Yes, there are limits to CM/ECF filing privileges. These limits generally include the requirement that users must be registered and approved to file electronically, and their registration can be revoked for various reasons, including misconduct. Passwords are provided to enable CM/ECF electronic filing and data entry. Additionally, extracting data from CM/ECF using any unauthorized program, script, or method is strictly prohibited and could result in criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits.

Yes, CM/ECF and PACER require separate logins and passwords. Please note that the Florida Southern District Court has transitioned to NextGen CM/ECF, which means you must link your CM/ECF and PACER accounts. Once your accounts are linked, you can use your PACER login for both systems. This means that after linking your filing credentials, you will only need to use your PACER account credentials to file documents and view case information in this court.

Note: Your CM/ECF login for the Florida Southern District Court cannot be used to access the Bankruptcy Court’s CM/ECF system. Contact the Bankruptcy Court at 305-714-1800 for assistance with a Bankruptcy login/password

No, only authorized attorneys who are admitted to the Southern District of Florida Court bar and have completed the required CM/ECF training may gain access to the filing section of CM/ECF to file documents.

If you practice in Districts that have all upgraded to CM/ECF NextGen, you can link your logins to your PACER account.  This will allow you to file in those Districts with only your PACER login.  Please visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov/help/faqs/nextgen-cm-ecf for more information. 

Yes, as of 4/5/2010 it is mandatory for all authorized CM/ECF users to file their initial pleadings electronically. A copy of the Administrative Order is available on our CM/ECF Resources page.

Yes, your staff can utilize your User Name and Password. However, as the registered attorney, your name will appear as the signatory of the electronically filed document and all certification responsibilities remain with you, the attorney of record.

Yes, the public can access case data in CM/ECF unless it has been sealed by the Court. The public access component of CM/ECF will require a user to enter a PACER login and password. The general public can also go to the Court and use the systems available in the Clerk’s Office to access any un-sealed cases. Please note that, through PACER, there is a charge for this service.

Yes, the CM/ECF system only accepts documents in PDF format.

No, you do not need to re-register for a new CM/ECF login and password if you are changing firms. However, you will need to update your mailing address and phone number as well as your email address.

No, only if a pleading or paper required by Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5 is to be served on other parties is served by a method other that CM/ECF, does that pleading or paper require a certificate of service.  See Local Rule 5.2(a).

Attachments and exhibits which are filed electronically in CM/ECF should be in text searchable PDF format whenever possible (the Court realizes documents such as maps, diagrams, and pictures will not be text searchable). However, pleadings/main documents filed electronically in CM/ECF must be in text searchable PDF format (See Administrative Procedure Section 3G(5)).

In most filings, the CM/ECF system generates a Notice of Electronic Filing. This email message contains a hyperlink to the document being filed. Those attorneys that have electronic filing capabilities will receive notices instantaneously through the email address they have provided.

First, log in to CM/ECF and select the ‘Reports’ link from the blue menu bar. A sub-menu appears with a link for ‘Docket Sheet.’ Once you click on this link, then you will need to log in to PACER. After you have successfully logged into PACER, you will have numerous search options to preview a specific Docket Sheet.

Call the CM/ECF Help Desk at 888-318-2260.

For any questions related to CM/ECF, please reach out to the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Federal Holidays. If you need assistance outside of these hours, you can find helpful information on our website at https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/policies-procedures or review the FAQs at https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/all-faqs/CMECF.
For assistance with PACER, please call 1-800-676-6856 or access the PACER website at http://www.pacer.psc.uscourts.gov. You can also send an email to pacer@psc.uscourts.gov (link sends e-mail).

Each attorney of record in a case will receive an email message containing a hyperlink to a document that has been filed. Please note that this does NOT include a pro se litigant who has not consented to receive Notices of Electronic Filing. One free copy is available to each attorney of record and any secondary address listed under the email information screen. The hyperlink to access the document will expire after the earlier of these two events: the first use or 15 days. Any time that same hyperlink is accessed after it has expired; the user will be asked for a PACER login and will be charged to view the document. All users are advised to print or save the document during the initial viewing period in order to avoid future charges.

Please note that the Florida Southern District Court has transitioned to NextGen CM/ECF, and you are required to link your PACER and CM/ECF accounts. Ensure that your accounts are linked before proceeding with these instructions.

Log into your CM/ECF account and select "Utilities." Then, Select "Certificate of Good Standing – Electronic PDF." To pay for your certificate, you will be automatically redirected to pay.gov, where you can pay the current fee (see Fee Schedule) via check or credit card. Once your payment is processed, your request cannot be canceled, and a refund will not be issued. Your certificate will be emailed within 2 business days to your primary email address on file in CM/ECF.

Before submitting your request, please ensure that your primary email address is correct in PACER. If your primary email address is incorrect, you will not receive your certificate. It is your responsibility to maintain current contact information with the Clerk (see LR 11.1(g)). Click here to go to CM/ECF.

Note: If you need certificates for multiple attorneys, you must log in to each attorney’s CM/ECF account to order their certificate of good standing.

Please note the following steps for authorized CM/ECF users: You must be admitted of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida Bar and complete the online CM/ECF computer-based training. If you are not an authorized CM/ECF user, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260.

To receive notices by email instead of U.S. mail, please follow these steps:

1. Ensure that the user has an active CM/ECF account that allows for electronic filing. If they do not have an account, they must complete the CM/ECF attorney training course. After completing the training, a login and password will be generated within three business days. Please note that the Florida Southern District Court has transitioned to NextGen CM/ECF, and you are required to link your CM/ECF and PACER accounts after receiving your CM/ECF login and password.
2. If the user's CM/ECF account is linked and active, go to the Court’s docket to verify the attorney’s contact information. Ensure that an email address is listed and that it does not indicate “inactive” next to it. If the email status is inactive or no email is listed, follow the steps below to update it:

• Go to https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/cmecf, click on “Log in to CM/ECF”, login with your NextGen CM/ECF login and password and accept the redaction agreement before clicking “Continue”.
• Click on “Utilities” and then select “Maintain Your Account.”
• Click on the “Email Information” button located at the bottom of the screen to add an email. A list of configuration options will appear. Ensure that the “Yes” radio button is selected for the question, “Should this email address receive notices?” Selecting “Yes” will correct the email showing as inactive. Adjust the remaining options according to your preferences.
• Once you are finished, click “Return to Person Information Screen,” and then click “Submit.” You will need to click “Submit” a second time on the following screen.

If you require further assistance, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260. The Help Desk is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

To become an authorized CM/ECF user, you must be admitted of the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida Bar and complete the online CM/ECF computer-based training. After completing the training, you will receive a login to file electronically in CM/ECF within 3 business days. For more information, please visit CM/ECF Training Registration.

Please note that the Florida Southern District Court has transitioned to NextGen CM/ECF, and you are required to link your PACER and CM/ECF accounts. This means you will have to link your accounts after you receive your CM/ECF login and password to gain access.

Click here for the CM/ECF NextGen Administrative Procedures and CM/ECF Electronic New Civil Case Opening Manual which are available for download on the website. Once you receive your login and password, it is highly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the CM/ECF system by reviewing the materials provided on the website.

If you have any CM/ECF-related questions, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260 for assistance. The Help Desk is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

When a document is filed electronically, CM/ECF will generate a Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) to the filing party, any party who is a user, parties otherwise authorized to receive NEF’s (pro hac vice attorneys) and the assigned judge. If you are not a registered user, it is the responsibility of the filing party to provide the party with a paper copy of the electronically-filed document. The filing party must also include a copy of the NEF to provide the recipient with proof of filing.

The Notice of Electronic Filing (NEF) will show at the end of the filing process. This page states what was done, what time it occurred and who was notified. This NEF will be sent to all parties associated with the case and, once you receive the email, if you click on the associated links, the information should appear.

You can also view the history of the transactions you’ve made in CM/ECF by using the View Your Transactions Log utility. To do this, log in to CM/ECF and click on 'Utilities' feature from the blue menu bar, and then click on the 'View Transaction Log.' On the following screen, enter the date when your document was filed and click on “run report.” You can also view a filing by logging in to PACER using your Pacer login and password and query the case docket.

There are two ways to sign a PDF document for electronic filing:

1. The preferred method is using "/s/." Please refer to the Administrative Procedures for the correct format of the electronic signature “/s/,” click here: Policies & Procedures.
2. If the document is signed in ink, you'll need to scan it into PDF format before filing it electronically.

To avoid receiving a Clerk’s Notice to Filer regarding a Login/Signature Block Violation, it is important to ensure that the name of the attorney e-filing the document matches the name in the document's signature block. Additionally, the attorney’s full name must be spelled exactly as it appears in the attorney’s CM/ECF account. Failing to do so will violate Section 3J(1) of the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures and LR 5.1(b).

