Tampa Bankruptcy Filings

Tampa bankruptcy records are handled by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The Tampa Division is the busiest of the three divisions in the Middle District, processing a large share of all bankruptcy cases in the region. Records filed here are open to the public. The courthouse on North Florida Avenue in downtown Tampa is where all new petitions are filed and hearings take place. You can search these records online via PACER, by phone through VCIS, or in person at the clerk's office. Hillsborough County's clerk also maintains related civil records.

Tampa Bankruptcy Court and County

Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County. Bankruptcy filings from Tampa 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 information. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has local rules, forms, fee schedules, and filing guides.

The Tampa Division covers Hillsborough County along with several surrounding counties in west-central Florida. This makes it one of the higher-volume divisions in the state. Multiple judges handle cases here. The Middle District also has divisions in Jacksonville and Orlando, but Tampa residents file locally. Hearings, meetings of creditors, and all court proceedings for Tampa cases take place at the North Florida Avenue courthouse.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. Tampa sits squarely in the Middle District's Tampa Division.

Hillsborough County Clerk of Court

The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court is Cindy Stuart. The main office is at 800 E. Twiggs Street, Tampa, FL 33602. While bankruptcy petitions go to federal court, the county clerk keeps local civil records that may relate to a bankruptcy case. Foreclosures, debt collection lawsuits, liens, and judgments are all filed through this office. These state court records can show the broader legal picture for a Tampa debtor.

Reach the clerk at (813) 276-8100. The Hillsborough County Clerk website offers online tools to search civil cases, view court dockets, and look up recorded documents. These are not bankruptcy files. But a creditor judgment in Hillsborough County, for instance, might be discharged in a federal bankruptcy case, and both sets of records tell part of the story.

Below is a screenshot of the Tampa city government website, which you can visit at tampa.gov.

The city website has links to local services and community programs that may help Tampa residents facing financial difficulty.

How to Search Tampa Bankruptcy Records

There are three ways to search Tampa bankruptcy records. PACER is the fastest online option. VCIS gives you basic info by phone. And you can visit the Tampa courthouse in person.

PACER covers all federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida. Create a free account and search Tampa cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly total stays under $30, the fees are waived. Bankruptcy records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone can look them up.

Call 1-866-222-8029 for VCIS. The Voice Case Information System is free and automated. It tells you whether a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. No account required. The line runs 24 hours a day. This works well for a quick check on a Tampa bankruptcy filing.

You can also go to the courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555. Public terminals in the clerk's office let you search and view Tampa case files at no charge. Bring a valid ID. Staff can assist with finding documents or navigating the system.

Filing Bankruptcy in Tampa

Tampa residents typically file Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. The Chapter 7 fee is $338. It discharges most unsecured debts, though some assets may not be exempt. Chapter 13 costs $313 and creates a repayment plan over three to five years. You can request installment payments for the filing fee. Some Chapter 7 filers qualify for a fee waiver based on income.

You must complete credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice maintains the list of approved counseling agencies for the Middle District. This must be done within 180 days of filing. Collect your tax returns, pay stubs, bank records, and a detailed list of all debts and property. The U.S. Courts website has all required forms.

Filing triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection efforts immediately. No calls, lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosure proceedings while the stay is active. A meeting of creditors is set about 30 to 45 days after you file. Certain debts survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, including child support and most student loans.

Tampa Legal Resources for Bankruptcy

Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income people statewide, including Tampa. They can help you figure out if bankruptcy is the right step and assist with forms. Bay Area Legal Services is a Tampa-based organization that provides free civil legal aid to qualifying residents. They handle a range of issues and can refer you to bankruptcy help.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral program. Pay a small fee and get a consultation with a local bankruptcy attorney. Plenty of Tampa lawyers also offer free initial meetings. If you file pro se (without a lawyer), the Middle District court has resources on its website to guide you through the process. A discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 eliminates personal liability on most debts. Getting the paperwork right from the start saves time and avoids problems down the road.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Tampa. Each page has local bankruptcy court info and resources for that area.