has its own page with local bankruptcy court details and resources for that area.