St Johns County Florida bankruptcy records are federal court files kept by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division.
Every person who lives in St Johns County and files for bankruptcy sends their paperwork to the federal courthouse in Jacksonville, not to the local county clerk. These files contain the debtor’s name, case number, chapter type, debts, assets, trustee assigned, discharge date, and court actions. Anyone can read these files because bankruptcy records are public under federal law.
This page covers the exact office that handles St Johns County cases, three ways to look up a case, filing fees, court forms, and free legal help. It also lists the cities inside St Johns County and the nearby counties that share the same federal courthouse.
What Are St Johns County Florida Bankruptcy Records
St Johns County Florida bankruptcy records are written files created when a resident files a bankruptcy case in federal court. The court stores the petition, the list of debts, the list of property, the payment plan (if any), and the final discharge order. These files stay on the public docket even after the case ends.
Who Files Bankruptcy in St Johns County
St Johns County sits in northeast Florida and covers about 270,000 people across cities like St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Nocatee, and Fruit Cove. People who live in any of these cities and cannot pay their bills file for bankruptcy through the same federal court. The most common filers include homeowners facing foreclosure, workers with large credit card debt, small business owners, and families with medical bills.
Types of Bankruptcy Filed by St Johns County Residents
Three bankruptcy chapters show up most often in St Johns County Florida bankruptcy records.
- Chapter 7: A liquidation case where most unsecured debts are erased after the trustee sells any non-exempt property.
- Chapter 13: A repayment plan that lasts three to five years and lets the filer keep their home and car while catching up on missed payments.
- Chapter 11: A business reorganization case used by companies and some individuals with high debt levels.
Chapter 7 makes up the largest share of filings by St Johns County households, followed by Chapter 13.
The Federal Court That Handles St Johns County Cases
St Johns County sits inside the Middle District of Florida, which is one of three federal bankruptcy districts in the state. The Middle District covers 35 counties across central and northeast Florida. Within the Middle District, St Johns County falls under the Jacksonville Division.
Jacksonville Division Courthouse Address and Phone
The Jacksonville Division courthouse handles every bankruptcy case filed by a St Johns County resident. The clerk’s office at this courthouse keeps the official copies of every petition, schedule, motion, and discharge order.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Courthouse Name | U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division |
| Street Address | 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202 |
| Phone Number | (904) 301-6490 |
| Website | flmb.uscourts.gov |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern |
Why St Johns County Uses the Jacksonville Court
Federal bankruptcy law requires each filer to file in the district where they live or own property for the majority of the past 180 days. St Johns County sits within the Middle District boundaries, and the Jacksonville Division serves the northeast Florida portion of that district. Residents cannot choose a different Florida bankruptcy court. Duval, Clay, Nassau, Baker, Putnam, Flagler, Volusia, and St Johns Counties all file in the same Jacksonville courthouse.
The St Johns County Clerk of Court and Local Records
The St Johns County Clerk of Court keeps state-level civil files, not federal bankruptcy files. Even so, the local clerk’s records often link to a bankruptcy case. Liens, foreclosure filings, civil judgments, and recorded deeds all pass through the St Johns County Clerk before and after a person files bankruptcy.
St Johns County Clerk Contact Details
The current St Johns County Clerk of Court is Brandon J. Patty. The office runs the county recording office and the official records search portal.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Office Name | St Johns County Clerk of Court |
| Clerk | Brandon J. Patty |
| Street Address | 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084 |
| Phone Number | (904) 819-3600 |
| Website | stjohnscclerk.com |
| Office Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern |
What the Local Clerk Can and Cannot Do for Bankruptcy Searches
The St Johns County Clerk cannot pull up a federal bankruptcy case file. Federal cases live in a separate court system. The clerk’s office can, however, search for civil lawsuits, foreclosure actions, small claims, and recorded liens tied to the same person. Lenders and attorneys often check these local records while preparing a bankruptcy petition or while contesting a discharge.
Three Ways to Search St Johns County Bankruptcy Records
Anyone can look up St Johns County Florida bankruptcy records using one of three methods. Each option fits a different need, from a quick phone check to a deep document review.
PACER Online Search for St Johns County Cases
PACER is the federal courts’ online docket system. Every bankruptcy case filed in the Jacksonville Division, including St Johns County cases, appears on PACER.
To search using PACER, create a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. After logging in, the user enters the debtor’s last name, the case number, or the Social Security or tax ID number. The search returns the full docket sheet, which shows every document filed in the case. The cost is $0.10 per page, with a $3.00 cap per document. Users who spend less than $30 in a calendar quarter pay nothing. Most St Johns County Chapter 7 cases generate 30 to 80 docket entries.
VCIS Free Phone Lookup for St Johns County Filings
VCIS stands for Voice Case Information System. The Jacksonville bankruptcy court runs a toll-free phone line that gives basic case facts without charging a fee.
Call 1-866-222-8029 from any phone. The automated system asks for the debtor’s Social Security or tax ID number, then reads back the case number, chapter, filing date, current status, and discharge date (if entered). The phone line works 24 hours a day, every day of the year. VCIS works well when the caller needs to confirm whether a case exists or check the status of a known case.
In-Person Search at the Jacksonville Courthouse
Visitors can review St Johns County bankruptcy files on public terminals inside the Jacksonville courthouse. This option works best for users who need to read full documents or print certified copies.
Bring a photo ID to the clerk’s office at 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150. Staff at the intake counter can guide visitors to the public computer room. Copies cost $0.10 per page, and certified copies cost $11.00 per document. The public terminals show the same docket sheet as PACER but do not require an account or login.
Filing Bankruptcy as a St Johns County Resident
Filing bankruptcy in St Johns County means sending a petition package to the Jacksonville Division court. The court accepts paper filings and electronic filings through the CM/ECF system.
Steps to File From St Johns County
The filing process follows a fixed sequence under federal bankruptcy rules.
- Complete a credit counseling course from a U.S. Trustee-approved agency within 180 days before filing.
- Gather tax returns from the past two years, recent pay stubs, bank statements, and a full list of debts and assets.
- Fill out the official bankruptcy forms, including the petition, schedules, and means test (for Chapter 7 cases with income above the state median).
- Pay the filing fee or request an installment payment plan approved by the court.
- File the package with the Jacksonville Division clerk either in person, by mail, or through CM/ECF.
- Attend the meeting of creditors, held about 30 to 45 days after filing, at the Jacksonville courthouse or by phone.
- Complete the financial management course before the court enters the discharge.
Automatic Stay and Creditor Contact After Filing
The moment a St Johns County resident files a bankruptcy petition, an automatic stay takes effect. Phone calls from debt collectors must stop. Wage garnishments pause. Foreclosure sales get canceled. Lawsuits over the debts listed in the petition are paused until the court lifts the stay or the case ends. Creditors who keep calling after the stay can face penalties from the court.
Costs, Fees, and Forms for St Johns County Bankruptcy Cases
The federal court sets the filing fees. These fees are the same at every bankruptcy court in the country, including the Jacksonville Division that serves St Johns County.
Current Filing Fees
The current fee schedule from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida lists the following charges.
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338.00 |
| Chapter 13 | $313.00 |
| Chapter 12 | $278.00 |
| Amended Schedules or Add-On Filing Fee (Chapter 7) | $56.00 |
| Motion to Reopen a Closed Case | $260.00 |
Filers who cannot pay the full fee at once can ask the court for an installment plan. In a Chapter 7 case, the court splits the fee into four installments due within 120 days. Chapter 13 filers can pay in installments up to six months.
Required Forms and Where to Get Them
The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts publishes all official bankruptcy forms at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms. The main forms include the Voluntary Petition (Form 101), Schedules A through J (Form 106), the Statement of Financial Affairs (Form 107), and the Chapter 7 Means Test calculation (Form 122A-1 or 122A-2). St Johns County filers can also pick up paper copies at the Jacksonville courthouse intake counter.
Legal Help and Free Resources for St Johns County Residents
Bankruptcy law allows filers to represent themselves, called “pro se,” but the rules are strict. Several free and low-cost resources help St Johns County residents handle bankruptcy cases correctly.
Free Legal Aid for St Johns County
Three organizations serve St Johns County with free legal help for qualifying low-income residents.
- Florida Legal Services: A statewide nonprofit that helps low-income residents with debt, consumer, and bankruptcy issues. Website: floridalegal.org.
- Jacksonville Area Legal Aid: Covers the northeast Florida region, including St Johns County. The group helps with debt collection defense, foreclosure, and bankruptcy paperwork. Website: jaxlegalaid.org.
- Three Rivers Legal Services: Serves low-income residents in northeast Florida and offers bankruptcy clinics and self-help packets.
Lawyer Referral and Bar Resources
The Florida Bar operates a statewide lawyer referral service. A small consultation fee connects St Johns County residents with local bankruptcy attorneys. The St Johns County Bar Association also refers residents to private attorneys who practice before the Jacksonville Division bankruptcy court. Many bankruptcy attorneys in St Augustine and Ponte Vedra offer free first consultations.
Pro St Johns County Filing Resources
The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court website posts self-help packets, sample completed forms, and a list of common filing mistakes. The U.S. Trustee Program office for Region 21 oversees trustees assigned to St Johns County cases and posts a list of approved credit counseling providers at justice.gov/ust.
Cities and Communities Inside St Johns County
All cities and unincorporated areas inside St Johns County file bankruptcy in the same Jacksonville Division courthouse. The county covers a wide area from the historic downtown of St. Augustine to the beachfront communities along the Atlantic coast.
Major Cities in St Johns County
The largest communities in the county include the following places.
- St. Augustine (county seat)
- St. Augustine Beach
- St. Augustine Shores
- Ponte Vedra Beach
- Nocatee
- Fruit Cove
- World Golf Village
- Vilano Beach
- Crescent Beach
Residents of every community listed above file their bankruptcy petitions at the same Jacksonville courthouse. The county of residence at the time of filing decides the court venue, not the city.
