Broward County Florida bankruptcy records are public files held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division.
Anyone can search these records by name, case number, or Social Security number through PACER, the VCIS phone line, or in person at the courthouse located at 299 East Broward Boulevard. This page explains exactly how to find Broward County bankruptcy records, what each chapter means, what fees apply, and where to get legal help if you need to file.
Who Handles Broward County Bankruptcy Cases
Every bankruptcy filing in Broward County goes through one federal court office. The Broward County Clerk of Court does not store bankruptcy petitions. Only the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida handles these cases, and the Fort Lauderdale Division covers all of Broward.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida
The Southern District of Florida is one of the busiest bankruptcy courts in the country. Broward County residents file their petitions here because they live inside the district. The court serves Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Monroe, Highlands, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Hendry counties. Each county belongs to one of three divisions: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach.
Broward County belongs to the Fort Lauderdale Division. No matter which city you live in within the county, your case will be assigned to this division. The courthouse sits at 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The clerk’s office phone number is (954) 769-5700. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. You can reach the court’s main website at flsb.uscourts.gov for forms, local rules, and filing instructions.
Broward County Clerk of Court Role
The Broward County Clerk of Court, led by Clerk Brenda D. Forman, manages state-level civil cases. The clerk’s office is located at 201 S.E. 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. The phone number is (954) 831-6565. This office does not hold bankruptcy petitions, but it stores related records that often appear in bankruptcy matters. Civil lawsuits from creditors, judgment liens, foreclosure actions, and recorded documents all show up here. If a creditor sued a Broward County resident before the bankruptcy filing, that case is on file with the county clerk.
Three Ways to Search Broward Bankruptcy Records
You can search Broward County bankruptcy records through three official channels. Each method works for different needs. PACER gives you full document access. VCIS gives you quick case status by phone. Visiting the courthouse lets you use public terminals and talk with staff.
PACER Electronic Records System
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. It is the federal court system that stores every bankruptcy case in the country. To search Broward County bankruptcy records on PACER, go to pacer.uscourts.gov and create a free account. Once logged in, you can search by debtor name, case number, or Social Security number. Results list every case filed in the Southern District of Florida, including those from the Fort Lauderdale Division.
PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. If your total fees stay under $30.00 in a calendar quarter, there is no charge. You can view the bankruptcy petition, schedules of assets and debts, the meeting of creditors notice, motions, court orders, and the discharge order. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, these are public records that anyone can view for any reason.
VCIS Phone Line
The Voice Case Information System, or VCIS, is a free automated phone line. Call 1-866-222-8029 any time of day or night. The system asks for the case number or Social Security number. It then gives you the case number, filing date, chapter type, current status, and discharge date if one has been entered. No account is needed. VCIS works well when you want a quick answer about a Broward County case without paying PACER fees.
In-Person Courthouse Access
You can visit the Fort Lauderdale Division courthouse at 299 East Broward Boulevard to search bankruptcy records in person. Public computer terminals sit in the clerk’s office lobby. You can search for cases and view documents on these terminals at no cost. Bring a photo ID to enter the building. Staff at the clerk’s window can help you locate specific filings or request certified copies of documents. Copies cost $0.50 per page for regular copies and more for certified copies.
Broward County Bankruptcy Court Quick Facts
Broward County sees a high volume of bankruptcy filings each year due to its population of more than 1.9 million residents. Below are the key facts about the court that handles these cases.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Court | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida |
| Division | Fort Lauderdale |
| Address | 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 |
| Phone | (954) 769-5700 |
| Website | flsb.uscourts.gov |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| PACER Fee | $0.10 per page, $3.00 max per document |
| Free Quarterly Limit | $30.00 |
| VCIS Phone | 1-866-222-8029 |
| Chapter 7 Filing Fee | $338 |
| Chapter 13 Filing Fee | $313 |
Florida Bankruptcy Chapters Explained
Florida bankruptcy filings fall under federal law. Three chapters cover most personal and business cases. Each chapter has its own rules, fees, and outcomes. Knowing the difference helps you understand what a Broward County bankruptcy record shows.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 bankruptcy is the most common type filed by Broward County residents. It is called liquidation bankruptcy. A court-appointed trustee sells non-exempt assets and uses the money to pay creditors. Most unsecured debts like credit card balances, medical bills, and personal loans get wiped out. The filing fee is $338 as of 2026. To qualify, your income must fall below the Florida median income for your household size, or you must pass the means test under 11 U.S.C. Section 707(b).
Florida bankruptcy exemptions protect certain property from being sold. You can keep your homestead up to an unlimited value if you have lived in Florida for more than 1,815 days. You can protect $1,000 in personal property, $1,000 in a motor vehicle, and certain retirement accounts under Florida Statutes Section 222. A Broward County Chapter 7 case typically takes four to six months from filing to discharge.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Chapter 13 bankruptcy is called reorganization bankruptcy. You keep your property and pay back some or all of your debts over three to five years through a court-approved payment plan. The filing fee is $313. Chapter 13 works for people who have regular income, want to stop a foreclosure, or need to catch up on missed car payments.
In Broward County, Chapter 13 filers submit a repayment plan within 14 days of filing the petition. The trustee reviews the plan, and creditors get a chance to object. The court holds a confirmation hearing. After you complete all plan payments, the court enters a discharge order that wipes out the remaining qualifying debts.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy
Chapter 11 bankruptcy is mainly for businesses but can also be used by individuals with large debts. It lets the debtor keep operating while creating a plan to pay creditors over time. Chapter 11 filing fees in the Southern District of Florida are higher than Chapter 7 or 13. Small business debtors pay a reduced fee under 11 U.S.C. Section 103(b). Most individual Chapter 11 cases in Broward County involve people with debts above the Chapter 13 limits.
How to File Bankruptcy in Broward County
Filing bankruptcy in Broward County follows a clear sequence. You must meet residency rules, complete credit counseling, gather your financial documents, and submit the right forms to the Fort Lauderdale Division.
Residency Requirement
Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, you must live in the Southern District of Florida or have property here for at least the greater part of the 180 days before filing. If you recently moved to Broward County, check your residency date. Filing in the wrong district can get your case dismissed.
Credit Counseling Certificate
Before you file any bankruptcy petition in Broward County, you must complete a credit counseling course from an agency approved by the U.S. Trustee. The U.S. Department of Justice keeps the full list at justice.gov/ust. The course takes about 60 to 90 minutes and can be done online or by phone. You receive a certificate that must be filed with your petition. If you skip this step, the court will reject your case.
Required Documents
You must gather key documents before filing. The court needs a complete picture of your finances to process your case.
- Two years of federal tax returns
- Six months of pay stubs
- Three months of bank statements
- A list of all creditors with addresses and amounts owed
- A list of all assets and their values
- Monthly living expense budget
- Loan documents for mortgages and car loans
- Any collection lawsuits or garnishment notices
Filing Fee Payment Options
The Fort Lauderdale Division accepts cash, money orders, and most major credit cards. If you cannot pay the full Chapter 7 fee of $338 at once, you can file a motion to pay in installments. The court usually allows up to four installments over 120 days. Chapter 13 fees of $313 can also be paid in installments.
Automatic Stay After Filing
Once your Broward County bankruptcy case is filed, an automatic stay goes into effect under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. Creditors must stop all collection actions right away. Phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure sales all pause. The stay stays in place until the court enters a discharge or grants creditor relief from the stay.
What a Broward County Bankruptcy Record Shows
A bankruptcy record from the Fort Lauderdale Division contains specific documents. Each piece of the case file tells part of the story. Here is what you will see when you pull a case on PACER or in person.
Voluntary Petition
The voluntary petition is the first document filed. It lists the debtor’s name, address, Social Security number, chapter filed, and estimated number of creditors. It also shows the estimated assets and liabilities. This form kicks off the case and triggers the automatic stay.
