Orange County Bankruptcy Records

Orange County bankruptcy records are managed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida. The Orlando Division handles all filings, and the courthouse sits right in Orlando, the county seat. Orange County is one of the most populated counties in Florida, with over 1.4 million residents. The volume of bankruptcy filings here is among the highest in the Middle District. You can search these records through PACER or call the free VCIS phone line. The Orange County Comptroller also keeps local civil records that may tie to bankruptcy cases. This page covers every method you can use to search records or start a filing in Orange County.

Orange County Clerk and Comptroller

Tiffany Moore Russell serves as the Orange County Comptroller. In Orange County, the Comptroller fills the role of Clerk of Court. The main office is at 425 N. Orange Avenue in Orlando. Bankruptcy cases are federal matters, but the comptroller handles local civil records that frequently connect to bankruptcy filings. Liens, judgments, foreclosures, and debt collection cases come through this office. If you want the full picture of someone's legal situation in Orange County, the comptroller's records can fill in the gaps alongside the federal bankruptcy docket.

Call the Orange County Comptroller at (407) 836-2000 during regular business hours. The office is open Monday through Friday. Staff can help you find civil case records and point you to federal resources for bankruptcy searches. The Orange County Comptroller website has online search tools for local court records. You can look up civil cases, official records, and court calendars. These are not bankruptcy filings, but they often reveal related matters like mortgage foreclosures, garnishment actions, and judgment liens filed in the county. The site is comprehensive and well maintained.

This screenshot shows the Orange County Comptroller homepage. Visit the site at occompt.com.

From the comptroller site you can search civil cases, view official records, and access court schedules for Orange County.

Orange County Bankruptcy Court

Bankruptcy cases from Orange County are filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. This is right in the heart of downtown Orlando. Call (407) 237-8000 for general court questions. The Middle District bankruptcy court website has forms, local rules, and filing instructions.

Having the bankruptcy court in Orlando makes it very convenient for Orange County residents. You can file in person, attend hearings, and access public terminals without leaving the county. Federal bankruptcy courts are separate from the state court system. The Orange County Comptroller does not process bankruptcy petitions. All filings go directly to the federal court. A trustee gets assigned to each case. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the district or own property there. Orange County residents file at the Orlando Division.

The Orlando Division also serves several surrounding counties, including Brevard, Lake, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia.

How to Search Orange County Records

You have three main ways to search Orange County bankruptcy records. PACER is the most thorough option. VCIS offers free phone lookups. And since the courthouse is in Orlando, visiting in person is easy for Orange County residents.

PACER covers all federal courts, including the Middle District of Florida. Create a free account to search Orange County bankruptcy records by name, case number, or Social Security number. PACER charges $0.10 per page for documents, 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 open to anyone.

The Voice Case Information System, VCIS, is free and available 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-222-8029 to check on Orange County bankruptcy cases. The system provides the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status. No account needed. VCIS is the fastest way to do a quick check when you just want to know if a case exists.

The courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street in Orlando has public access terminals for searching and viewing case files at no charge. Bring a photo ID. This is the most convenient in-person option since the court is right here in Orange County. Staff can help with document requests and copies.

Filing Bankruptcy in Orange County

Orange County residents who need to file for bankruptcy have options. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common for individuals. Chapter 7 wipes out most debts but may require surrendering certain assets. Chapter 13 sets up a payment plan lasting three to five years. The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. Chapter 13 is $313. You can request installment payments if paying the full amount at once is a hardship.

Credit counseling is required before filing. The U.S. Department of Justice lists approved agencies for the Middle District. This is mandatory under federal law. You need to prepare tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a thorough list of debts and assets. Since the Orlando Division court is in the county, Orange County residents can file in person at the courthouse.

After filing, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 kicks in immediately. All collection actions must stop. No more calls, lawsuits, garnishments, or foreclosures. A meeting of creditors happens about 30 to 45 days after filing. Get all official forms from the U.S. Courts website.

Orange County Legal Resources

Many organizations help Orange County residents with bankruptcy matters. Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income individuals statewide, including the Orlando area. They advise on whether bankruptcy is the right move and help with the paperwork.

The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service covering Orange County. For a small fee, you can consult with a local bankruptcy attorney. Orlando has a large legal community with many attorneys who focus on bankruptcy law. If you prefer to file without a lawyer, the Middle District court offers pro se resources on its website. The court posts guides and sample forms for self-represented filers. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a discharge releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts. Getting it right the first time saves headaches later.

Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida has offices in Orlando and can help Orange County residents with civil legal issues tied to bankruptcy cases.

Not all debts can be discharged. Student loans, child support, and recent tax debts generally survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523.

Cities in Orange County

Orange County is home to Orlando and many other communities. Orlando is the county seat and by far the largest city. All bankruptcy filings from Orange County residents go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court.

Other communities in Orange County include Winter Park, Apopka, Ocoee, Winter Garden, and Maitland. Residents of these areas all file bankruptcy through the same Orlando Division court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Orange County. Check your mailing address if you are not sure which county you are in. Your county determines which federal court division handles your bankruptcy case.