Miami City Florida bankruptcy records are public court files that show every bankruptcy case filed by people and businesses in the Miami area. These records list the debtor’s name, case number, chapter type, filing date, creditor claims, court hearings, and final discharge.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida maintains these files at the Miami Division courthouse on North Miami Avenue. Anyone can look up a Miami bankruptcy case for free through PACER, by phone through VCIS, or at the courthouse in person.
Miami Bankruptcy Court System
Miami falls under the federal court system for bankruptcy matters. Federal bankruptcy courts operate separately from Florida state courts. They handle all debt discharge, repayment plans, and asset liquidation cases filed by Miami residents and businesses.
Southern District of Florida
The Southern District of Florida covers Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, Highlands, Hendry, and Monroe counties. It is one of three federal bankruptcy districts in Florida. The Southern District has four divisions: Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce. Miami sees the highest case volume because of population density and local economic activity.
Miami Division Jurisdiction
The Miami Division handles all bankruptcy cases from Miami-Dade County and Monroe County. Under 11 U.S.C. Section 109, a debtor must live in the district or have a business presence there for at least the greater part of the 180 days before filing. Miami residents qualify based on their domicile in Miami-Dade County. The court assigns each Miami case a unique number that includes the division code.
Court Location and Hours
The Miami Division courthouse sits at 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, FL 33128. The clerk’s office accepts new filings and provides public terminal access from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. The courthouse closes on federal holidays. Public parking is available nearby for a fee. The main phone number is (305) 714-1800.
How to Search Miami Bankruptcy Records
Three main tools let you look up Miami bankruptcy records: PACER online, VCIS by phone, and the courthouse public terminals. Each option gives different levels of detail and cost.
Using PACER
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the federal court’s online search system. Set up a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov using your name, email, and mailing address. Once logged in, you can search Miami bankruptcy cases by debtor name, case number, or Social Security or tax ID number. PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 maximum per document. Bills under $30 per quarter are waived.
After running a search, PACER shows the case docket, which lists every filing in the case. You can view the bankruptcy petition, schedules, creditor matrix, trustee reports, and discharge order. You can also download PDFs of individual documents for a small fee. PACER keeps records for all Miami cases filed since the late 1990s in electronic form.
Using VCIS Phone System
The Voice Case Information System (VCIS) provides free automated case data by phone. Call 1-866-222-8029 from any phone. The system asks for the case number or the debtor’s name and Social Security number. It then reads back the case status, filing date, chapter, and discharge information. VCIS runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
VCIS works best for quick checks on whether a person or business has an active Miami bankruptcy case. It does not give access to full documents. Use PACER or a courthouse visit when you need to read the petition, schedules, or court orders.
In-Person Courthouse Search
Visit the clerk’s office at 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, during business hours. The clerk’s office has free public terminals where you can search and view Miami bankruptcy records at no cost. Bring a photo ID. Court staff will direct you to the terminal and help you start a search. Older paper files from the 1980s and 1990s sit in the courthouse archive and require a staff request.
Miami-Dade County Clerk Records
The Miami-Dade County Clerk keeps related state court records. Bankruptcy is federal, but state cases often connect to bankruptcy filings. The county clerk maintains foreclosure records, civil judgments, tax warrants, and small claims cases that may be tied to a Miami bankruptcy filing. Search the county database at miami-dadeclerk.com.
| Clerk Office | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Juan Fernandez-Barquin |
| Address | 73 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130 |
| Phone | (305) 275-1155 |
| Website | miami-dadeclerk.com |
Types of Bankruptcy Cases in Miami
Miami bankruptcy cases fall into three main chapters. Each chapter has different rules, timelines, and effects on the debtor.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 7 is the most common filing in Miami. It is a liquidation bankruptcy that wipes out most unsecured debts, including credit cards and medical bills. The filing fee is $338 as of 2026. Miami Chapter 7 cases show up in PACER under chapter code “7.” The trustee liquidates any non-exempt assets to pay creditors. Most Miami filers keep all their property through Florida exemptions. A Chapter 7 case typically closes in 4 to 6 months.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 11 is a business reorganization bankruptcy. Miami businesses use it to restructure debt while continuing operations. Some high-income individuals also file Chapter 11 when they do not qualify for Chapter 13. The filing fee is $1,738. Chapter 11 cases are more complex and last longer, often 12 to 24 months. Look for chapter code “11” in PACER to pull these Miami records.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 13 lets debtors keep property and pay back debts over 3 to 5 years. It works well for people facing foreclosure who want to catch up on mortgage payments. The filing fee is $313. Miami Chapter 13 cases show a repayment plan in the docket. The trustee reviews and collects plan payments, then distributes funds to creditors. Look for chapter code “13” in the PACER results.
