Search Sumter County Bankruptcy Records
Sumter County bankruptcy records are managed through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division. The county has a population over 130,000 and has seen significant growth in recent years. Bankruptcy filings from Sumter County go to the Orlando courthouse for processing. You can search these records online using PACER, by phone through the VCIS line, or at the Orlando courthouse. The Sumter County Clerk of Court maintains local civil records that may connect to bankruptcy cases.
Sumter County Quick Facts
Sumter County Clerk of Court
Celeste V. Kidd serves as the Sumter County Clerk of Court. The office is at 215 E McCollum Avenue in Bushnell, FL 33513. Bankruptcy cases go through the federal courts, but the county clerk keeps local civil records that can overlap with bankruptcy matters. Property filings, liens, judgments, and foreclosure records are maintained here. If someone in Sumter County had local court actions tied to their financial situation, these records can provide that context.
Reach the Sumter County Clerk at (352) 569-6600 during business hours. Staff can help with civil case lookups and guide you to the right court for federal bankruptcy questions. The Sumter County Clerk website provides online tools to search local court records. Bankruptcy filings are not available on this site, but you can find foreclosure cases, collection lawsuits, and judgment liens filed in Sumter County.
The screenshot below shows the Sumter County Clerk of Court website at sumterclerk.org.
Use the site to search civil cases, recorded documents, and find contact details for all Sumter County court offices.
| Clerk | Celeste V. Kidd |
|---|---|
| Address | 215 E McCollum Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 |
| Phone | (352) 569-6600 |
| Website | sumterclerk.org |
Sumter County Bankruptcy Court
Sumter County falls under the Orlando Division of the Middle District of Florida. The courthouse is at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Call (407) 237-8000 for court information. The Middle District court website has forms, local rules, and filing procedures.
The Orlando Division has a staffed Bankruptcy Clerk's Office. Attorneys file electronically through CM/ECF. Pro se filers can go to the Orlando courthouse in person or mail their paperwork. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, the debtor must reside in the district or have property there to file. Sumter County is within the Middle District, so residents use the Orlando Division court.
The drive from Bushnell to the Orlando courthouse takes about an hour. For Sumter County residents, this is the nearest bankruptcy court location with a staffed office.
How to Search Sumter County Records
Three ways exist to search Sumter County bankruptcy records. PACER is the most thorough option. VCIS is useful for quick phone lookups. The Orlando courthouse offers in-person access to case files.
PACER is the federal electronic records system. Set up a free account, then search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. The charge is $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly usage stays under $30, you owe nothing. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can look them up without needing to give a reason.
VCIS is free to call. Dial 1-866-222-8029 at any time of day or night. The automated system tells you if a case exists and provides the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status for Sumter County bankruptcy filings. No registration is required.
You can also go to the Orlando courthouse at 400 W. Washington Street. Public access terminals let you search and view Sumter County case files at no charge. Bring a photo ID. The clerk's office can help you find specific documents from any case.
Filing Bankruptcy in Sumter County
Sumter County residents file for bankruptcy through the Orlando Division of the Middle District. Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 are the most common types for individuals. Chapter 7 can erase most unsecured debt, though some property may need to be surrendered. Chapter 13 puts you on a payment plan for three to five years. The filing fee is $338 for Chapter 7 and $313 for Chapter 13. Installment payments are available if the fee is a hardship.
Before filing, you must complete credit counseling from an approved provider. The U.S. Department of Justice has a list of approved agencies for the Middle District. You also need tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and a complete list of your debts and assets. The U.S. Courts website has every official form you will need.
After your petition is filed, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 goes into effect. This stops creditors from calling, suing, garnishing wages, or starting foreclosure proceedings. A meeting of creditors is set about 30 to 45 days after filing. All Sumter County debtors are required to attend this meeting.
Sumter County Legal Resources
Florida Legal Services provides free legal help to low-income residents throughout the state, including Sumter County. They can advise on whether bankruptcy is the right option and help with paperwork if you meet their income requirements.
The Florida Bar has a lawyer referral service that covers Sumter County. A small fee gets you a meeting with a bankruptcy attorney. If you plan to file without representation, the Middle District court offers pro se guides on its website. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727, a successful discharge frees you from personal liability on most debts. Following every step properly is important to achieving that result.
Certain debts survive bankruptcy. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, child support, alimony, most student loans, and recent tax debts are not dischargeable. Consult an attorney to understand which of your debts can and cannot be eliminated through the bankruptcy process.
Cities in Sumter County
Sumter County includes Bushnell (the county seat), Wildwood, Center Hill, Coleman, and Webster. A large part of The Villages community also extends into Sumter County. All bankruptcy filings from Sumter County go through the Orlando Division of the Middle District court. No cities in Sumter County meet the population threshold for a dedicated page, but all residents follow the same filing process.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sumter County. Your county determines which federal court division handles your bankruptcy case. Check your mailing address if you are near a boundary.