In order to meet the requirement of a new law passed earlier this year, Florida’s Clerks of Court have begun statewide implementation of an electronic filing system that will enable attorneys to file lawsuits, pleadings and motions online.  “E-filing” will save time and costs by making the most efficient use of Clerks’ staff time and eliminating the need for in-person delivery to the courthouse.

As part of the implementation process, Florida’s Clerks of Court are building an electronic portal that will serve as the statewide entry point for court recording and filing court documents. During September, the Court Clerks participated in workshops to address the technical requirements necessary for interfacing with the portal.

“These days we’re all having to do more with less.  Moving to an e-filing system that offers efficiency, reductions in staff load and other costs simply makes the most sense for everyone involved in the process,” said Duval County Clerk Jim Fuller.  “Our world is becoming increasingly electronic and many of our Clerks have been at the forefront of that trend by piloting their own e-filing programs within their circuits.  Statewide implementation will bring the benefits of e-filing to attorneys across Florida – no matter what county they may be filing in.” 

Clerks of Court met with court officials over the summer to start developing standards for e-filing in probate courts.  Nearly 20 Court Clerks’ offices already offer some level of electronic filing capability.  Both Broward and Pasco Counties have e-filing systems dedicated to probate cases, and counties such as Manatee were approved to accept e-filings in civil and criminal cases as far back as 2001.