A Brave New Appellate E-World

Florida courts have started using electronic filing systems for legal documents since January 2015. There are three different web-based systems used for electronic filing in Florida courts. It’s a cost-effective and efficient way to file documents, but it has caused some confusion for lawyers and court staff. This article aims to help clear up some of that confusion by providing information about these electronic filing systems in Florida courts. Florida’s state courts use the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal to handle electronic filing for non-confidential information. Attorneys, paralegals, and self-represented litigants can register for an account and file documents online. There are no extra fees for using the portal, and filings can be paid for with credit cards or electronic checks. The portal has helpful features like a “Work Bench” for appellate court filings and a way to check the status of filings. E-filings must be submitted by 11:59:59 p.m. on the filing day. When preparing documents for the ePortal, make sure they are in Word, Word Perfect, or PDF format and follow specific formatting standards. Each document should be uploaded individually and be 25MB or less. Documents with confidential information need a special notice. You can also use the ePortal for electronic service, and you can edit your service list. The other district courts of appeal use the eDCA Portal for accessing and filing documents. You need to register on the eDCA website to access the server. You’ll need a Florida Bar number and an email address to register. Don’t wait until the last minute because the clerk’s office needs to review and approve your registration before you can file documents. Once your account is activated, you can see all the cases you’re involved in and file documents. You’ll get email notifications for each filing, and you can forward them to your client. If you file before 11:59 p.m., it’s considered filed that day. If you file after that time, it’s considered filed the next day. You can file legal documents and read briefs online for cases in Florida. You need to follow certain rules and have the right information, like the case number and document type. After you submit a document, you’ll get an email to confirm if it was accepted or not. You can also update your contact info online. Each district court of appeal website has a link to the online portal. Starting in October 2015, Florida courts made it mandatory for records on appeal to be transmitted electronically. This means that all court documents and transcripts are now required to be in a digital format. In federal courts in Florida, electronic filing and service have been allowed since 2005, using a system called CM/ECF. This system helps to make court processes more efficient, and many courts offer training on how to use it. The federal rules allow courts to use e-filing and e-service for legal documents, but personal information like Social Security numbers must be redacted for privacy. The CM/ECF system lets lawyers, parties, and the public access case documents online, 24/7. It also sends email notices and updates when new documents are filed. To file documents on CM/ECF, you need to register and get permission from the federal court where you want to file. You’ll also need a computer, document scanner, PDF compatible word processor, software to convert Word to PDF, web browser, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Internet. The system is being updated to NextGen to make it more efficient. You can access court records and documents through PACER, but there is a small fee. In Florida, courts have started using electronic filing (e-filing) to send legal documents. This means lawyers and other people involved in court cases can file documents and manage their cases online. There are different rules for civil and criminal cases, and each court has its own electronic filing system. It’s important for lawyers to learn how to use these systems to avoid delays and problems with their cases. In Florida, courts are moving towards electronic filing and service of legal documents to make the process faster and more efficient.

Source: https://www.floridabar.org/the-florida-bar-journal/a-brave-new-appellate-e-world/