Tampa City Florida bankruptcy records are federal court files held by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida.
Anyone can look up these records online, by phone, or at the Tampa courthouse. The records list who filed for bankruptcy, what chapter they filed, and what happened in the case. Tampa sits in the Middle District’s Tampa Division, which covers Hillsborough County and nearby areas. New filings, old case files, and discharge papers all sit in this single federal system. The records stay open to the public by federal law. This page explains where Tampa bankruptcy records live, how to pull them up, what each chapter means, and what fees you will pay in 2026.
Tampa Bankruptcy Court Location and Jurisdiction
The Tampa Division handles every bankruptcy case filed by Tampa residents and businesses. It is part of the Middle District of Florida, one of three bankruptcy districts in the state. The other two districts sit in Jacksonville and Fort Lauderdale. Tampa runs the busiest division in the Middle District because of its large population and active business base.
Middle District Tampa Division
The Middle District of Florida Tampa Division covers Hillsborough County and several nearby counties. Counties under this division include Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Hardee. Anyone living in these counties files their bankruptcy petition in Tampa. The court also takes cases from businesses with property or operations in the area. Federal law at 11 U.S.C. Section 109 says a person must live in the district or have property there to file. Tampa residents meet this rule automatically.
Tampa Courthouse Address and Contact
The Tampa bankruptcy courthouse sits at 801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, Florida 33602. The clerk’s office phone number is (813) 301-5162. Office hours run Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The courthouse closes on federal holidays. Public terminals sit in the clerk’s office for anyone who wants to search records in person. Staff can help with the public terminals during business hours.
How to Search Tampa Bankruptcy Records
Three free or low-cost methods exist for pulling up Tampa bankruptcy records. The fastest way is PACER, the federal online system. A phone line called VCIS gives basic case facts. A visit to the Tampa courthouse lets you use the public terminals at no charge. Each method gives you a different level of detail.
PACER Online Search Method
PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records. The system covers every federal court in the country, including the Middle District of Florida. Create a username and password at pacer.uscourts.gov. Search Tampa bankruptcy cases by debtor name, case number, or Social Security or tax ID number. Results show the filing date, chapter type, judge, trustee, and full docket entries. Documents cost $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Users who spend less than $30 per quarter pay nothing. PACER accepts credit cards and ACH bank transfers.
VCIS Phone System Access
VCIS is the Voice Case Information System. The number is 1-866-222-8029. The line runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. No account or password is needed. VCIS tells you the case number, filing date, chapter, current status, and discharge date. The call stays free. VCIS works well for a quick check on whether someone has a Tampa bankruptcy filing.
In-Person Records Access
Public terminals at the Tampa courthouse let you search bankruptcy records at no cost. Bring a photo ID. Staff can help you set up a search and print documents. Printed pages cost $0.10 each, capped at $3.00 per document. The courthouse is at 801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 555. Plan for a short wait during busy times like Monday mornings and the days after federal holidays.
Types of Bankruptcy Cases Filed in Tampa
Three bankruptcy chapters cover nearly every Tampa filing. Chapter 7 wipes out unsecured debts. Chapter 13 sets up a repayment plan. Chapter 11 handles business reorganizations. Each chapter creates a different kind of record.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 7 is the most common Tampa filing. Records list the debtor’s name, address, and Social Security number. The petition lists all debts, income, expenses, and property. The court assigns a trustee who reviews the case and sells any non-exempt assets. A discharge usually comes about 60 to 90 days after the meeting of creditors. The discharge entry on the docket wipes out most unsecured debts. Tampa Chapter 7 records stay on PACER for 18 months after the final decree.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 13 lets a Tampa debtor keep property and pay back debts over three to five years. Records include the repayment plan, which lists how much the debtor pays each month. The trustee collects payments and distributes them to creditors. Tampa Chapter 13 records show every plan modification, missed payment, and motion to dismiss. A discharge happens after the final plan payment. Chapter 13 stays on the record longer than Chapter 7 because the case stays open during the plan.
Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Records
Chapter 11 handles business reorganizations and high-income individuals. Tampa business bankruptcies often fall under Chapter 11. Records show the reorganization plan, creditor lists, financial reports, and court orders. A Chapter 11 case can run for years. Documents pile up fast. PACER search results list every motion and order by date. Smaller Tampa businesses sometimes file under Subchapter V, a faster Chapter 11 process created in 2020.
Free vs Paid Bankruptcy Records Search
Several free options exist for Tampa bankruptcy records. Some paid services offer extras like nationwide search and monitoring. The choice depends on how often you need to search and how much detail you want.
