Union County Florida bankruptcy records are federal court documents filed at the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division.
Lake Butler is the county seat of Union County, one of Florida’s smallest counties. Every bankruptcy case opened by a Union County resident or business is processed in Jacksonville because bankruptcy falls under federal jurisdiction, not county jurisdiction. This page explains exactly where these records sit, how to pull them, what they contain, and what steps Union County residents must follow before filing their own case.
Where Union County Bankruptcy Records Live
Bankruptcy is a federal legal action under Title 11 of the United States Code. State and county clerks do not store bankruptcy files. They handle state civil cases, real estate records, and marriage licenses. Bankruptcy petitions, creditor lists, and discharge orders are stored at the federal courthouse that covers the debtor’s residence. Union County sits inside the Middle District of Florida, so every case filed there lands in the Jacksonville Division.
Why Jacksonville Handles Union County Cases
Federal law under 11 U.S.C. Section 109 sets the venue rules for bankruptcy filings. A debtor can file in the district where they live, where they run a business, or where most of their assets sit. Union County has no federal courthouse of its own. The closest bankruptcy court sits about 55 miles northeast in downtown Jacksonville. Every Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 filing from Union County gets assigned to Suite 3-150 at 300 North Hogan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202.
Middle District of Florida Court Structure
The Middle District covers 35 counties across north and central Florida. It operates four divisions: Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers. Each division has its own clerk office and public terminal room. Cases stay inside the division where they were filed unless the debtor moves or a judge orders a transfer. Union County ties directly to Jacksonville because of its location near Baker County, Columbia County, and Bradford County.
| Court Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Jacksonville Division | 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202 | (904) 301-6490 |
| Union County Clerk of Court | 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054 | (386) 496-3711 |
How to Search Union County Bankruptcy Records
Three free or low-cost methods exist for pulling bankruptcy records from Union County. Each method serves a different need. PACER works for full document access. VCIS works for quick status checks. The courthouse terminals work for hands-on research without an account.
PACER Online Access
PACER is the federal court electronic filing system. Anyone can register for a free account at pacer.uscourts.gov. After login, search the Middle District of Florida bankruptcy index by debtor name, Social Security number, or case number. Each page view costs $0.10, capped at $3.00 per document. Quarterly fees below $30 are waived. This makes PACER nearly free for casual users who only need a few records per quarter. PACER holds every bankruptcy document filed since the early 1990s, plus scanned images of older paper files.
VCIS Free Phone Lookup
The Voice Case Information System gives free basic case data 24 hours a day. Call 1-866-222-8029 and follow the voice prompts. The system confirms case number, filing date, chapter type, current status, and the trustee assigned to the case. VCIS does not show full documents or detailed schedules. It works for callers who only need to confirm a case exists or check whether a discharge was entered. No account or login is required.
In-Person Courthouse Terminals
The Jacksonville Division clerk office keeps public computer terminals on site for walk-in users. Bring a photo ID. The clerk will direct you to a terminal where you can search the same PACER database without registering an account. Court staff cannot perform legal research for you, but they can show you how to pull docket sheets, view scanned petitions, and print copies at $0.10 per page. In-person visits make sense when you need certified copies or want to view older paper-only files that have not been scanned.
What Union County Bankruptcy Records Contain
A bankruptcy file is more than a single document. It includes the initial petition, every schedule attached to it, creditor filings, motions, orders, and the final discharge or dismissal. Each piece tells a different part of the debtor’s financial story. Researchers, creditors, employers, and journalists often need to look beyond the first page of a file.
Petition and Schedules
The voluntary petition opens every bankruptcy case. It lists the debtor name, address, Social Security number, employer, and the chapter being filed. The schedules that follow break down assets, liabilities, income, and monthly expenses. Schedule D lists secured debts like mortgages and car loans. Schedule E lists priority debts like taxes and child support. Schedule F lists unsecured debts like credit cards and medical bills. These documents give the clearest picture of a debtor finances at the moment of filing.
Discharge and Dismissal Records
A discharge order wipes out the debtor personal liability on most debts listed in the case. A dismissal order closes the case without a discharge, often because the debtor failed to follow court rules or dropped the case voluntarily. The docket entry shows which outcome occurred and the exact date. Discharge records matter most to creditors because they signal that further collection efforts are barred under 11 U.S.C. Section 524.
Adversary Proceedings
An adversary proceeding is a separate lawsuit filed inside the bankruptcy case. It usually involves fraud claims, debt disputes, or objections to discharge. Adversary cases get their own docket numbers and case files. Common examples include a creditor challenging the dischargeability of a specific debt under 11 U.S.C. Section 523, or the trustee asking the court to revoke a discharge under 11 U.S.C. Section 727. Each adversary proceeding creates a full set of records you can search through PACER.
Bankruptcy Chapter Types Filed from Union County
Most bankruptcy cases in Union County fall under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13. Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 cases are rare in small counties but still possible. Each chapter produces a different type of record and follows different rules.
Chapter 7 Records
Chapter 7 is the most common type filed by Union County residents. It is called a liquidation bankruptcy, even though most debtors keep all their property through exemptions. The trustee appointed to the case reviews the schedules and decides whether any non-exempt assets should be sold. Most Chapter 7 cases close within four to six months with a discharge. The case file contains the trustee final report, the meeting of creditors transcript, and the discharge order.
Chapter 13 Records
Chapter 13 lets a debtor catch up on missed mortgage payments, car loans, and other debts through a three-to-five-year repayment plan. The debtor files a proposed plan along with the petition. The trustee reviews the plan, creditors can object, and the judge confirms the plan at a hearing. Chapter 13 records include the plan, the confirmation order, monthly payment reports, and any motions to modify the plan. These cases stay open longer than Chapter 7, so the docket grows larger over time.
Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 Cases
Chapter 11 applies to business reorganizations and high-income individuals. Chapter 12 covers family farmers and fishermen. Both are uncommon in Union County because the population is small and most local businesses are small operations. When these cases do occur, they generate extensive records because the debtor files monthly operating reports and a detailed reorganization plan. Researchers can pull these reports through PACER just like any other bankruptcy case.
Filing Bankruptcy from Union County
Anyone thinking about bankruptcy needs to know the basic steps before walking into the Jacksonville courthouse. The process has federal requirements that apply to every debtor, plus local rules specific to the Middle District.
Eligibility and Means Test
A debtor must pass the means test to file Chapter 7. The test compares household income to the median income for a Florida family of the same size. If the income falls below the median, the debtor qualifies for Chapter 7 automatically. If the income exceeds the median, the debtor must pass a second calculation showing they cannot afford to repay their debts. Chapter 13 has no means test, but the debtor must have regular income and total debts below the limits set by 11 U.S.C. Section 109.
Credit Counseling Requirement
Federal law requires every debtor to complete a credit counseling course from an approved provider before filing. The provider must appear on the list maintained by the U.S. Trustee office at justice.gov/ust. The course takes about 90 minutes and can be completed online or by phone. The debtor must also complete a second financial management course before receiving a discharge. Both certificates must be filed with the court.
Filing Fees and Payment Plans
The filing fee for Chapter 7 is $338. The fee for Chapter 13 is $313. The fee for Chapter 11 is $1,738. Debtors who cannot pay the full fee upfront can request installment payments or a fee waiver. The court breaks the Chapter 7 fee into four installments, due at filing, 30 days later, 60 days later, and 90 days later. Missing an installment can lead to dismissal of the case.
| Chapter | Filing Fee | Typical Case Length |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter 7 | $338 | 4 to 6 months |
| Chapter 13 | $313 | 3 to 5 years |
| Chapter 11 | $1,738 | 1 to 3 years |
Florida Bankruptcy Exemptions
Florida lets debtors protect certain property from liquidation in a Chapter 7 case. These exemptions come from the Florida Constitution and state statutes. The homestead exemption is one of the strongest in the country.
Homestead Exemption
Florida homestead exemption protects unlimited equity in a primary residence, as long as the property sits on no more than half an acre inside a municipality or 160 acres elsewhere. A debtor who has lived in Florida for more than seven years can protect the full value of the home from creditors. A debtor who moved to Florida more recently can only protect $1,000 of equity. This exemption only applies to the property the debtor actually occupies.
Personal Property Exemptions
Florida also protects personal property through Article X of the state constitution. Debtors can exempt up to $1,000 of personal property, or $5,000 if the head of household is 65 or older. Additional exemptions apply to qualified retirement accounts, life insurance cash value, motor vehicles up to $1,000 equity, and wages paid into a bank account more than six months before filing. Florida does not let debtors use federal exemptions, so these state-specific rules always apply.
Union County Clerk of Court Records
The Clerk of Court handles local records that sometimes connect to bankruptcy cases. Bankruptcy itself is federal, but related state court filings can affect how a bankruptcy case plays out.
Local Records That Connect to Bankruptcy
The Union County Clerk keeps records on liens, civil judgments, foreclosure actions, and small claims cases. A creditor who sues a Union County resident in state court may later file a proof of claim in the bankruptcy case based on that judgment. Property records held by the clerk also affect the homestead exemption analysis. Researchers should pull both the federal bankruptcy file and the state court records to get the full picture.
Contact Details for the Union County Clerk
Regina L. Parrish serves as the Union County Clerk of Court. The office sits at 55 West Main Street, Union County Courthouse Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054. Office hours run 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The phone number is (386) 496-3711. The clerk website at unionclerk.org offers limited online access to local records but does not provide bankruptcy data.
Legal Resources for Union County Residents
Bankruptcy filings carry long-term consequences, so debtors should consider professional help before submitting a petition. Several organizations serve Union County residents at low or no cost.
Free Legal Aid
Florida Legal Services at floridalegal.org provides free legal help to qualifying low-income residents. Three Rivers Legal Services covers Union County and surrounding areas for civil matters that may lead to bankruptcy. Both groups can evaluate a debtor options, prepare petitions, and represent clients in court. Eligibility depends on income and household size. Both groups handle consumer debt, foreclosure defense, and creditor harassment cases tied to bankruptcy filings.
Lawyer Referral and Pro Se Help
The Florida Bar at floridabar.com runs a lawyer referral service that connects residents with bankruptcy attorneys for a small fee. For debtors who choose to file without an attorney, the Middle District of Florida website at flmb.uscourts.gov publishes pro se instructions and sample forms. Filing without legal help is allowed but risky, because a single mistake can lead to dismissal of the case.
Practical Tips for Record Searches
Pulling bankruptcy records involves some practical steps that most first-time researchers overlook. These tips can save time and avoid wasted fees.
Privacy and Redaction Rules
Federal courts follow privacy rules set by the Judicial Conference. PACER automatically redacts the first five digits of Social Security numbers, full account numbers, and the names of minors. Older paper files may not follow these rules, so researchers should avoid publishing personal data from any bankruptcy record. Violations of these privacy protections can lead to sanctions under Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9037.
Requesting Certified Copies
Certified copies of bankruptcy documents carry the court seal and are accepted by lenders, employers, and government agencies. The Jacksonville clerk office charges $11.00 for the certification plus $0.50 per page. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through PACER certified document feature. Plan on two to three weeks for mail requests and same-day service for in-person visits. Lenders and landlords often require certified discharge orders before clearing a debtor obligation.
The Middle District of Florida bankruptcy court FAQ page appears below. It covers common questions about filing bankruptcy in the Middle District, including how to search for Union County cases and what forms are needed.
Office Locations and Contact Details
The details below give the exact address, phone number, and hours for the federal courthouse that handles Union County bankruptcy records. Use these details for in-person research, certified copy requests, or general case questions. Phone lines open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m. on regular court business days.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division 300 North Hogan Street, Suite 3-150, Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: (904) 301-6490 Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Website: flmb.uscourts.gov
Union County Clerk of Court 55 West Main Street, Room 103, Lake Butler, FL 32054 Phone: (386) 496-3711 Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Website: unionclerk.org
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions below cover the most common search scenarios involving Union County Florida bankruptcy records. Each answer points to the right tool, the right court, and the right procedure. These answers reflect current federal rules, Middle District local rules, and Florida state law as of 2026. Bankruptcy law changes often, so always confirm details with the Jacksonville clerk office before taking action.
How do I search a bankruptcy case in Union County?
Search the Middle District of Florida bankruptcy index through PACER at pacer.uscourts.gov. Use the debtor full legal name and last known address. For a free confirmation, call VCIS at 1-866-222-8029. The Jacksonville clerk office at 300 North Hogan Street also keeps public terminals that run PACER without an account. Bring a photo ID if you plan to visit in person. Court staff can point you to the right terminal but cannot perform legal research on your behalf. Researchers should confirm the debtor address before pulling documents to avoid mixing up records from different districts.
Are Union County bankruptcy records free to view?
VCIS is free. Courthouse terminals are free. PACER charges $0.10 per page but waives all fees when quarterly charges stay below $30. Certified copies cost extra. A small number of older paper files cannot be pulled electronically, so in-person visits may be needed for those records. Most Union County cases from the past 25 years are scanned and available through PACER. Records filed before 1997 may require a trip to the Jacksonville courthouse. The clerk office can help you locate any paper-only files by case number.
Can I search bankruptcy records by Social Security number?
PACER allows searches by full Social Security number for registered users with appropriate permissions. Most individual users search by name instead. The first five digits appear redacted in PACER results to protect the debtor privacy under Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 9037. Account numbers and minor names also appear redacted. Researchers who need unredacted records must file a motion with the court. The court grants unredacted access only for legitimate legal or government purposes.
What is the difference between discharge and dismissal?
A discharge wipes out the debtor liability on most listed debts. A dismissal closes the case without a discharge, often because the debtor stopped participating, failed to follow court rules, or voluntarily withdrew. The docket entry shows which one happened and the exact date. Creditors can resume collection after a dismissal but not after a discharge. A dismissal leaves the debtor in the same legal position as before filing. A discharge creates a permanent federal injunction against creditor collection under 11 U.S.C. Section 524.
How long does a bankruptcy stay on public record?
The record stays on PACER forever. A Chapter 7 record follows a 10-year lookback for credit reporting purposes. A Chapter 13 record follows a 7-year lookback. The court keeps all records, even closed ones, and they remain available to anyone with a PACER account or VCIS access. Credit bureaus must remove the entry after the lookback period under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The PACER docket never disappears, but the credit reporting impact ends on a fixed schedule.
Can I remove my bankruptcy record from public view?
No. Bankruptcy records are public under 11 U.S.C. Section 107. The court can seal a record only in narrow cases, such as when the debtor safety is at risk. Personal details can be redacted through a motion, but the underlying case remains visible. Sealing requires a court order based on specific facts. The Middle District rarely grants sealing requests. Most filers accept the public nature of the record as part of the bankruptcy process.
What if the debtor lives in another county now?
The case stays in the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division, because that is where the petition was filed. If the debtor moves to another state, the case may be transferred to that district, but only after a motion and a court order. Transfers happen rarely. Most Union County cases stay in Jacksonville until they close. A change of address within the Middle District does not transfer the case. Only a true change of residence outside Florida triggers a possible venue transfer under 28 U.S.C. Section 1412.