Brevard County Florida bankruptcy records are federal case files held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Orlando Division.
These records cover Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filings from residents across cities like Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, Cocoa, and Rockledge. Anyone can search these records through PACER, the free VCIS phone line, or by visiting the Orlando courthouse in person. This reference explains where to search, what you will find, how much it costs, and what steps to take based on your exact need.
Where Brevard County Bankruptcy Records Are Stored
Brevard County sits within the Middle District of Florida. All bankruptcy cases from this county are filed and stored at the Orlando Division of the Middle District. Federal bankruptcy courts handle every bankruptcy matter in the United States under federal law, so the state court system does not keep bankruptcy case files. The Brevard County Clerk of Court keeps some related civil records, but bankruptcy petitions, schedules, and discharge orders stay with the federal court.
Middle District of Florida Orlando Division
The Orlando Division covers Orange, Osceola, Brevard, Seminole, and Lake counties. The courthouse address is 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. You can call the clerk’s office at (407) 237-8000 during business hours for general questions. The website is flmb.uscourts.gov. This is the central hub for every Brevard County bankruptcy filing.
Brevard County Clerk of Court Role
Rachel M. Sadoff serves as the Brevard County Clerk of Court. Her office is located at P.O. Box 219, Titusville, FL 32781, and the phone number is (321) 637-5413. The clerk does not handle bankruptcy petitions, but she does manage local civil cases, foreclosure files, judgment liens, and recorded documents that often connect to bankruptcy cases. Searching the Brevard County Clerk site at brevardclerk.us can reveal debt collection suits and liens filed against a person before or after a bankruptcy filing.
| Record Source | What It Holds | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Middle District Bankruptcy Court (Orlando) | Bankruptcy petitions, schedules, discharge orders, docket entries, trustee reports | $0.10 per page via PACER, free via phone |
| Brevard County Clerk of Court | Civil cases, foreclosure suits, judgment liens, recorded documents | Varies by document type |
| VCIS Phone Line | Basic case status, case number, chapter type, filing date | Free |
How to Search Bankruptcy Records in Brevard County
Three main tools let you search Brevard County bankruptcy records. PACER is the fastest online option. VCIS gives free case status over the phone. In-person visits to the Orlando courthouse let you view paper files and use free terminals. Each tool serves a different purpose, and most people need at least two of them to get the full picture.
Searching Through PACER
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the federal court system’s online portal at pacer.uscourts.gov. You need a free PACER account before you can search. After logging in, you can search the Middle District of Florida by party name, case number, or Social Security number and EIN. PACER charges $0.10 per page for viewed documents. The fee is capped at $3.00 per document, and accounts with less than $30 in quarterly charges pay nothing at all.
To find a specific Brevard County case on PACER, select the Middle District of Florida from the court list, then choose the Bankruptcy option. Enter the debtor’s last name in the party search field. You can narrow your search by county if needed. The results will show the case number, filing date, chapter type, and case status. Click on the case number to open the docket sheet, which lists every filing in the case from start to close.
Searching Through the VCIS Phone Line
VCIS stands for Voice Case Information System. Call 1-866-222-8029 to reach the Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court line. The system runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can ask about a case by entering the Social Security number, the case number, or the party name using your phone keypad.
VCIS tells you basic case data only. The system returns the case number, filing date, chapter type, current status, and discharge date if one has been entered. It does not let you pull documents or read full docket entries. Use VCIS when you need a quick check on whether someone filed bankruptcy and when.
Searching In Person at the Orlando Courthouse
Visit the U.S. Bankruptcy Court at 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801 during business hours, which are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID. Public access terminals in the clerk’s office let you search PACER for free, so you can view documents without paying the per-page fee.
You can also request to view the physical case file. Older cases may still be in paper format, and some documents like original signed forms and creditor mailing lists are kept in the physical file. Ask the clerk for the case file by case number, and they will pull it for you. You cannot check the file out, but you can make copies for $0.10 per page.
What Information Appears in Bankruptcy Records
Brevard County bankruptcy records contain a wide range of documents. The exact files depend on the chapter filed and how the case ended. Some documents are sealed, but most are open to the public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, which makes bankruptcy case files public records by default.
Petition and Schedules
The bankruptcy petition is the first document filed. It lists the debtor’s name, address, Social Security number, and chapter type. The schedules that follow show the debtor’s assets, liabilities, income, and monthly expenses. Schedule A lists real property. Schedule B lists personal property. Schedule D lists secured creditors. Schedule E lists priority debts like taxes and child support. Schedule F lists unsecured creditors like credit cards and medical bills.
