Palm Beach County Florida bankruptcy records are federal court files held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division.
Anyone can look at these records online through PACER, by phone through VCIS, or in person at the courthouse on North Flagler Drive. This page explains how the system works, what each record contains, and the exact steps to search or file in 2026.
How Palm Beach County Bankruptcy Records Work
Bankruptcy records in Palm Beach County are public federal files created when a person or business cannot pay their debts and files a case in court. These records stay open to the public under federal law. They show who filed, what they owed, what assets they had, and how the case ended. The records help creditors, employers, landlords, lenders, and the general public check a person’s bankruptcy history.
What Bankruptcy Records Include
A bankruptcy file has many documents. The first paper is the petition, which lists the debtor’s name, address, and the chapter filed. The schedules follow. They list debts, income, property, and monthly living costs. The court also keeps the creditor mailing list, payment records, hearing notices, trustee reports, and the final discharge order.
- Voluntary petition with debtor details
- Schedules of assets and liabilities
- Statement of monthly income and expenses
- Creditor mailing list with addresses
- Meeting of creditors transcript (341 meeting)
- Discharge order or case dismissal order
Who Files Bankruptcy in Palm Beach County
People who live in Palm Beach County, own property there, or run a business there file bankruptcy in West Palm Beach. Most filers are individuals with credit card debt, medical bills, mortgages they cannot pay, or judgment liens. Small business owners also file when their company cannot cover its debts. A small share of cases come from larger companies filing Chapter 11 reorganization.
Why Bankruptcy Records Stay Public
Federal law at 11 U.S.C. Section 107 makes all bankruptcy records public at filing. The rule protects the integrity of the bankruptcy system. It allows creditors to check claims, lets researchers study filing patterns, and helps lenders make safe decisions. Personal details like a full Social Security number stay sealed, but the case name, address, debts, and discharge status are open.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Palm Beach
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida runs all bankruptcy cases from Palm Beach County. The Southern District has three divisions. Palm Beach County falls under the West Palm Beach Division. The court hears Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 cases.
West Palm Beach Division Location
The West Palm Beach courthouse sits at 1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Residents drive only a short distance from Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, or Wellington. The clerk’s office window opens on weekdays and handles filings, copies, and case questions.
The screenshot above shows the pro se resources page at flsb.uscourts.gov. The page links to local forms, filing instructions, and self-help guides for filers without an attorney.
Jurisdiction Across All County Cities
Palm Beach County has 38 cities and towns. Bankruptcy filings from West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Gardens, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, and Riviera Beach all flow to the West Palm Beach Division. Federal law at 11 U.S.C. Section 109 requires filers to use the district where they live or keep their main business office.
Judges Assigned to the West Palm Court
Several bankruptcy judges serve the West Palm Beach Division. Each judge handles a docket of new cases, signs orders, and runs hearings on motions, plan confirmation, and adversary complaints. Cases are assigned by random draw at filing. The current judge roster changes from time to time. A fresh list sits on the Southern District website at flsb.uscourts.gov.
Three Ways to Search Court Records
People search Palm Beach bankruptcy records through three main channels. The federal court system built each option to serve a different need. Online search works for people who want full documents at any hour. Phone lookup works for a fast status check. In-person visits help when a certified copy is needed.
PACER Federal Online Search System
PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records) is the federal courts’ online system. A free account at pacer.uscourts.gov gives access to all Southern District cases. Users search by name, case number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number. The fee is $0.10 per page with a $3.00 cap per document. Accounts with under $30 in fees per quarter pay nothing.
PACER shows the full docket sheet, the petition, schedules, motions, orders, and the discharge. Older cases from before 2004 may need a manual request. Newer cases load quickly after filing.
VCIS Free Phone Case Lookup
VCIS (Voice Case Information System) is a free phone line at 1-866-222-8029. The system works around the clock and answers in plain English. It tells the caller whether a case exists, the case number, filing date, chapter type, current status, and discharge date. No account or payment is needed. VCIS works well for quick checks before pulling full documents on PACER.
In-Person Courthouse Terminal Access
The clerk’s office at 1515 North Flagler Drive has public computer terminals. Anyone can search Palm Beach bankruptcy records for free on these terminals during business hours. Staff at the counter help locate files, pull older paper records, and make certified copies. Certified copies cost $11.00 for the first page and $8.50 for each extra page of the same document.
Palm Beach County Chapter 7 Records
Chapter 7 bankruptcy records dominate the Palm Beach docket. This chapter is called straight bankruptcy or liquidation. A trustee reviews the debtor’s assets, sells any nonexempt property, and pays creditors with the proceeds. Most unsecured debts get wiped out at the end of the case.
