St. Petersburg Bankruptcy Records

St. Petersburg bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. St. Petersburg does not have its own bankruptcy division. Instead, all cases from Pinellas County go to the Tampa courthouse. These records are public and available to anyone. You can search them online using PACER, call VCIS for basic case information, or visit the Tampa Division clerk's office in person. The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court also holds local civil records that may connect to federal bankruptcy filings for St. Petersburg residents.

St. Petersburg Bankruptcy Court

St. Petersburg is in Pinellas County. Bankruptcy cases from St. Petersburg residents are handled by the Tampa Division of the Middle District of Florida. The courthouse is at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. You can call (813) 301-5162 for court info. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has local rules, forms, and filing guides.

Since Pinellas County falls under the Tampa Division, St. Petersburg residents must file their petitions in Tampa. Hearings and meetings of creditors also take place at the Tampa courthouse. The drive from downtown St. Petersburg to the Tampa courthouse is roughly 25 to 30 minutes across the bay. The Tampa Division handles cases from a large group of west-central Florida counties, making it the busiest division in the Middle District.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor must reside in the district or have property there. St. Petersburg is in the Middle District, so residents file at the Tampa Division.

Pinellas County Clerk of Court

The Pinellas County Clerk of the Circuit Court is Ken Burke. The main office is at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, FL 33756. While bankruptcy filings are federal, the county clerk maintains local civil records. Foreclosures, judgments, liens, and collection suits in Pinellas County all go through this office. When a St. Petersburg resident files for bankruptcy, related state court cases often appear in the clerk's system.

Call (727) 464-7000 to reach the clerk's office. The Pinellas County Clerk website lets you search civil cases, recorded documents, and court dockets online. These are state records, not bankruptcy files. But they give you a fuller view of a debtor's legal situation. A mortgage foreclosure in Pinellas County, for example, might be put on hold by a federal bankruptcy stay.

The screenshot below shows the St. Petersburg city government website, which you can visit at stpete.org.

The city site provides links to community programs and local services for St. Petersburg residents.

Search St. Petersburg Bankruptcy Records

You can search St. Petersburg bankruptcy records three ways: online through PACER, by phone with VCIS, or in person at the Tampa courthouse.

PACER is the federal electronic records system. Create a free account, then search for St. Petersburg cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. The Middle District of Florida is the court you want. PACER charges $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. If your quarterly total is under $30, there is no charge. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy files are public. You can look up anyone's case.

VCIS is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 for automated case info. The system provides case numbers, filing dates, chapter types, and case status. It works around the clock. No account or registration needed. This is the fastest way to check if someone in St. Petersburg has filed for bankruptcy.

In person, visit the Tampa Division courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555. Public terminals let you search and view case files for free. Bring a valid photo ID. Court staff can help locate specific St. Petersburg filings or documents.

Filing Bankruptcy in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg residents file at the Tampa Division. Chapter 7 is the most common type and costs $338. It wipes out most unsecured debts. Chapter 13 costs $313 and sets up a three-to-five-year repayment plan. The court can allow installment payments if you cannot afford the full fee. Fee waivers are available for Chapter 7 filers with very low income.

You need to complete credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Middle District. The counseling must happen within 180 days of your filing date. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full inventory of debts and assets. Official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

When your petition is filed, the automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Collection calls stop. Lawsuits, garnishments, and foreclosures are put on hold. The court schedules a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days later. Not everything gets wiped out. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, debts like child support, alimony, and most student loans survive bankruptcy.

Legal Help in St. Petersburg

Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income people across the state. St. Petersburg residents can get guidance on filing, debt relief options, and form preparation. Gulfcoast Legal Services is another organization that serves the Tampa Bay area and may handle bankruptcy-related issues for qualifying clients.

The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service. For a small fee, you can speak with a bankruptcy attorney who serves St. Petersburg. Many lawyers in the area give free first consultations. If you file on your own, the Middle District court has pro se resources. A Chapter 7 discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 eliminates personal liability on most debts. Talking to an attorney before you file is a smart step, even if you end up handling the case yourself.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near St. Petersburg. Each has its own page with local bankruptcy court details.