You can pull the petition and schedules on PACER for $0.10 per page. These documents show exactly what the debtor owed, what they owned, and what they claimed as exemptions. Exemptions are property protections under Florida law that allow debtors to keep certain assets during bankruptcy.
Creditor Mailing List
The creditor mailing list shows every creditor named in the case. Each creditor has a name, address, and account number. This list is the same one the court mailed notices to when the case began. Creditors check this list to confirm they received notice of the filing. Lenders, collection agencies, and law firms all appear here if they had a claim against the debtor at the time of filing.
Discharge Order
The discharge order is the court ruling that releases the debtor from personal liability for most debts listed in the case. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 for Chapter 7 cases and Section 1328 for Chapter 13 cases, the discharge ends the debtor’s legal duty to pay discharged debts. The discharge date is also reported on the docket sheet. A copy of the discharge order can be pulled on PACER.
Docket Entries and Minute Book Records
The docket sheet is a chronological list of every event in the case. Each entry shows the filing date, document type, and a short description. Minute book records capture court rulings and hearing notes. Together, these records show the full timeline of the case from filing to close.
Trustee Records
A bankruptcy trustee gets assigned to every case. The trustee’s records include the meeting of creditors transcript, the trustee’s final report, and any property sale documents. Chapter 7 trustees liquidate non-exempt assets. Chapter 13 trustees collect monthly payments and distribute them to creditors. Trustee records are public and searchable on PACER.
Reaffirmation Agreement Records
A reaffirmation agreement is a deal between the debtor and a creditor to keep paying a specific debt after discharge, usually a car loan. The agreement must be filed with the court and approved by a judge. These documents appear in the docket for Chapter 7 cases where the debtor wanted to keep collateral like a vehicle.
Means Test Records
The means test compares the debtor’s income to the median income for a Florida household of the same size. The Official Form 122A-1 or 122A-2 shows the math. You can pull these forms on PACER to see whether the debtor qualified for Chapter 7 based on income.
Adversary Proceedings Records
Adversary proceedings are separate lawsuits filed within a bankruptcy case. They often involve fraud allegations, discharge disputes, or creditor challenges. Each adversary proceeding gets its own docket number and case file. You can search for adversary proceedings on PACER by case number or party name.
Appellate Records
If a party appealed a bankruptcy court ruling, the appeal goes to the District Court or Bankruptcy Appellate Panel. Appellate records include the notice of appeal, briefs, and the appellate court’s ruling. These records stay with the appellate court, not the bankruptcy court. The Middle District of Florida appellate records can be searched on PACER under the District Court option.
Types of Bankruptcy Filed in Brevard County
Brevard County residents file three main bankruptcy chapters. Each chapter serves a different purpose and produces different records. Knowing the chapter helps you know which records matter most for your search.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 7 is the most common type. It is sometimes called straight bankruptcy or liquidation bankruptcy. The trustee sells non-exempt assets and pays creditors with the proceeds. Most Chapter 7 cases in Brevard County are no-asset cases, meaning the debtor had no non-exempt property to sell. The filing fee is $338. Most cases close in four to six months. The discharge order enters around the 60-day mark after the meeting of creditors.
Chapter 7 records include the petition, schedules, means test, trustee reports, and discharge order. The court also records any motions to dismiss, motions to extend the stay, and creditor objections.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 13 lets debtors keep their property and pay debts over three to five years through a court-approved repayment plan. The filing fee is $313. Chapter 13 cases stay open for the entire plan period, which can be up to five years. The debtor makes monthly payments to the Chapter 13 trustee, who distributes the funds to creditors.
Chapter 13 records include the plan, the confirmation order, payment records, and any plan modifications. The discharge order enters only after the debtor finishes all plan payments. If the case is dismissed before completion, no discharge enters.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 11 is the business reorganization chapter. Some Brevard County business owners and high-income individuals file Chapter 11. The filing fee is $1,738. Chapter 11 cases are more complex and stay open longer than consumer cases. The records include the reorganization plan, creditor committees, disclosure statements, and confirmation orders.
How to Look Up a Case by Name or Number
You can search bankruptcy cases by party name, case number, or Social Security number. The fastest method depends on the data you already have. If you know the case number, you can pull the full docket in seconds on PACER. If you only have the debtor’s name, you can still search but may need to filter results to find the right case.
Searching by Party Name
Open PACER and select the Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court. Type the debtor’s last name in the party search field. You can add a first name or middle initial to narrow the results. Each match shows the case number, filing date, chapter, and status. Click the case number to open the docket sheet.
Searching by Case Number
Bankruptcy case numbers in the Middle District follow this format: 6:23-bk-01234. The 6 stands for the Middle District. The two digits after the colon show the year. The letters “bk” mean bankruptcy. The last digits are the sequence number. Enter the full case number in the PACER search field to pull the docket instantly.
Searching by Social Security Number
PACER lets you search by full or partial Social Security number. This is the most accurate method when you have the SSN, since each debtor has a unique number. PACER will only show cases where the SSN matches the one you entered.
Free Name Lookup Through VCIS
If you do not have a PACER account, you can still search by name using VCIS. Call 1-866-222-8029, enter the debtor’s last name using your phone keypad, then enter the first three letters of the first name. The system returns matching cases in the Middle District.
Costs and Fees for Searching Brevard County Bankruptcy Records
Searching bankruptcy records is free through VCIS and free in person at the Orlando courthouse. PACER charges a small fee per page, but most users pay nothing in practice. Here is a breakdown of the actual costs.
| Search Method | Search Fee | Document Fee | Account Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACER Online | Free | $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document | Free PACER account |
| VCIS Phone | Free | No documents available | No account needed |
| In-Person Terminal | Free | $0.10 per page for copies | No account needed |
| Certified Copies | N/A | $11.00 plus $0.50 per page | Request at clerk’s office |
| Written Record Request | N/A | $30.00 flat fee per case | Mail or fax request form |
Free vs Paid Search Options
You do not have to pay anything to confirm whether someone filed bankruptcy in Brevard County. VCIS gives that answer for free. You also do not need to pay to view documents at the courthouse. PACER is the only method that costs money, and most users never cross the free quarterly threshold of $30.
Free Search Paths
VCIS gives basic data without personal cost. The Orlando courthouse gives basic data without personal cost on public access terminals. You can view the docket sheet, see the discharge date, and confirm the chapter type. You can also pull basic case data without an account.
Paid Search Paths
PACER is the paid path. You need an account, and you pay $0.10 per page for every page you view. The fee caps at $3.00 per document. If your quarterly usage stays under $30, you pay nothing. If you view a lot of documents, you may pay a few dollars per quarter. PACER accepts credit cards and ACH payments.
Closed vs Active Bankruptcy Cases
Bankruptcy cases go through different stages. Active cases are still open. Closed cases have ended, either through discharge, dismissal, or plan completion. Closed cases still have public records, but some actions are no longer possible.
Active Cases
Active Chapter 7 cases are in the middle of the process. The trustee is reviewing assets, creditors are filing claims, and the meeting of creditors is approaching. Active Chapter 13 cases are in the repayment period. Active cases appear in PACER search results with an “active” status flag. Motions, objections, and hearings continue throughout the active period.
Closed Cases
Closed cases have a final disposition. Chapter 7 cases close after the discharge enters and the trustee files the final report. Chapter 13 cases close after the debtor finishes all plan payments or the case is dismissed. Closed cases are still searchable on PACER. The docket sheet is complete, and no new filings are accepted.
Dismissed Cases
A dismissed case ended without a discharge. The court kicked the case out, usually because the debtor failed to file required documents, missed payments, or did not complete credit counseling. Dismissed cases have full docket records but no discharge. Creditors can resume collection activity after dismissal unless the automatic stay was extended.
Court Calendar and Hearing Search
The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court publishes daily court calendars online. The calendar shows the time, courtroom, case number, and matter type for every hearing scheduled that day. Calendars are searchable by date, judge, or party name.
Daily Court Calendar
The Orlando Division publishes a daily calendar at flmb.uscourts.gov. Click the Calendars link and select Orlando Division. Pick the date you want to view. The calendar lists every hearing, including first meetings of creditors, confirmation hearings, motion hearings, and adversary proceedings. Public hearings are open to observers, but you cannot participate unless you are a party or attorney in the case.
Meeting of Creditors (341 Meeting)
The meeting of creditors happens about 30 to 45 days after filing. The trustee runs the meeting and asks the debtor questions under oath. Creditors may attend and ask questions. The meeting is recorded but not held in a courtroom. The trustee’s office handles scheduling. Meeting dates appear on the docket and the court calendar.
Trustee Information for Brevard County Cases
Each bankruptcy case has a trustee assigned. The trustee is a private individual appointed by the United States Trustee to oversee cases. Trustee records are searchable on PACER.
Chapter 7 Trustees
Chapter 7 trustees review the petition, run the meeting of creditors, liquidate non-exempt assets, and distribute proceeds to creditors. The trustee’s name appears on the docket and on PACER’s case details page. Trustee reports, including the final report and account distribution, are filed in the case.
