Lake County Bankruptcy Record Search
Lake County bankruptcy records are filed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division handles all cases from Lake County residents. Tavares serves as the county seat, and the county has seen steady growth in recent years with a population now above 400,000. You can search these records online through PACER or call the free VCIS phone line. The Lake County Clerk of Court also maintains local civil records that may relate to bankruptcy cases. This page explains each option and what you need to know about bankruptcy records in Lake County.
Lake County Quick Facts
Lake County Clerk of Court
Larry R. Camp serves as the Lake County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 551 W. Main Street in Tavares. Bankruptcy is a federal matter, but the clerk manages local civil records that often connect to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, and foreclosure cases all run through this office. When a creditor files a claim in Lake County or a debtor has pending civil cases, the clerk's records can add important context to what you find in the federal bankruptcy docket.
You can reach the Lake County Clerk at (352) 742-4106 during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with civil case lookups and point you toward the right office for federal bankruptcy records. The Lake County Clerk website has online tools for searching local court records. These are not bankruptcy case files, but they show related matters like debt collection suits, mortgage foreclosures, and judgment liens filed in the county. The site also has information about recording fees and how to request copies of documents.
Below is a screenshot of the Lake County Clerk of Court homepage. You can visit the full site at lakeclerk.org.
From the clerk site you can search civil cases, view recorded documents, and find contact information for all Lake County court locations.
| Clerk | Larry R. Camp |
|---|---|
| Address | 551 W. Main Street, Tavares, FL 32778 |
| Phone | (352) 742-4106 |
| Website | lakeclerk.org |
Bankruptcy Court for Lake County
Bankruptcy cases from Lake County are filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division processes all filings from this area. The courthouse address is 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Call (407) 237-8000 for general questions about court operations. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
Federal bankruptcy courts are completely separate from state courts. The Lake County Clerk does not accept or process bankruptcy petitions. All filings go directly to the federal court in Orlando. A bankruptcy trustee gets assigned to every case. Hearings for Lake County residents take place at the Orlando courthouse. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the district or own property there. Lake County falls in the Middle District, so residents file through the Orlando Division.
The Orlando Division serves several Central Florida counties. The Middle District also has divisions in Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers.
Search Lake County Bankruptcy Records
You have three main ways to search for bankruptcy records from Lake County. PACER gives you the most complete access. The VCIS phone line is free for quick checks. And you can visit the Orlando courthouse to use public terminals.
PACER is the federal court electronic records system. It covers all federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida. To search Lake County bankruptcy records, create a free PACER account. Once logged in, look up cases by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. Quarterly totals under $30 are waived entirely. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can search them.
VCIS is a free phone service for checking on cases. Call 1-866-222-8029 to look up Lake County bankruptcy cases. The automated system tells you if a case exists and provides the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. It runs 24 hours a day. No account required. This is the best option for a quick status check when you just need basic information.
You can also visit the courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street in Orlando. Public access terminals are available for searching and viewing Lake County bankruptcy case files at no charge. Bring a valid ID. Courthouse staff can help you find specific documents or get copies from a case file.
Filing Bankruptcy in Lake County
Lake County residents who need to file for bankruptcy can choose between several chapters. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are most common for individuals. Chapter 7 eliminates most debts. You may lose some property. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan that lasts three to five years. The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. The court can approve installment payments if paying the full amount at once is not possible.
Before you file in Lake County, credit counseling is required. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Middle District of Florida. This is mandatory under federal law. Gather your financial records too: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete accounting of debts and assets. All paperwork goes to the Orlando Division court.
After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 takes hold right away. Creditors must stop calling, suing, garnishing wages, and foreclosing. The court schedules a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after the petition date. You can get all official forms from the U.S. Courts website.
Lake County Legal Resources
Bankruptcy can be a difficult process. Several organizations help Lake County residents who need guidance. Florida Legal Services provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals across the state, including Lake County. They can help determine if bankruptcy is the right option and assist with filing paperwork.
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service that covers Lake County. For a small fee, you can speak with a bankruptcy attorney. If you plan to file without a lawyer, the Middle District court has pro se resources on its website. Pro se filers represent themselves. The court provides guides and sample forms. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. Getting legal advice can help make sure you take the right steps.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida serves the Lake County area and offers help with civil legal matters, including issues that connect to bankruptcy filings.
Some debts survive bankruptcy. Student loans, child support, and certain tax debts typically cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.
Cities in Lake County
Lake County includes many smaller cities and towns. Tavares is the county seat. All bankruptcy filings from Lake County residents go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court, regardless of which community you live in.
Cities and towns in Lake County include Tavares, Leesburg, Clermont, Eustis, Mount Dora, and Lady Lake. None of these meet the population threshold for a separate city page, but all residents file through the same Orlando Division court for bankruptcy matters.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Lake County. If you are not sure which county you live in, check your mailing address. Your county determines the correct federal court division for your bankruptcy case.