Schedules and Statements
Schedules A through J list the debtor’s property, debts, income, and expenses. Schedule D shows secured creditors like mortgage holders. Schedule E shows priority debts like taxes. Schedule F shows unsecured debts like credit cards. The Statement of Financial Affairs asks about recent transfers, lawsuits, and income sources.
Meeting of Creditors Notice
The court mails a notice setting the meeting of creditors, also called a 341 meeting because it falls under 11 U.S.C. Section 341. This meeting happens about 30 to 45 days after filing. The trustee runs the meeting at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse or by phone in some cases. Creditors can attend and ask questions.
Discharge Order
The discharge order ends the case and releases the debtor from qualifying personal debts. Chapter 7 discharge usually comes four to six months after filing. Chapter 13 discharge comes after the debtor finishes all plan payments. Some debts survive bankruptcy under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, including most student loans, child support, and recent tax debts.
Broward County Bankruptcy Exemptions
Florida bankruptcy exemptions protect certain property from creditors. These rules apply to Broward County filers under Florida Statutes Chapter 222 and federal non-bankruptcy exemptions under 11 U.S.C. Section 522.
Homestead Exemption
Florida’s homestead exemption is one of the strongest in the country. If you own your home and have lived in Florida for more than 1,815 days, you can protect unlimited equity in your homestead. The property must be on no more than half an acre in a city or 160 acres elsewhere. This exemption applies in both Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases.
Personal Property Exemptions
Florida lets you protect $1,000 of personal property, plus an extra $4,000 if you do not claim the homestead exemption. You can also protect a motor vehicle up to $1,000 in value. Prepaid college savings plans, health aids, and professionally prescribed health equipment have separate protections.
Retirement Account Protections
Most qualified retirement accounts are fully protected in bankruptcy. IRAs and Roth IRAs get federal protection up to $1,512,350 as of 2026 under 11 U.S.C. Section 522(b). 401(k) plans, pension plans, and government retirement accounts are protected under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA.
Wage and Income Exemptions
Florida law protects 100% of unemployment compensation, workers’ compensation, and Social Security benefits. You can also protect disability benefits, alimony received, and child support received. Head of household wages get a $750 weekly exemption from garnishment under Florida law.
Legal Help for Broward County Bankruptcy Filers
Bankruptcy law is technical. Getting help from a qualified attorney or legal aid group can make the difference between a clean discharge and a dismissed case. Several resources serve Broward County residents.
Florida Legal Services
Florida Legal Services is a statewide legal aid program that helps low-income residents. The website is floridalegal.org. They can help Broward County residents figure out if bankruptcy is the right choice, fill out forms, and represent them in court. Services are free for qualifying applicants.
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Florida Bar runs a lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. You pay a small fee for a 30-minute consultation with a bankruptcy attorney who practices in Broward County. Many local attorneys also offer free initial consultations for bankruptcy cases.
Pro Se Filing Resources
If you choose to file without an attorney, the Fort Lauderdale Division has self-help resources on its website. You can download forms, read local rules, and watch instructional videos. The court does not give legal advice, but its guides walk you through each step. Pro se means you represent yourself. About 10% of Broward County bankruptcy filers go pro se.
Broward County Cities Covered by the Fort Lauderdale Division
Every city in Broward County uses the Fort Lauderdale Division for bankruptcy filings. Residents of the following cities all file through the same courthouse at 299 East Broward Boulevard.
- Fort Lauderdale
- Pembroke Pines
- Hollywood
- Miramar
- Coral Springs
- Pompano Beach
- Davie
- Plantation
- Sunrise
- Deerfield Beach
- Lauderhill
- Tamarac
- Margate
- Coconut Creek
- Weston
- Dania Beach
Nearby Counties in the Southern District
Broward County borders several other Florida counties. All of them fall under the Southern District of Florida, but each uses a different division based on location. Knowing your county line matters if you live near a border.
| County | Bankruptcy Division |
|---|---|
| Miami-Dade County | Miami Division |
| Palm Beach County | West Palm Beach Division |
| Collier County | Fort Myers Division (Middle District) |
| Hendry County | Fort Lauderdale Division |
Common Mistakes When Searching Broward Bankruptcy Records
People often run into the same problems when searching for Broward County bankruptcy records. Knowing these ahead of time saves time and money.
