Nassau County Bankruptcy Record Search

Nassau County bankruptcy records are processed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. The county seat is Fernandina Beach, but the clerk's main office has moved to Yulee. Nassau County sits in the northeast corner of Florida, just north of Jacksonville, with a growing population now over 90,000. All bankruptcy petitions from Nassau County residents go to the Jacksonville federal courthouse. You can search case records online through PACER, check case status by calling the free VCIS phone line, or go to the courthouse in person. The Nassau County Clerk of Court handles local civil records that can tie into bankruptcy filings.

Nassau County Clerk of Court

John M. Drew is the Nassau County Clerk of Court. The main office is at 76347 Veterans Way in Yulee. While bankruptcy is a federal matter, the local clerk handles civil records that relate to bankruptcy cases. Liens, property transfers, foreclosure actions, and judgments from creditor lawsuits all get filed through this office. These records can help paint a complete picture of a Nassau County debtor's financial history before and during a bankruptcy case.

Contact the Nassau County Clerk at (904) 548-4600 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Staff can assist with local court record searches and help you understand where to go for federal bankruptcy filings. The Nassau County Clerk website lets you look up civil court cases and recorded documents online. You won't find federal bankruptcy case files there, but the local records can show you foreclosure cases, debt collection suits, and judgment liens filed against Nassau County residents that may be linked to a bankruptcy filing.

Below is the Nassau County Clerk of Court website, which you can visit at nassauclerk.org.

From the clerk website you can access court case records, recorded documents, and contact information for all Nassau County court services.

Bankruptcy Court for Nassau County

Nassau County bankruptcy cases go to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division. The courthouse address is 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Call (904) 301-6490 for court questions. The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court website provides access to local rules, filing guides, required forms, and hearing schedules that cover Nassau County filings.

Federal bankruptcy courts are separate from the state court system. The Nassau County Clerk does not handle bankruptcy petitions. All filings go directly to the federal court in Jacksonville. Each case gets assigned a trustee who reviews the debtor's assets and debts. Nassau County residents travel to Jacksonville for hearings. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, filers must reside in the district or have property there. Nassau County is in the Middle District, so the Jacksonville Division is the correct filing location.

Yulee and Fernandina Beach are both close to Jacksonville. Most Nassau County residents face a relatively short drive of 20 to 40 minutes to reach the federal courthouse.

Search Nassau County Bankruptcy Filings

You can search Nassau County bankruptcy records in three ways. PACER gives you the most access online. VCIS provides free phone lookups. And the Jacksonville courthouse has public access terminals for in-person use.

PACER is the federal courts' electronic records portal. It covers every federal court, including the Middle District of Florida. To search Nassau County bankruptcy records, register for a free account first. You can then search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. Documents cost $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. Charges under $30 per quarter are waived. Most basic Nassau County searches will cost little to nothing. Bankruptcy records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. Anyone has the right to search them.

VCIS is a free phone-based system that runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-866-222-8029 to look up Nassau County bankruptcy cases. The automated system tells you if a case was filed, the case number, filing date, chapter type, and status. You do not need to create an account. VCIS works best for quick checks when you want to confirm that a case exists without pulling up the full file.

For in-person access, go to 300 North Hogan Street in Jacksonville. Public terminals let you search and view Nassau County bankruptcy case files at no charge. You will need a photo ID. Staff at the court can help with finding specific documents and ordering copies.

Filing Bankruptcy in Nassau County

Nassau County residents considering bankruptcy usually file under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 7 can wipe out most unsecured debts but may involve giving up non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 keeps your property intact while setting up a repayment plan that lasts three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 costs $313. If you can't afford the full fee at filing, you can ask the court for an installment plan.

Credit counseling from an approved agency is required before you file. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps a list of approved providers for the Middle District. This step is not optional. You must also gather your financial records before filing: tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and detailed lists of every debt and asset. All petitions and schedules go to the Jacksonville Division of the court.

The moment you file, the automatic stay kicks in under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop collection efforts right away. No calls, no lawsuits, no wage garnishments, no foreclosures. The court sets a meeting of creditors roughly 30 to 45 days after filing. Download all official forms from the U.S. Courts website to get started on your petition.

Nassau County Legal Resources

Bankruptcy law can be complicated. Several organizations provide help to Nassau County residents. Florida Legal Services offers free legal aid to low-income individuals across the state, including Nassau County. They can help you weigh your options and guide you through the process if you qualify.

The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service that covers Nassau County. Pay a small fee and get a consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who knows the Middle District. If you choose to file on your own, the court offers pro se resources on its website. Pro se means you represent yourself. The court provides guides and sample forms for people who handle their own case in Nassau County. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a successful Chapter 7 case ends with a discharge that frees the debtor from personal liability on most debts. Legal guidance can help make sure you reach that point without problems.

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid serves Nassau County as well. They help with civil legal matters for eligible clients, including debt problems, foreclosure, and consumer rights issues.

Some debts survive bankruptcy no matter what. Child support, alimony, student loans, and certain tax debts cannot be discharged under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.

Cities in Nassau County

Nassau County includes Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Callahan, Hilliard, and several smaller communities. Yulee has seen significant growth in recent years as part of the greater Jacksonville metro area. All Nassau County residents file bankruptcy through the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District court, no matter which part of the county they live in.

No cities in Nassau County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated page on this site. All communities use the same federal courthouse in Jacksonville for bankruptcy proceedings.

Nearby Counties

These counties share a border with Nassau County. Check your address to confirm which county you live in. The county determines your federal court division for bankruptcy filings.