E-filing is set to become mandatory in all Florida courts by October 1, 2013. While it is not yet required, it is still encouraged to be done in counties that have adopted the software and systems necessary for clerks to accept e-filed documents.
A common mistake many clerks are discovering is that attorneys and their staffs are e-mailing documents to the clerk rather than e- filing them into the court’s online portal. Some courts including the Alachua County Clerk’s Office have begun issuing standard replies to those who mistakenly e-mail rather than e-file. Currently, such a mistake is not too troublesome. However, if deadlines are missed or the statutes of limitations run on account of such a mistake, it could present a tremendous problem and likely future malpractice claim. The best thing for an attorney to do is to be prepared for the change and educate themselves and their staffs in advance. For more information visit: http://www.floridabar.org/DIVCOM/JN/jnnews01.nsf/cb53c80c8fabd49d85256b5900678f6c/8ae6a4aa3d2a86e285257a9100429da6!OpenDocument&Highlight=0,e-filing*