Chapter 7 Liquidation Records Details
A Chapter 7 file starts with the petition and schedules. The court mails a notice to all creditors with the meeting date. The trustee files a report after the 341 meeting. If the trustee finds no assets to sell, the report says “no distribution.” The court then issues the discharge order 60 to 90 days after the meeting.
Chapter 7 Filing Fee in 2026
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338.00. The fee can be paid in full at filing or split into installments. Many filers pay in installments because cash flow is tight. Failure to finish the installments results in case dismissal.
What Creditors See in Chapter 7 Files
Creditors receive a notice about the filing and the meeting date. They can file a proof of claim if they want a share of any asset sale. They can object to the discharge of a specific debt. They can ask the court to lift the automatic stay and continue collection on secured property like a car or house. All those actions leave a paper trail in the case file.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Records in Palm Beach
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lets a debtor keep property and pay debts over three to five years through a court-approved plan. The plan combines past-due mortgage payments, car loans, and a portion of unsecured debt into one monthly payment made to a Chapter 13 trustee.
Chapter 13 Repayment Plan Records
The Chapter 13 file has the same petition and schedules as Chapter 7. It also has the proposed plan. The plan lists monthly payments, how each creditor class gets paid, and the length of the plan. The trustee reviews the plan and either recommends or objects to confirmation.
Chapter 13 Filing Fee in 2026
The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313.00. Filers can pay in installments. An additional trustee fee comes out of each monthly plan payment, but the debtor does not pay this fee directly to the court.
Records Created During the Plan Period
After confirmation, the trustee sends monthly reports to the court. These reports show the payments received and how the trustee distributed them to creditors. If the debtor’s income changes, the debtor files a modified plan. Motions to sell property or take out new loans show up as supplemental documents in the file.
Trustees and Creditor Claim Records
Trustees run every bankruptcy case in Palm Beach County. The United States Trustee appoints Chapter 7 panel trustees and standing Chapter 13 trustees. Both roles generate separate records on the case docket.
How Chapter 7 Trustees Handle Cases
A Chapter 7 trustee reviews the petition, asks questions at the 341 meeting, and sells any nonexempt assets. The trustee files a Final Report after the assets are sold or after determining no assets exist. The trustee’s work creates a separate set of records listing asset sales, creditor payments, and trustee fees.
How Chapter 13 Trustees Handle Cases
A Chapter 13 trustee collects monthly payments from the debtor, holds the money in a trust account, and pays creditors per the confirmed plan. The trustee’s docket records the date and amount of each payment, the distribution breakdown, and any motions to dismiss or modify the plan.
Proofs of Claim Filed by Creditors
Creditors file a proof of claim to receive a share of any payment. The proof of claim shows the amount owed, the basis for the debt, and any supporting documents. The bar date for filing a proof of claim in Chapter 13 is set by the court. Late claims often get paid only if a surplus exists.
| Claim Type | Filed By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Secured claim | Mortgage or car lender | Protect lien on collateral |
| Priority claim | Government agency or employee | Claim for wages or taxes |
| Unsecured claim | Credit card or medical creditor | Get share of any payment |
Palm Beach County Clerk Local Records
The Palm Beach County Clerk of Court, Joseph Abruzzo, runs a separate set of records at the state and county level. These records tie into bankruptcy cases through foreclosure filings, civil judgments, and recorded liens. The clerk’s office does not handle bankruptcy petitions, but its files give a full picture of the court history.
Civil and Lien Files Tied to Bankruptcy
Debt collection lawsuits, foreclosure actions, and judgment liens all sit in the clerk’s files. Many of these actions halt once the bankruptcy is filed. The freeze caused by the automatic stay shows up as a “stayed” notation in the local case file. Reviewing both the federal case and the local file gives the cleanest picture of a debtor’s situation.
Foreclosure and Judgment Lien Records
Foreclosure filings against homes and condominium units in Palm Beach County sit in the official records database. The clerk’s office at 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, also stores recorded judgments, lis pendens, and lien releases. Searches happen online at mypalmbeachclerk.com for a small per-page fee.
Steps to File Bankruptcy in Palm Beach County
Filing a bankruptcy case in Palm Beach County follows a clear set of steps. Each step has a deadline or rule that must be met. Mistakes can delay or dismiss a case.
Documents Required Before Filing
The court requires the debtor to gather recent records before filing. These papers support the schedules and statements filed with the petition.
- Two years of federal tax returns
- Six months of recent pay stubs
- Three to six months of bank statements
- List of all debts with creditor addresses
- List of all property and vehicles
- Recent mortgage statements and car loan bills
Credit Counseling Before Filing
Every individual debtor must complete a credit counseling course from a provider approved by the U.S. Trustee. The course takes about 60 minutes online or by phone. The provider files a certificate of completion directly with the court. Filing without the certificate causes the court to dismiss the case.
