Quick Links
CS/CS/SB 170 — Electronic Filing and Receipt of Legal Documents
by Budget Subcommittee on Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; Judiciary Committee; and Senator Bennett
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Judiciary Committee (JU)
This bill requires each state attorney and public defender to electronically file court documents with the clerk of the court and electronically receive court documents from the clerk of the court. The bill defines the term “court documents.” The bill further expresses the expectation of the Legislature that the state attorneys and public defenders consult with specified entities in implementing the electronic filing and receipt process. The Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association and the Florida Public Defender Association are required to report to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by March 1, 2012, on the progress made in implementing electronic filing through the Florida Courts E-Portal (statewide portal) or other portal for case types not yet approved for filing through the statewide portal.
The bill also provides for electronic procedures in administrative proceedings. The bill requires parties represented by attorneys in hearings held under the Division of Administrative Hearings and in the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Program to file all documents electronically.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2011.
Vote: Senate 39-0; House 115-0