Hernando County Bankruptcy Filings
Hernando County bankruptcy records are processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Tampa Division serves all Hernando County residents who file for bankruptcy. Brooksville is the county seat, and the county has grown steadily in recent years. You can search these records online through PACER or call the free VCIS phone line for basic case details. The Hernando County Clerk of Court also keeps local civil records that may connect to bankruptcy cases. Whether you are looking up a past filing or checking on a current case, this page covers the steps you need to take.
Hernando County Quick Facts
Hernando County Clerk of Court
Doug Chorvat is the Hernando County Clerk of Court. The main office sits at 20 N. Main Street, Room 130, in Brooksville. Bankruptcy cases are federal matters, but the clerk manages local civil records that frequently relate to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, and foreclosure cases come through this office. If a creditor has filed a claim in Hernando County or a debtor has local court matters, the clerk's records can fill in useful details.
Reach the Hernando County Clerk at (352) 754-4201 during regular hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help you locate civil case records and guide you to the correct office for federal bankruptcy filings. The Hernando County Clerk website provides online tools for searching local court records. These are not bankruptcy files, but they can reveal related items like debt collection suits, mortgage foreclosures, and judgment liens in Hernando County. The website also covers recording fees and has document request forms.
Here is a screenshot of the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court FAQ page, which has information relevant to Hernando County filers. You can visit flmb.uscourts.gov for the full site.
The court FAQ section answers common questions about filing, fees, and procedures that apply to Hernando County residents using the Tampa Division.
| Clerk | Doug Chorvat |
|---|---|
| Address | 20 N. Main Street, Room 130, Brooksville, FL 34601 |
| Phone | (352) 754-4201 |
| Website | hernandoclerk.org |
Bankruptcy Court for Hernando County
Bankruptcy cases from Hernando County go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Tampa Division processes all filings. The courthouse address is 801 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, FL 33602. Call (813) 301-5162 for general questions. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing guides that apply to Hernando County.
Federal bankruptcy courts operate on a different track from state courts. The Hernando County Clerk does not handle bankruptcy petitions. Everything goes to the federal court in Tampa. A trustee gets assigned to each case once it is filed. Hearings for Hernando County residents take place at the Tampa courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the district or have property there. Hernando County is in the Middle District, so Tampa is the filing location.
The Middle District also has divisions in Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers for other parts of the state.
Search Hernando County Bankruptcy Records
Three main options exist for searching Hernando County bankruptcy records. PACER gives you the most detail. The VCIS phone line is free and quick. You can also visit the Tampa courthouse in person to use public terminals.
PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers every federal court, including the Middle District of Florida. You need a free account to search Hernando County bankruptcy records on PACER. Once logged in, search by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly totals under $30 are waived. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone has the right to search them.
VCIS is a free phone service. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Hernando County cases. The automated system can confirm whether a case exists and provide the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. It runs 24 hours a day, every day. No account required. VCIS works well for quick status checks.
The courthouse at 801 N. Florida Avenue in Tampa also has public access terminals. You can search and view Hernando County bankruptcy files for free. Bring a photo ID. Courthouse staff can help you request copies of specific documents from any case.
Filing Bankruptcy in Hernando County
Hernando County residents considering bankruptcy have a few options. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common for individuals. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts, though you may have to give up some assets. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan over three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. The court allows installment payments if you cannot pay all at once.
You must complete credit counseling before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Middle District. This is a legal requirement. You also need to gather your financial records: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of what you owe and what you own. All of this gets filed with the Tampa Division court.
After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 takes effect immediately. Collection calls stop. Lawsuits pause. Wage garnishments halt. Foreclosures freeze. A meeting of creditors typically happens 30 to 45 days after the petition goes in. You can find all official bankruptcy forms on the U.S. Courts website.
Hernando County Legal Resources
Bankruptcy is not simple. Several organizations can help Hernando County residents navigate the process. Florida Legal Services provides free help to low-income individuals statewide, including those in Hernando County. They advise on whether bankruptcy is the right choice and assist with forms and filings.
The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service for Hernando County. A small fee gets you a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who knows the local courts. If you prefer to file on your own, the Middle District court has pro se resources on its website. Pro se means representing yourself without a lawyer. The court posts guides and sample forms to help. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge frees the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Having professional guidance makes a real difference in getting the outcome you need.
Withlacoochee Area Legal Services also covers Hernando County and can help with civil legal issues that connect to bankruptcy cases.
Note that some debts cannot be wiped out. Student loans, child support, and certain tax debts survive bankruptcy. See 11 U.S.C. Section 523 for details.
Cities in Hernando County
Hernando County has several communities spread across its area. Brooksville is the county seat. All bankruptcy filings from Hernando County residents go through the Tampa Division of the Middle District court, regardless of your specific address.
Communities in Hernando County include Brooksville, Spring Hill, Weeki Wachee, and Ridge Manor. None of these meet the population threshold for a separate city page, but all residents file through the same Tampa Division court for bankruptcy cases.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Hernando County. If you are not sure which county you live in, verify your mailing address. Your county determines which court division handles your bankruptcy filing.