Find DeSoto County Bankruptcy Records
DeSoto County bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Fort Myers Division covers DeSoto County, though the Tampa Division handles the actual processing since Fort Myers has no staffed Bankruptcy Clerk's Office. DeSoto County is one of the smaller counties in this part of the state, with a population just over 35,000. Residents can search for bankruptcy case records using PACER, the VCIS phone line, or by going to the Tampa courthouse. The DeSoto County Clerk of Court also keeps local civil records that can connect to bankruptcy matters.
DeSoto County Quick Facts
DeSoto County Clerk of Court
Juanita S. Wise serves as the DeSoto County Clerk of Court. The office is at 115 East Oak Street, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the county clerk keeps civil records that sometimes tie to bankruptcy cases. Property records, liens, and local judgments are all filed through this office. If a creditor took action in DeSoto County courts before or during a bankruptcy, those records may show up here.
Reach the DeSoto County Clerk at (863) 993-4876 during regular business hours. Staff can help you find civil case records and direct you to the right court for federal bankruptcy questions. The DeSoto County Clerk website offers online tools to search local court records. You will not find federal bankruptcy files here, but you can pull up foreclosure cases, debt collection lawsuits, and judgment liens that may relate to a bankruptcy case in DeSoto County.
The screenshot below shows the DeSoto County Clerk of Court website at desotoclerk.com.
Use the clerk site to search civil cases, view recorded documents, and find office contact information for DeSoto County.
| Clerk | Juanita S. Wise |
|---|---|
| Address | 115 East Oak Street, Room 101, Arcadia, FL 34266 |
| Phone | (863) 993-4876 |
| Website | desotoclerk.com |
Bankruptcy Court Serving DeSoto County
DeSoto County falls in the Fort Myers Division of the Middle District of Florida. Since Fort Myers has no staffed Bankruptcy Clerk's Office, all filings from DeSoto County must go through the Tampa Division. The Tampa courthouse is at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 301-5162 for court questions. The Middle District court website has forms, rules, and filing guides you can use.
Most attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF, so the lack of a local clerk's office does not slow things down much. If you are filing on your own, you can mail your documents to the Tampa address or file in person. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must live in the district or have property there to file. DeSoto County is in the Middle District, so all residents file through this system.
Hearings for DeSoto County cases may be scheduled in Fort Myers or Tampa. Your case docket on PACER will list the hearing location and time.
Search DeSoto County Bankruptcy Records
You have three ways to search DeSoto County bankruptcy records. PACER gives the most complete access. VCIS handles quick lookups. And the Tampa courthouse has public terminals for in-person searches.
PACER is the federal electronic records system covering all federal courts. Sign up for a free account, then search DeSoto County bankruptcy records by name, case number, or Social Security number. The cost is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If you use less than $30 in a quarter, you pay nothing. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can look them up without special permission.
VCIS is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 at any hour. The automated line can confirm if a case exists, give you the case number, the filing date, the chapter type, and the case status for DeSoto County filings. No account needed.
You can also go to the Tampa courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue. Public terminals there let you search and view case files at no charge. Staff can help you get copies of documents from any DeSoto County bankruptcy case. Bring a valid ID when you visit.
Filing Bankruptcy in DeSoto County
DeSoto County residents file for bankruptcy through the Tampa Division of the Middle District. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types. Chapter 7 can erase most unsecured debts. Some property may be at risk. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan lasting three to five years. The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338 and Chapter 13 is $313. Installment payment plans are available if you cannot pay up front.
You must complete credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice has a list of approved agencies for the Middle District. Gather your tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a full list of your debts and assets. The U.S. Courts website has all official forms.
After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 stops most collection actions right away. No more calls from creditors. No lawsuits. No wage garnishments. The court schedules a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after the petition is filed. This is a required step in every bankruptcy case from DeSoto County.
DeSoto County Legal Resources
Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income residents across the state. DeSoto County residents can contact them for bankruptcy advice and help with forms. This can make a real difference if you are not sure where to start.
The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service that includes DeSoto County. You pay a small fee and get a consultation with an attorney. The Middle District court also posts pro se resources on its website for people who want to file without a lawyer. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases you from personal liability on most debts. Getting through the process correctly is important, so think about getting legal help even if money is tight.
Some debts are not dischargeable. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, child support, alimony, most student loans, and certain tax debts survive bankruptcy. An attorney can tell you which of your debts can be eliminated and which will remain.
Cities in DeSoto County
DeSoto County includes Arcadia, which is the county seat, along with several unincorporated communities. All bankruptcy filings from DeSoto County go through the Fort Myers Division of the Middle District, with documents processed at the Tampa office. No cities in DeSoto County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page, but the filing process is the same for every resident in the county.
Nearby Counties
These counties are next to DeSoto County. Your county determines which federal division handles your bankruptcy case. Double-check your address if you are near a county line.