Free Search Options in Florida
The Middle District bankruptcy court website lists basic case info for free at flmb.uscourts.gov. VCIS gives free case info by phone. PACER waives fees for accounts that spend less than $30 per quarter. Public terminals at the Tampa courthouse let you search Tampa cases at no cost. These four options cover most Tampa bankruptcy record needs without any paid subscription.
PACER Fee Structure 2026
PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. Audio files cost $2.50 per track. PACER also offers an API for bulk users with a separate fee. Anyone who spends $30 or less per quarter pays nothing. A bankruptcy docket with 50 pages costs $3.00. Most single Tampa bankruptcy searches stay under the $30 quarterly cap.
Tampa Bankruptcy Filing Fees and Costs
Filing fees change every few years based on the Judicial Conference Review. The 2026 fee schedule sets the cost for each chapter. Some Tampa filers pay less or get a full waiver based on income.
Current Filing Fees
The Chapter 7 filing fee is $338. The Chapter 13 filing fee is $313. The Chapter 11 filing fee is $1,738. Subchapter V small business filings cost $1,738 with quarterly payments. Tampa filers can ask to pay in installments. A motion to pay in installments lets the debtor split the fee into four parts over 120 days. The court can extend the plan for good cause.
Fee Waiver Eligibility
Tampa debtors with income below 150 percent of the federal poverty line qualify for a full fee waiver. The Judicial Conference Review sets the income numbers each year. A 2026 single-person household earning under $22,000 qualifies. The form is Application to Have the Chapter 7 Filing Fee Waived. Tampa debtors above the line can still apply to pay in installments.
Records by Florida County
The Tampa Division serves several counties around Tampa Bay. Each county sends its bankruptcy cases to the Tampa courthouse. The court docket lists the county on the case header.
Hillsborough County Records
Hillsborough County is the home of Tampa. Most Tampa bankruptcy records list Hillsborough as the county of filing. The Hillsborough County Clerk of Court keeps state civil records that may relate to the bankruptcy case. Foreclosures, debt collection lawsuits, liens, and judgments sit in the county system. The clerk’s office sits at 800 East Twiggs Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. Phone: (813) 276-8100. The clerk’s online tools let you search state cases by name or case number. State records and federal bankruptcy records give a complete picture of a debtor’s legal situation.
Nearby County Records
Pinellas County bankruptcy records sit in the Tampa Division. Clearwater and St. Petersburg residents file in Tampa. Pasco County residents also file in Tampa. Polk County, home to Lakeland, sends its cases to Tampa. Sarasota County cases go to Tampa. Each of these counties shows up as the county of residence on Tampa bankruptcy filings. The debtor address on the petition tells you which county the filer lives in.
Florida Bankruptcy Discharge Records
The discharge is the order that wipes out debt. Discharge records sit at the end of every successful bankruptcy case. Tampa discharge records show what debts the court eliminated and what debts survived.
What Appears in Discharges
Tampa discharge orders list the debtor, case number, and discharge date. The order wipes out most unsecured debts. The order keeps debts like child support, most student loans, recent tax debts, and court fines. The docket entry reads “Discharge Entered” or “Discharge of Debtor.” The official copy of the discharge order shows up as a separate PDF on PACER.
Discharge Timeline Process
Tampa Chapter 7 cases typically discharge about 60 to 90 days after the meeting of creditors. Chapter 13 cases discharge after the last plan payment, which runs 36 to 60 months after filing. Chapter 11 cases discharge when the court enters a final decree, often several years after filing. The discharge date on the PACER docket tells you exactly when the court wiped out the debts.
Bankruptcy Trustees and Creditors
Every Tampa bankruptcy case has a trustee. The trustee reviews the case, runs the meeting of creditors, and distributes payments. Creditors file papers that show up in the record.
Trustee Records and Roles
Tampa Chapter 7 cases get a trustee who reviews the petition and looks for non-exempt assets. The trustee’s name shows up on the docket. Tampa Chapter 13 trustees collect plan payments and send money to creditors. Chapter 11 cases often get a creditors’ committee and a trustee or examiner in larger cases. Trustee records list every motion, objection, and report filed in the case.
Creditor List Access
The creditor list sits in the petition and the schedules. PACER shows these documents for every Tampa case. The list includes credit cards, medical bills, personal loans, and lawsuits. Names, addresses, and amounts owed all appear. Creditors file proofs of claim in Chapter 13 and Chapter 11 cases, showing what they say the debtor owes. The claim register is a separate PACER entry that lists every claim with the amount and status.
Legal Resources for Tampa Bankruptcy
Several Tampa-area organizations help residents who want to file bankruptcy or search records. The Middle District court also offers self-help tools for people who file without a lawyer.
Free Legal Aid Tampa
Bay Area Legal Services gives free civil legal help to low-income Tampa residents. The phone number is (727) 490-4040. They handle cases across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, Hardee, Highlands, and Sarasota counties. Florida Legal Services gives free statewide help for consumer issues. The Florida Bar’s lawyer referral service connects Tampa residents to local bankruptcy attorneys. Many Tampa bankruptcy lawyers offer a free first meeting.
Pro Se Filing Help
The Middle District bankruptcy court website has a self-help section for filers without a lawyer. The site lists required forms, filing instructions, and local rules. The Tampa clerk’s office gives procedural help but cannot give legal advice. Tampa residents can download bankruptcy forms at uscourts.gov/forms/bankruptcy-forms.
Historical Bankruptcy Records and Archives
Tampa bankruptcy records stretch back to the early 1900s. Older paper records sit in the National Archives. PACER covers cases filed from the mid-1990s forward.
Accessing Older Records
PACER has Tampa bankruptcy records from 1992 forward. Older paper files from before 1992 sit at the National Archives in Fort Worth, Texas. To get a paper file, mail a request to the National Archives at 501 West Felix Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76115. The National Archives charges a copy and search fee. Microfiche copies of older Tampa bankruptcy files also sit in the Tampa clerk’s office.
Annual Filing Statistics
Tampa bankruptcy filings spiked in 2010 after the housing crash. Over 20,000 Tampa bankruptcy petitions were filed that year. Tampa filings dropped each year through 2019. Tampa filings spiked again in March 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Tampa filings dropped sharply in 2024 and 2025. Tampa Division filings totaled about 8,500 in 2025. PACER’s statistical reports break down filings by chapter and county.
Tampa Court Contact and Office Hours
The Tampa bankruptcy courthouse sits at 801 North Florida Avenue, Suite 555, Tampa, Florida 33602. The clerk’s office phone number is (813) 301-5162. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The courthouse closes on federal holidays. The Middle District bankruptcy court website sits at flmb.uscourts.gov. PACER login sits at pacer.uscourts.gov. VCIS line sits at 1-866-222-8029.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tampa bankruptcy records raise several common questions from the public, creditors, and people thinking about filing. The questions below cover the most searched topics about Tampa bankruptcy records. Each answer gives direct facts based on the Middle District of Florida rules and 2026 PACER fees.
How Much Does a Tampa Bankruptcy Search Cost?
VCIS calls stay free. PACER charges $0.10 per page, capped at $3.00 per document. PACER waives fees for accounts that spend less than $30 per quarter. In-person searches at the Tampa courthouse public terminals stay free. Printed copies cost $0.10 per page. Most single Tampa bankruptcy searches cost between $0 and $3.00.
Are Tampa Bankruptcy Records Public?
Federal law at 11 U.S.C. Section 107 makes bankruptcy files public. Anyone can search Tampa bankruptcy records online, by phone, or at the courthouse. The court seals only narrow parts of a case, like Social Security numbers on some documents. Sealed cases require a court order to open. Most Tampa bankruptcy cases stay fully public.
How Long Do Bankruptcy Records Stay Online?
PACER keeps Tampa bankruptcy records online permanently for cases filed after 1992. Sealed names or partial identifiers stay online with sensitive data redacted. The court removes Social Security numbers and bank account numbers from public PACER documents. Tampa bankruptcy cases filed before 1992 sit in paper files at the National Archives.
Can I Remove My Tampa Bankruptcy Record?
Bankruptcy records stay on PACER for the long term. Federal law allows people to ask for redaction of sensitive data, like a Social Security number or minor child’s name. The court does not remove the case itself. Trimming sensitive info requires a motion and a court order. Tampa bankruptcy records stay on PACER for life for most cases.
What Is a Tampa Case Number Format?
Tampa bankruptcy case numbers start with a district code, a year code, a division code, and a sequence number. A typical Tampa Chapter 7 case number looks like 8:25-bk-00001. The “8” stands for the Middle District of Florida. The “25” stands for the filing year. The “bk” stands for bankruptcy. The last five digits count the sequence of cases filed in Tampa that year.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Search Records?
No lawyer is needed to search Tampa bankruptcy records. PACER, VCIS, and the Tampa courthouse public terminals all work without legal help. People thinking about bankruptcy get help from a lawyer to handle the petition. People who only want to look up records do not need a lawyer at all. The clerk’s office gives procedural help for free.
How Old Are the Tampa Court Records?
PACER holds Tampa bankruptcy records from 1992 forward. Paper records at the National Archives go back to the early 1900s. Tampa became a federal court seat in the 1900s. Bankruptcy records from the 1930s and 1940s sit in federal archives. The Tampa clerk’s office has microfiche copies of older local files.