Wrong Name Format
PACER searches are case sensitive. Try different combinations of the debtor’s name, including middle names and known aliases. A simple misspelling will return zero results.
Wrong District Selection
If the debtor lives in Miami-Dade or Palm Beach, their case is in the Southern District but in a different division. Search the Southern District as a whole, not just Fort Lauderdale.
Missing the Old Case Number
Older Broward County cases from before 2000 may use a different case number format. PACER lets you search by Social Security number to find cases under all formats.
Confusing State Records with Federal Records
The Broward County Clerk site shows civil cases, traffic tickets, and recorded documents. These are not bankruptcy records. Bankruptcy records only appear on PACER or at the federal courthouse.
Official Contact Details for Broward County Bankruptcy Court
If you need to reach the Fort Lauderdale Division of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, use the contact details below.
Address: 299 East Broward Boulevard, Room 112, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Phone: (954) 769-5700. Website: flsb.uscourts.gov. Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. PACER Access: pacer.uscourts.gov. VCIS Phone Line: 1-866-222-8029.
Frequently Asked Questions
These questions cover the most common concerns from people searching for Broward County Florida bankruptcy records. Each answer gives the current rules, fees, and steps you need to take in 2026.
How much does it cost to search Broward County bankruptcy records on PACER?
PACER charges $0.10 per page of bankruptcy documents you view, with a maximum of $3.00 per document. You can pull case lists, dockets, and individual filings. PACER waives all fees for users whose charges stay under $30.00 in a calendar quarter. If you only need basic case status like the case number, filing date, and chapter type, the free VCIS phone line at 1-866-222-8029 gives you that information without any charge. There is no cost to register a PACER account.
Can I search Broward County bankruptcy records for free?
Yes. The VCIS phone line at 1-866-222-8029 is free and runs 24 hours a day. Public computer terminals at the Fort Lauderdale courthouse also let you search cases at no cost. In-person access is free for searching, but you pay $0.50 per page for printed copies and a higher fee for certified copies. If your PACER fees stay under $30 per quarter, those searches are also free.
What information do I need to find a Broward County bankruptcy case?
You need at least one of three things: the debtor’s full legal name, the case number, or the Social Security number. PACER works best with the Social Security number because it removes guesswork. If you only know the person’s name, try variations with and without middle names. Knowing the approximate filing year also helps narrow down results when a name is common.
Are Broward County bankruptcy records public?
Yes. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 107, all bankruptcy filings are public records. The court makes them available through PACER, VCIS, and in-person terminals. Personal identifiers like Social Security numbers are partially redacted on PACER, showing only the last four digits. Bank account numbers and minor children’s names are also redacted.
How long does a Chapter 7 case take in Broward County?
Most Chapter 7 cases in Broward County reach discharge in four to six months. The court sets the meeting of creditors about 30 to 45 days after filing. The trustee has 60 days to object to exemptions. After that, the court enters the discharge order if there are no objections. Cases with asset liquidation or creditor disputes can take longer.
Can I remove a bankruptcy from my Broward County record?
Generally no. Bankruptcy records stay on file permanently for public access. Only sealed cases, which are rare, are hidden. The bankruptcy itself stays on your credit report for seven to ten years under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. You cannot remove the public record, but you can rebuild your credit after discharge by making on-time payments on new debts.
Do I need an attorney to file bankruptcy in Broward County?
You are not required to hire an attorney. Many people file pro se, meaning they represent themselves. However, bankruptcy law has many technical rules, and a single mistake can get your case dismissed. Hiring a Broward County bankruptcy attorney costs between $1,200 and $2,500 for a Chapter 7 case on top of the $338 filing fee. Legal aid through Florida Legal Services is available for low-income filers.