Bankruptcy Filing Process in Miami
Filing for bankruptcy in Miami requires specific documents, fees, and credit counseling. The Southern District has local rules that all Miami filers must follow.
Required Documents
Miami bankruptcy filers must prepare several documents before filing. The court requires a petition, schedules of assets and liabilities, a statement of financial affairs, and a credit counseling certificate. Most filers also submit a means test calculation, pay stubs from the last 60 days, and the most recent federal tax return. The U.S. Courts website at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms lists every required form with instructions.
- Voluntary Petition (Official Form 101)
- Schedules A through J (Official Form 106)
- Statement of Financial Affairs (Official Form 107)
- Means Test (Official Form 122A-1 or 122B)
- Credit Counseling Certificate
- Most Recent Tax Return
- Pay Stubs (60 days before filing)
Filing Fees and Payment Options
Standard filing fees apply across the Southern District. The court accepts cash, money order, or credit card at the clerk’s window. Filers who cannot pay the full fee upfront can ask for installment payments by filing Official Form 103A. Chapter 7 filers with income below 150% of the federal poverty line may apply for a fee waiver using Official Form 103B.
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Installment Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | Yes (up to 4 installments) |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | Yes |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | Yes (up to 4 installments) |
Credit Counseling Requirement
Federal law requires credit counseling before filing any Miami bankruptcy case. The counseling must happen within 180 days before the petition date. The U.S. Department of Justice approves agencies that offer this counseling in person, by phone, or online. Miami filers can pick any approved agency from the DOJ list. The agency issues a certificate that the filer must attach to the petition.
Official website: justice.gov/ust/list-credit-counseling-agencies-approved-pursuant-11-usc-111
After Filing: Key Records and Notices
Once a Miami bankruptcy case is filed, the court creates several records and notices that creditors and the public can view.
Automatic Stay Notices
Filing a bankruptcy petition triggers an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362. The stay stops most collection actions, including phone calls, lawsuits, wage garnishments, and foreclosure sales. The court issues a notice to all creditors listed in the filing. Creditors who violate the stay face sanctions. The stay lasts until the case is closed or dismissed, except in repeat filings where it may be limited to 30 days.
Meeting of Creditors (341 Hearing)
The court schedules a meeting of creditors, also called a 341 hearing, within 30 to 45 days after filing. The trustee runs this meeting at the courthouse or by phone in some cases. Creditors may attend and ask the debtor questions under oath. Most Miami 341 hearings last only 5 to 15 minutes. The meeting record becomes part of the bankruptcy docket and appears in PACER.
Discharge Records
A bankruptcy discharge releases the debtor from personal liability on most qualifying debts. The court enters a discharge order at the end of a successful Chapter 7 case, usually 60 to 90 days after the 341 hearing. In Chapter 13, the discharge comes after the debtor finishes all plan payments. Discharge records appear in PACER as a separate docket entry with the discharge date. These records stay public forever and cannot be sealed.
Bankruptcy Trustees in Miami
The U.S. Trustee Program appoints standing trustees to handle Miami bankruptcy cases. Trustees review petitions, run 341 meetings, and distribute payments to creditors.
Chapter 7 Trustees
The U.S. Trustee maintains a panel of Chapter 7 trustees in Miami. Each case is randomly assigned to one trustee. The trustee reviews the petition, examines the debtor at the 341 meeting, and sells any non-exempt assets. Miami Chapter 7 trustees are listed on the U.S. Trustee Program website. Their contact info also shows up in the PACER docket for each case.
Chapter 13 Trustees
The Southern District has two standing Chapter 13 trustees who serve Miami Division cases. The standing trustees collect monthly plan payments from debtors, pay creditors, and file reports with the court. They appear at every Chapter 13 341 meeting. Their names and contact details appear in PACER and on the court website at flsb.uscourts.gov.
Other Florida Bankruptcy Courts
Miami is one of three federal bankruptcy districts in Florida. People living outside the Southern District file in different courts.
Middle District of Florida
The Middle District of Florida covers Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Fort Myers. It has six divisions: Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Ocala, and Lakeland. Bankruptcy records for the Middle District are searchable through PACER or VCIS at 1-866-222-8029. The Middle District courthouse addresses and contact numbers differ from the Miami Division.
Northern District of Florida
The Northern District of Florida covers Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Panama City. It has four divisions: Pensacola, Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Panama City. Northern District bankruptcy records are also searchable through PACER. Use the same VCIS line for quick case status checks.
Florida Bankruptcy Court Comparison
Florida has three federal bankruptcy districts. Each one has its own courthouse, filing fees, and local rules. The table below shows the key differences.
| District | Main Divisions | Largest City | Major Counties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern District | Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach | Miami | Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach |
| Middle District | Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville | Tampa | Hillsborough, Orange, Duval |
| Northern District | Pensacola, Tallahassee | Jacksonville (overlap) | Escambia, Leon, Alachua |
Legal Help and Resources in Miami
Miami residents filing for bankruptcy can get help from several local and statewide resources. Some offer free legal aid for low-income filers.
Free Legal Services
Florida Legal Services and Legal Services of Greater Miami offer free help for low-income residents. They assist with bankruptcy questions, document preparation, and court paperwork. Income limits apply. Miami residents can contact these groups directly or visit their websites. The Southern District court website also lists pro se clinics that help filers who represent themselves.
Florida Bar Referrals
The Florida Bar offers a lawyer referral service at floridabar.org. The service charges a small fee for a 30-minute consultation with a licensed bankruptcy attorney in the Miami area. Many local law firms also offer free first consultations for bankruptcy cases. Speaking with a local attorney before filing helps avoid mistakes that could lead to case dismissal.
Pro Se Filing Help
Filers without a lawyer are called pro se debtors. The Southern District court has pro se guides and sample forms on its website. The clerk’s office staff can answer general questions but cannot give legal advice. Miami pro se filers must follow the same local rules and procedures as attorneys.
Searching for Old Miami Bankruptcy Records
Miami bankruptcy records from the 1980s and early 1990s are not in PACER. These paper records sit at the Miami Division courthouse archive. To request an older case, visit the clerk’s office or call (305) 714-1800. Staff will pull the paper file, which may take a few business days. Some historical Miami bankruptcy records are also available through the National Archives in Atlanta.
Cases filed after 1998 are available in PACER. The transition from paper to electronic records in the Southern District happened in stages between 1998 and 2004. Older cases may have partial electronic dockets with some paper-only documents.
Miami Bankruptcy Filing Trends
Miami sees more bankruptcy filings than most Florida cities. The Southern District reported over 20,000 new bankruptcy filings in recent years, with Miami Division accounting for a large share. Personal Chapter 7 cases make up the majority. Business Chapter 11 filings rose during economic downturns but remain a smaller share of total cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common topics people ask about Miami City Florida bankruptcy records. These answers reflect current court rules and procedures as of 2026. Always verify specific case data through PACER or the courthouse.
How much does it cost to search Miami bankruptcy records?
PACER charges $0.10 per page, with a maximum of $3.00 per document. Bills under $30 per quarter are waived. The VCIS phone line is free. Searching at the courthouse public terminals is also free. The only direct cost is printing at the courthouse, which is $0.10 per page.
Can I look up Miami bankruptcy records without a case number?
Yes. PACER lets you search by debtor name, Social Security number, or tax ID number. The VCIS system accepts debtor name and Social Security number for case lookups. You will need the name to be exact as it appears on the petition.
Are Miami bankruptcy records available online for free?
Yes, through VCIS and the courthouse public terminals. PACER has fees but waives bills under $30 per quarter. Some third-party websites also publish Miami bankruptcy data, but PACER is the official source.
How long are Miami bankruptcy records kept?
Miami bankruptcy records are kept forever. Closed cases move to the Federal Records Center but remain available through the clerk’s office. Discharge records stay public and cannot be sealed under any circumstance.
What is the difference between PACER and VCIS for Miami cases?
PACER is the full online docket system with document images. VCIS is a phone-based automated system that gives basic case status. Use PACER for full case data and VCIS for quick status checks.
Can I remove my Miami bankruptcy record from public view?
Bankruptcy records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. They cannot be sealed or removed except in rare cases involving personal safety. The court rarely grants such requests, and only specific identifiers like Social Security numbers get partially redacted.
Where do I find Tampa bankruptcy court records instead of Miami?
Tampa falls under the Middle District of Florida. Use the same PACER and VCIS systems but select the Middle District in your search. The Tampa Division courthouse is at 801 N. Florida Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602.
What is the address of the Miami bankruptcy court?
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Florida, Miami Division is at 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, FL 33128. Phone: (305) 714-1800. Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Official website: flsb.uscourts.gov
Contact and Location Summary
The Miami Division courthouse handles all bankruptcy filings from Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. The clerk’s office is open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Public terminals are available at no cost. The official website lists local rules, forms, and filing instructions for every Miami bankruptcy case.
Address: 301 North Miami Avenue, Room 150, Miami, FL 33128
Phone: (305) 714-1800
Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday
Official Website: flsb.uscourts.gov
VCIS: 1-866-222-8029
PACER: pacer.uscourts.gov