Nearby Counties That Share the Jacksonville Courthouse
Several counties that border or sit close to St Johns County also file bankruptcy in the Jacksonville Division. Filers should always check their county of residence before starting a case, because the wrong venue creates delays.
Bordering Counties and Their Courthouses
The following table shows counties near St Johns County and the federal court that handles their bankruptcy cases.
| County | Federal Bankruptcy Division | Major City |
|---|---|---|
| Clay County | Jacksonville Division (Middle District) | Green Cove Springs |
| Duval County | Jacksonville Division (Middle District) | Jacksonville |
| Flagler County | Jacksonville Division (Middle District) | Bunnell |
| Putnam County | Jacksonville Division (Middle District) | Palatka |
| Nassau County | Jacksonville Division (Middle District) | Fernandina Beach |
Each of these counties uses the same Jacksonville Division courthouse at 300 North Hogan Street. A move between counties within the Middle District does not require a new filing in a different court, as long as the majority of the 180-day residency requirement is met.
Frequently Asked Questions About St Johns County Florida Bankruptcy Records
Below are common questions from people who need to look up a bankruptcy case, file a new case, or check the status of a debt discharge. The answers cover the rules, search tools, and contacts that apply specifically to St Johns County and the Jacksonville Division of the Middle District of Florida.
How Long Do Bankruptcy Records Stay Public in St Johns County?
Federal bankruptcy records stay on the public docket forever. The PACER system keeps every docket entry, schedule, and order for the life of the court. Older case files from the 1980s and 1990s have been scanned and uploaded to PACER. Court archives at the Jacksonville courthouse also keep paper files for closed cases. The federal court destroys paper records only after they have been scanned and stored in the electronic system. Filers who want old records removed from PACER must file a motion to seal the case, which the court grants only in rare situations such as identity theft or privacy concerns.
Can Someone Remove Their Bankruptcy From Public View in St Johns County?
The court will not remove a bankruptcy record simply because the debtor feels embarrassed. A filer must file a formal motion and show a strong legal reason. Identity theft, danger to personal safety, and certain medical privacy claims are the most common reasons courts grant a seal. The debtor’s name still appears on the federal court’s statistical reports, even after a seal. Most St Johns County residents who file bankruptcy must accept that the case stays on PACER for life.
Are St Johns County Bankruptcy Records Free to View?
Two free options exist. The first is VCIS at 1-866-222-8029, which gives basic case facts at no cost. The second is the public terminal at the Jacksonville courthouse, where visitors can view the full docket for free. PACER charges a small fee per page, but users who stay under $30 in a quarter pay nothing. Certified copies always carry a fee, currently $11.00 per certified document.
Do St Johns County Bankruptcy Records List All Debts and Property?
Yes. Schedules D, E, and F in a bankruptcy case list every secured debt, priority debt, and unsecured debt. Schedule A lists real property, Schedule B lists personal property, and Schedule C lists property the debtor claims as exempt under Florida law. The court files these schedules at the start of the case, so anyone looking up the case can see the full picture of debts and assets.
What Is the Difference Between the Clerk’s Office and the Bankruptcy Court?
The St Johns County Clerk of Court keeps state records such as deeds, mortgages, liens, marriage licenses, and county civil lawsuits. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Jacksonville keeps federal bankruptcy records. The two offices do not share the same system. A person searching for a bankruptcy case must use PACER, VCIS, or the federal courthouse. A person searching for a foreclosure filing, civil judgment, or recorded deed must use the St Johns County Clerk’s online search at stjohnscclerk.com.
Can I Look Up Someone Else’s Bankruptcy Filing in St Johns County?
Yes. Bankruptcy records are public under federal law. Any person can search for any name on PACER or call VCIS. The system does not require the caller to be the debtor, a creditor, or an attorney. Businesses, landlords, lenders, and private investigators often run these searches as part of background checks or debt collection work.
What Happens After a St Johns County Bankruptcy Discharge?
The court mails or electronically delivers the discharge order. The case then enters “closed” status on PACER, but the docket stays online. The discharge order removes the debtor’s legal duty to pay most listed debts. Creditors must stop all collection efforts on discharged debts. Debts that survive a discharge include child support, most tax debts, and student loans, unless the court enters a separate ruling.
Official Contact Summary for St Johns County Bankruptcy Records
The following list gives every phone number, address, and website a St Johns County resident or researcher needs to look up or file a bankruptcy case.
Jacksonville Division Bankruptcy Court
The federal courthouse handles all St Johns County bankruptcy filings. Phone: (904) 301-6490. Address: 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Website: flmb.uscourts.gov. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Free VCIS line: 1-866-222-8029 (available 24/7).
St Johns County Clerk of Court
The county clerk keeps local civil and property records. Phone: (904) 819-3600. Address: 4010 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine, FL 32084. Website: stjohnscclerk.com. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
PACER Service Center
PACER provides the online docket for every federal bankruptcy court. Website: pacer.uscourts.gov. Phone support: (800) 676-6856. Account registration is free, and a user pays only when the quarterly total exceeds $30.