Filing Location and Current Fee Table
Filings happen in person at the West Palm Beach clerk’s window, by mail, or through the court’s electronic filing system for attorneys. Pro se filers can file at the counter or by mail.
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Installment Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338.00 | Up to 4 installments |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738.00 | Paid in full at filing |
| Chapter 13 | $313.00 | Up to 4 installments |
How the Automatic Stay Protects You
The instant the petition is filed, the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. Section 362 begins. Collection calls stop. Lawsuits pause. Wage garnishments end. Foreclosure auctions postpone. Creditors who keep collecting can be held in contempt of court. The stay lasts until the case ends, the discharge is granted, or a creditor successfully moves to lift the stay.
Common Questions About Record Access
Many people reach out with similar questions about Palm Beach County bankruptcy records. The answers below cover what the public can see, what stays sealed, and how long records remain online. Anyone planning a search should review these points before pulling documents.
What Stays Sealed in a Bankruptcy File
Federal rules require some items to stay sealed. The full Social Security number is redacted from any document posted on PACER. The debtor’s bank account numbers and any document the court flags as confidential also stay sealed. Names of minor children and the identity of sexual assault victims are protected.
How Long Records Stay Available
Cases filed since 2004 are available on PACER right away. Older paper-only records require an on-site visit or a copy request to the clerk. The National Archives also stores very old cases. Records do not expire. They stay open forever as long as the storage system is online.
Removing Personal Details From a Record
A debtor can ask the court to redact or seal specific items in the file. The court will redact sensitive personal identifiers like a driver’s license number, an account number, or a home address. The standard redaction request form is on the Southern District website. Identity theft victims have stronger rights and can have a broader range of items sealed.
Court Contact and Visiting Hours
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division, handles all Palm Beach County cases. Below are the exact details for filing, document pickup, and general questions.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Florida, West Palm Beach Division
1515 North Flagler Drive, Suite 801
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 514-4100
Website: https://www.flsb.uscourts.gov
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
VCIS Phone Line: 1-866-222-8029 (free, open 24 hours)
Palm Beach County Clerk of Court
Joseph Abruzzo, Clerk
301 North Olive Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2996
Website: https://www.mypalmbeachclerk.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
U.S. Trustee Program (Region 21)
51 SW First Avenue, Room 1204
Miami, FL 33130
Phone: (305) 536-7375
Website: https://www.justice.gov/ust
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common searches and filings in Palm Beach County. Each answer points to the exact statute, fee, or process tied to the topic. Anyone working on a bankruptcy search or filing should review these answers first.
How Can I Find Out If Someone Filed Bankruptcy in Palm Beach County?
The fastest way is to call the free VCIS line at 1-866-222-8029 and search by name. The system confirms whether a case exists, the case number, chapter type, and discharge status. A free account at PACER gives access to the full docket, petition, and creditor list. Searches run by Social Security number last four digits return exact matches when several people share the same name.
What Is the Cost to Pull a Bankruptcy Record in Palm Beach?
PACER charges $0.10 per page with a $3.00 maximum fee per document. Users with under $30 in fees per quarter pay nothing. The courthouse charges $11.00 for the first page of a certified copy and $8.50 per extra page of the same document. Regular paper copies from the clerk’s window run $0.50 per page.
Can I See a Discharged Bankruptcy From Years Ago?
Yes. Bankruptcy records do not expire. Cases filed on or after 2004 are on PACER for anyone to view. Older cases need a trip to the West Palm Beach clerk’s office or a copy request sent by mail. The National Archives also stores very old Southern District records that predate digital filing.
Do Bankruptcy Records Show Social Security Numbers?
Federal rules redact full Social Security numbers on PACER. The number on the petition shows only the last four digits. Bank account numbers and driver’s license numbers also stay sealed. A debtor can file a motion to seal or redact additional items such as a home address or a child’s name.
Can I Remove a Bankruptcy From My Record?
Bankruptcy records stay on file forever and cannot be deleted. Chapter 7 remains on a credit report for ten years from the filing date. Chapter 13 stays for seven years. A debtor can add a statement to a credit report explaining the cause of the bankruptcy, but the entry itself stays. Wrong information can be disputed with each credit bureau.
Are Palm Beach County Bankruptcy Filings Different From State Court?
Yes. Bankruptcy is a federal court process. State court handles only civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. Palm Beach County filers must use the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. Foreclosures, eviction filings, and small claims still go through the local Palm Beach County clerk’s office and are separate from the bankruptcy file.
What Happens If I Cannot Pay the Filing Fee?
Anyone unable to pay the full filing fee can apply to pay in installments or, in some cases, request a fee waiver. An installment plan splits the $338 Chapter 7 fee or the $313 Chapter 13 fee into up to four payments. Missing an installment causes the court to dismiss the case without a discharge.