Chapter 13 Trustees
The Standing Chapter 13 Trustee for the Orlando Division handles all Brevard County Chapter 13 cases. The trustee collects monthly payments, distributes funds to creditors, and files status reports. The Chapter 13 trustee’s website accepts plan payments and provides payment history for active cases.
Standing Trustee Records
Standing trustee records include payment ledgers, plan modifications, and motions to convert or dismiss. These records are public on PACER. Active Chapter 13 cases show updated payment records every month.
Bankruptcy Records Request by Mail or Phone
If you cannot search online or in person, you can request records by mail or phone. The Orlando Division clerk’s office accepts written record requests for a flat fee. You can also call to ask about case status without requesting documents.
Written Record Request
Mail a written request to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Include the case number, debtor’s full name, and the documents you want. The fee is $30.00 per case for a written record request. Include a check or money order payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Allow two to four weeks for processing.
Phone Inquiries
Call (407) 237-8000 during business hours. Phone staff can confirm case status, filing dates, chapter type, and discharge dates. They cannot pull documents over the phone. Phone inquiries are free.
Certified Copies
Some users need certified copies of bankruptcy documents for use in other legal proceedings. Request a certified copy at the clerk’s office or by mail. The fee is $11.00 plus $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry the court’s seal and are accepted by other courts and government agencies.
Historical and Old Bankruptcy Records
Older bankruptcy records may not be on the federal electronic system. Cases filed before 1998 may only be available in paper format at the Orlando courthouse. The clerk’s office stores older files and can pull them on request.
Records Before 1998
The Middle District of Florida started electronic filing in different years for different divisions. Older Brevard County cases may still be in paper files. Visit the Orlando courthouse and ask the clerk to pull the file. Bring the case number if you have it. If you only know the debtor’s name and approximate filing year, the clerk can search the paper index.
Records on Microfilm
Some very old cases are stored on microfilm. The Orlando clerk’s office has microfilm readers. You can request the microfilm reel for a specific year and search it manually. Microfilm copies can be printed for $0.25 per page.
National Archives Records
Bankruptcy records more than 50 years old may be transferred to the National Archives. The National Archives and Records Administration stores these files. You can request archived records through archives.gov.
Brevard County Cities Covered by Bankruptcy Records
All Brevard County residents file bankruptcy in the Orlando Division, no matter which city they live in. The Orlando Division covers the entire county. Here are the main cities and communities.
- Palm Bay
- Melbourne
- Titusville
- Cocoa
- Rockledge
- Satellite Beach
- Merritt Island
- Cape Canaveral
- Cocoa Beach
- Indian Harbour Beach
- Melbourne Beach
- Malabar
- West Melbourne
- Palm Shores
Nearby Counties and Bankruptcy Filing Locations
Brevard County borders several other counties. Each county has its own filing location based on which federal district it sits in. Here is a quick reference.
| County | Federal District | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Brevard | Middle District of Florida | Orlando |
| Indian River | Southern District of Florida | Fort Pierce |
| Orange | Middle District of Florida | Orlando |
| Osceola | Middle District of Florida | Orlando |
| Seminole | Middle District of Florida | Orlando |
| Volusia | Middle District of Florida | Orlando |
Legal Help Resources for Brevard County Bankruptcy
Filing or responding to bankruptcy can be hard to handle alone. Several groups help Brevard County residents with bankruptcy matters. Free legal aid is available for low-income residents. Paid attorney consultations are also available through the Florida Bar referral service.
Florida Legal Services
Florida Legal Services offers free legal help to low-income individuals across Florida, including Brevard County. The website is floridalegal.org. They can advise on whether bankruptcy makes sense and help with paperwork. Income limits apply for free services.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida serves Brevard County and surrounding areas. They help with civil legal issues, including bankruptcy-related questions, for those who qualify. Visit clsocala.org or call their intake line for more information.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. For a small fee, you get a consultation with a licensed bankruptcy attorney. The attorney can review your situation and quote you on representation. This service covers Brevard County and the rest of Florida.
Pro Se Resources from the Court
The Middle District of Florida provides pro se resources for people who file without an attorney. Pro se means you represent yourself. The court website has guides, sample forms, and instructions for people handling their own cases.
Common Questions About Brevard County Bankruptcy Records
Below are answers to questions that come up often about searching and understanding Brevard County bankruptcy records.
Are bankruptcy records public in Brevard County?
