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E-Filing

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1. What is the ePortal?

The ePortal is a website that provides eFiling and eRecording capability to users with a single statewide login. Users may utilize the ePortal web interface to submit documents to Clerks and Recorders. The ePortal also supports automated interfaces with other submitter systems. The ePortal supports transmissions to/from the local case/recording systems using national XML standards. The ePortal also provides electronic notifications and service on behalf of filers.

2. How do I register for an account?

Attorneys and pro se (self-represented) parties may register for an account to file court documents via the eFiling Portal. To register for an ePortal account, visit the Florida Courts eFiling Portal and click on "File Now" to complete the steps for registration.

For assistance with creating an account, click on the link "ePortal Documentation."

Attorneys

When registering, be sure the primary email address you enter on the ePortal matches the email address you have on record with the Florida Bar. Your first and last name must also match the records with the Florida Bar. You can verify your name and email address on file with the Florida Bar on the Florida Bar Website.

3. Where can I get training or documentation on how to eFile?

E-Filer Manuals and Portal FAQs. are available on the MyFlorida ePortal. An Escambia E-Filing Resource Guide (PDF) is available and periodic training sessions on e-Filing will be posted on our website.

4. I need assistance with my ePortal account. Whom do I contact?

For technical support, including password resets, contact the MyFlCourtAccess Support in Tallahassee at 850-577-4609 or send them an email. For assistance with a filing, such as an inquiry regarding a filing or a case, please contact our office.

5. Can I file for all cases?

Yes, you may file for all cases.

6. Is special software required?

The only requirement will be an internet connection and a supported browser.

7. What document types does the ePortal support?

The ePortal will accept filings in Microsoft Word or PDF formats. Documents created with Word Perfect should be converted to PDF or Word prior to sending to the ePortal. All scanned documents must be at 300 dots per inch (DPI) and in black and white. The maximum allowable size of a document is 50 megabytes. All documents will be converted to PDF formats by the ePortal.

8. Are all types of documents accepted?

Documents that must be maintained in original form may be electronically filed through the Portal but must also be deposited with the Clerk and maintained for safekeeping as defined in SC11-399. Examples include: 

• Codicils
• Deeds
• Original Paper Judgments
• Sentences
• Verified and Sworn Documents
• Wills
• Etc.

9. Will there be any charges for users of the ePortal?

Yes. The regular filings established by Florida law are required to be paid to file cases with Florida's courts. In addition to the filing fees, there are also convenience fees established to offset the use of electronic funds transfer, whether using a credit, charge or debit card, or and automated clearing house (ACH) transaction. The portal accepts Mastercard, Discover and American Express cards at a rate of 3%. The fee for an ACH transaction is a $3 flat fee.

10. How will users of the ePortal be authenticated?

Individual Florida Bar members will register to use this system and receive authentication credentials (login ID, password) upon validation of their online registration. Upon receipt of the completed Online Electronic Filing Registration, the system will verify that the attorney is admitted to practice and in good standing with The Florida Bar. A combination including but not limited to name, email and Florida Bar Number, obtained during the registration, will be validated against an electronic list provided by the Florida Bar. The attorney will be able to designate their user name and password. Email notification will be sent to the attorney at their identified email account reflecting either approval or denial of the account. The selected user name and password will enable the attorney to retrieve and file documents electronically and to receive the Notice of Electronic Filing. 

The person to whom the user name and password is assigned is responsible for any documents filed using that user name and password.

11. What electronic notifications will be supported by the ePortal?

The ePortal will support the following electronic notifications:

• Acceptance of filing including filing id number and case identification data
• Acceptance/activation of subscriber account
• Change of subscriber profile including login credentials
• Receipt of filing including filing id number
• Receipt of subscriber application
• Rejection of filing including filing id number, case identification data and rejection reason

12. How will the ePortal store the filing time and time stamping of filings?

All dates and times, including when the filing is received at the ePortal and accepted/rejected by the clerk, are stored in the ePortal database to ensure the accuracy and consistency of when the event took place. An electronic filing may be submitted to the portal at any time of the day or night, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For purposes of determining timeliness, an accepted filing shall be deemed filed on the date and time when the electronic filing is received at the ePortal.

13. How will the ePortal provide access to filings once they are accepted by the local Clerk/Recorder?

The ePortal provides access to filings "in progress" only. Once the filing is accepted and filed in the local CMS/DMS, this becomes the official court record just like the current paper process. Original filings are retained at the portal for a brief period and then removed. Permanent access to these documents will be provided through existing methods - local websites and CCIS links.

Per AOSC04-04, filers will only be able to access cases of which they are a party of record. This access will be provided through a secured link to the existing CCIS database and links. When a county implements ICD Version 2 of CCIS, the Bar ID will be linked to each case in CCIS. When an attorney of record registers on the Portal with their Bar ID, they will be able to see any case linked to their Bar ID via a secured link to the existing CCIS database.

14. What happens if a filing occurs on the ePortal and the local system is down?

If the local record keeping system is down or otherwise not available, then any process that depends on the availability of the local record keeping system will not be available. Filings that are 'waiting to be filed' will continue to wait and the re-try mechanism will continue to re-try. Once the local record keeping system is back up, the filings are filed and notifications are sent.

15. How do I sign an electronic document?

Please refer to Section 7.0 Electronic Signatures in the Administrative Order SC09-30: Statewide Standards for Electronic Access to the Courts (PDF) for rules governing electronic signatures on court documents.

In general, a submission by a registered user is not required to bear the electronic image of the handwritten signature or an encrypted signature of the filer. Instead, the requirement of a signature on an electronically filed document may be met as follows:
s/ John Doe
John Doe (email address)
Bar Number 12345
Attorney for (Plaintiff/Defendant) XYZ Company
ABC Law Firm
123 S Street
Orlando, FL 32800
Phone: 407-123-4567

See Florida Supreme Court AOSC09-30 for more information.

16. Do I still need to submit the original document to the Clerk?

In most cases, no. However, certain documents are still required to be filed with the Clerk in paper form. Please refer to Administrative Order SC11-399: E-Filing (PDF) for more information.

17. Who is allowed to use eFiling?

The Florida Court ePortal currently supports efiling by:

• Attorneys
• Clerks and Judges
• Court Reporters
• Creditors
• Media
• Mediators
• Mental Health Professionals
• Pro Se Individuals
• Process Servers
• As Well as All State Agencies, Law Enforcement and Other Non-Parties

18. Can a single filing apply to more than one case?

No, a single filing cannot apply to more than one case.

19. Can I file multiple pleadings in the same case in the same transaction?

Yes, multiple pleadings on the same case can be filed simultaneously.

20. What about privacy and the “minimization” rule?

All filers must comply with the privacy/confidentiality provisions of Florida Rules of Judicial Administration 2420, and the prevention of unauthorized filings (minimization) provisions of Rule 2.425. These requirements apply to all documents, including attachments. If a filer who electronically files a document containing information identified as exempt from public access pursuant to Rules 2.420 and 2425, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, the filer shall indicate that the document contains confidential or sensitive information. Documents that are exempt or claimed to be exempt from public access shall be processed pursuant to Rules 2.420 and 2.425.

The filer will be required to certify that either:

1. The filing transmitted through the portal, including all attachments, contains no confidential or sensitive information
2. The filing transmitted through the portal, including all attachments, contains confidential or sensitive information and the filing has been properly protected by complying with the provisions of Rules 2.420 and 2425, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration