Search Broward County Bankruptcy Records

Broward County bankruptcy records are managed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale Division handles all bankruptcy filings from Broward County residents. With a population over 1.9 million, Broward is one of the busiest counties in the state for bankruptcy cases. You can search these records online through PACER, call the VCIS phone line, or visit the federal courthouse in Fort Lauderdale. The Broward County Clerk of Court also holds civil records that may tie to local bankruptcy matters, such as lien filings and debt-related lawsuits.

Broward County Clerk of Court

Brenda D. Forman serves as the Broward County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 201 S.E. 6th Street in Fort Lauderdale. This office does not handle bankruptcy petitions directly. Those go to the federal court. But the clerk keeps civil case records, judgment liens, and property filings that often come up alongside bankruptcy cases. If a creditor sued a Broward County resident before the bankruptcy filing, that case will be on file here.

Call (954) 831-6565 to reach the clerk's office. Hours are Monday through Friday. Staff can help you pull civil records and look up local court cases. The Broward County Clerk website has a full online records search tool. You can look up civil cases, traffic records, and recorded documents from your home. These are not federal bankruptcy files, but they add useful context. Foreclosure cases, garnishment orders, and debt suits all show up in the clerk's system.

The Broward County Clerk site is shown below. You can access it at browardclerk.org.

The clerk's online portal lets you run case searches, view documents, and check filing status for civil and family law matters in Broward County.

Broward County Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy cases from Broward County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Fort Lauderdale Division handles these filings. The courthouse is at 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. You can call (954) 769-5700 for court information. The Southern District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides.

The Southern District is one of the busiest bankruptcy courts in the country. Broward County's large population means a high volume of cases. Federal judges and trustees handle Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. The clerk of the bankruptcy court manages case files, not the Broward County Clerk. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or have property there to file. Broward County falls in the Fort Lauderdale Division, so all local cases go through that office.

The Southern District also has divisions in Miami and West Palm Beach. But Broward County residents use the Fort Lauderdale Division for their filings.

Search Broward Bankruptcy Case Records

You have three main ways to search bankruptcy records in Broward County. PACER is the fastest. The VCIS phone line is free. And you can visit the courthouse in person.

PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers all districts, including the Southern District of Florida. Set up a free account, then search by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your total stays under $30 in a quarter, there is no charge. Broward County bankruptcy records on PACER include petitions, schedules, motions, and court orders. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, these are public records that anyone can view.

The Voice Case Information System lets you check cases by phone. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time. The automated system gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, and current status. No account is needed. It works well when you just want a quick answer about a Broward County case.

You can also go to the courthouse at 299 East Broward Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. Public terminals are open for searching case files. Bring a photo ID. Staff at the clerk's window can help you find specific documents or get copies of filings from Broward County bankruptcy cases.

Bankruptcy Filing in Broward County

Filing for bankruptcy in Broward County starts with choosing the right chapter. Chapter 7 liquidation is the most common for individuals who want a fresh start. It wipes out most unsecured debts. The filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 reorganization lets you keep your property and pay debts over three to five years. That filing fee is $313. If you can't pay the fee at once, ask the court for an installment plan.

Before filing, Broward County residents must take credit counseling from an approved provider. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Southern District of Florida. This is not optional. You need the counseling certificate before the court will accept your petition. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, bank records, and a full list of debts and assets. File everything with the Fort Lauderdale Division.

Once you file, an automatic stay goes into effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection actions against you right away. No more phone calls, lawsuits, or wage garnishments while the stay holds. The court sets a meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. All the official forms are on the U.S. Courts website.

Broward County Bankruptcy Legal Help

Bankruptcy law is complex. Getting help makes a difference. Florida Legal Services provides free legal aid to low-income residents across the state. They can help Broward County residents figure out if bankruptcy is the right choice and assist with the paperwork.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service. Pay a small fee and get a meeting with a bankruptcy attorney who serves Broward County. Many local attorneys offer free initial consultations too. If you want to file pro se, the Southern District court has guides and sample forms on its website. Pro se filers represent themselves. The court does not give legal advice, but the resources can walk you through each step.

Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a Chapter 7 discharge releases you from most personal debts. But some debts survive. Student loans, child support, and recent tax debts cannot be erased through bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523. A lawyer can help you understand what will and won't be covered in your Broward County case.

Cities in Broward County

Broward County has many large cities. All bankruptcy filings from Broward County go through the Fort Lauderdale Division of the Southern District court, no matter which city you live in.

Other communities in Broward County include Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Weston, and Dania Beach. Residents of these areas also file bankruptcy through the same Fort Lauderdale Division court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Broward County. All are in the Southern District of Florida. Your county determines which division handles your case, so check your address if you live near a county line.