Yes. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, bankruptcy case files are public records. Anyone can search them by name, case number, or Social Security number. Some sealed records, such as those involving minors or confidential financial data, may be restricted.
Can I find out if someone filed bankruptcy in Brevard County?
Yes. Search PACER, call VCIS, or visit the Orlando courthouse. PACER requires a free account and charges $0.10 per page for documents. VCIS is free and gives basic case data. Courthouse terminals are free for viewing.
How long do bankruptcy records stay on file?
Bankruptcy records stay on file permanently. The Orlando courthouse keeps electronic records going back to the late 1990s and paper records for older cases. Records more than 50 years old may be transferred to the National Archives.
What is the difference between a discharge and a dismissal?
A discharge releases the debtor from most listed debts. A dismissal ends the case without a discharge. Dismissed cases still appear in public records, but the debtor gets no debt relief from the filing.
Can I remove my bankruptcy from public records?
Bankruptcy records cannot be removed from public records. The court may seal sensitive personal data in some cases, such as Social Security numbers, but the case itself remains a permanent public record.
How do I get a copy of my discharge order?
Pull the discharge order from PACER or visit the Orlando courthouse. Certified copies cost $11.00 plus $0.50 per page. Standard copies cost $0.10 per page. Discharge orders are filed at the end of Chapter 7 cases and after plan completion in Chapter 13 cases.
Where do I find the creditor mailing matrix?
The creditor mailing matrix is filed with the petition. You can view it on PACER or at the courthouse. The matrix lists every creditor’s name and address as of the filing date. It is the same list the court used to send notice to creditors.
What if the case number does not show up in PACER?
Older cases filed before electronic filing may not be in PACER. Visit the Orlando courthouse and ask the clerk to pull the paper file. Bring the case number if you have it. If you only know the debtor’s name and year, the clerk can search the paper index.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers longer, more nuanced questions about Brevard County bankruptcy records. Each answer is built from current federal court rules, Middle District local rules, and PACER fee policies in effect as of 2026.
How long after a Chapter 7 filing does the discharge enter in Brevard County?
The discharge enters about 60 to 90 days after the meeting of creditors. The trustee must file the final report before the court issues the discharge order. Most Chapter 7 cases in Brevard County receive a discharge within four to six months of filing. Objections by the trustee or creditors can delay the discharge. Creditors have 60 days after the first meeting of creditors to object to discharge.
Can I access sealed bankruptcy records in Brevard County?
Sealed records require a court order. You can file a motion to unseal records, but the court grants the motion only when you show a legitimate need. Common reasons include correcting errors in your own case or defending against creditor claims. The motion must be filed in the case where the sealed records sit. The judge reviews the request and decides based on privacy interests and public access rights.
What information is hidden from PACER in Brevard County cases?
PACER hides Social Security numbers, taxpayer ID numbers, and minor children’s names in displayed documents. Bank account numbers are truncated. Dates of birth appear only by year. This protects personal privacy under Judicial Conference policy. The original documents still contain full data, and PACER users with account-level access can see more.
How do I find the docket entries for an old Brevard County bankruptcy case?
Search PACER first. If the case was filed electronically, the docket sheet is in PACER. If the case was filed before electronic filing, visit the Orlando courthouse. Ask the clerk to pull the paper file. Bring the case number, debtor’s name, and approximate filing year. The clerk will search the paper index and pull the file for viewing.
What does a bankruptcy case status of “discharged” mean in Brevard County?
A status of “discharged” means the court entered the discharge order and the debtor received debt relief under 11 U.S.C. Section 727 (Chapter 7) or Section 1328 (Chapter 13). The debtor is no longer personally liable for most debts listed in the case. Creditors cannot collect on discharged debts. The case will close after the trustee files the final report.
Can I search for adversary proceedings in Brevard County bankruptcy cases?
Yes. Adversary proceedings appear as separate cases linked to the main bankruptcy case on PACER. They have their own case numbers in the format 6:23-ap-00123. Search PACER using the bankruptcy case number or the adversary proceeding number. Adversary proceedings often involve discharge disputes, fraud allegations, or creditor objections to property exemptions.
How do I request a written record from the Orlando bankruptcy court?
Mail a written request to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, 400 W. Washington Street, Suite 5100, Orlando, FL 32801. Include the case number, debtor’s full name, and the documents you need. Include a check or money order for $30.00 payable to Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Allow two to four weeks for processing. Phone staff can answer basic case questions at (407) 237-8000.
Official website: flmb.uscourts.gov
Phone number: (407) 237-8000
Visiting hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.