Please also note that documents filed conventionally (in-person) must have original signatures in ink, including the Notice of Conventional Filing form that attorneys are required to complete.

You can search for docket events by clicking the “Search” button located on the right side of the CM/ECF toolbar. When prompted to search for menus and events, type in a word or phrase and click “Search.” The system may provide you with a list of docket events that match your query. If your docket event is listed, you can click on it to begin the filing process.

If you cannot find the docket event using the Search feature, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Federal Holidays.

Yes, CM/ECF is compatible with Macintosh computers, meaning you can use a Mac to access and file documents through CM/ECF. However, it's recommended to use a browser like Firefox on your Mac, as some features might not work optimally with the Chrome browser alone.

The Internet IP address for e-mail notifications has changed. If you experience any difficulty in receiving e-mail (Notices of Electronic Filing) from the CM/ECF system, please make sure your ISP, e-mail provider or your IT department has listed the following IP addresses for e-mail delivery. The ISP must configure with your firewall or mail filtering applications to allow the following IP addresses to deliver the notices:

• 63.241.40.200
• 199.107.16.200
• 206.18.112.200
• 63.241.40.202
• 199.107.16.202
• 206.18.112.202
• 63.241.40.204
• 199.107.16.204
• 206.18.112.204
• 63.241.40.205
• 199.107.16.205
• 206.18.112.205

Domain Name: *.uscourts.gov
Please pass this information along to the department or organization that handles your e-mail so the access list and spam filters can be updated. This information applies to all United States Courts CM/ECF systems in all districts. Larger e-mail providers (such as Yahoo, AOL and Gmail) have already been notified. If you use one of their services, e-mail delivery should not be affected.

Yes, anyone receiving a Notice of Electronic Filing will get one free look at the document and will be able to print and/or save it to their computer for future use. However, if they click on the link to the docket or attempt to access the document after this free look, they will need a PACER account and will be subject to PACER fees.

This issue frequently occurs with scanned documents. If the main document or attachments are larger than the 50 MB limit, it should be divided into logical sections. This means you can split the large file into several smaller files, ensuring that each attachment does not exceed the 50 MB limit.

If you require further assistance, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260. The Help Desk is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Federal Holidays.

All documents filed with the system must be in PDF format. These documents are identifiable by “.pdf” at the end of the document name.

Most likely, your internet browser cache needs to be cleared. For any PACER-related inquiries, please reach out to the PACER Service Center at 1-800-676-6856 or send an email to pacer@psc.uscourts.gov.

If the attorney is not officially listed on the docket but wants to receive emails about the case, they can be designated as an “interest.” To do this, log in to CM/ECF by clicking here: https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/cmecf and click on the ‘Utilities’ feature in the menu bar.

Next, select the link “Maintain Your Account” and then click on the “Email Information” button. On the following screen, click on the primary email address to reveal the configuration options. Enter the case number for which you want to receive notifications (NEFs) in the appropriate field under “Case-specific options” – “Add additional cases for noticing.” After entering the case number, click the “Find This Case” button. When the case list appears, select the case, and click the “Add case(s)” button.

To confirm that the case has been added, look for a display box underneath “These cases will send notice per filing.” This box will list the case numbers linked to the primary email designated for receiving email notifications. You may need to scroll through the list to find the case number you just added. Once you locate it, you should see “(interest)” at the end of the case information, which will confirm that the process was completed correctly.

When you have finished updating your account, click on “Return to Person Information Screen.” Click on “Submit,” then ‘‘Submit” on the following page.

Please note that the one free look (one free copy) does not apply to any cases in which you are added as an “interest.”

If you require further assistance, please contact the CM/ECF Helpdesk at 1-888-318-2260. The Help Desk is available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

When creating PDF documents for the purpose of filing in CM/ECF, it is recommended they be converted directly from the word processing program. Usually only very large Word documents converted to PDF will have size limitation problems. You will more frequently run into size issues when scanning documents. Keep in mind that you can separate large files into multiple smaller files. To check the size of the file, right-click on the file and select properties.

For report data retrieved from the CM/ECF system, billable pages are calculated in two ways. A formula is used to determine the number of pages for a HTML formatted report. The information extracted from the CM/ECF database, such as the data used to create a docket sheet, is billed using a formula based on the number of bytes extracted. For a PDF document, the actual number of pages is counted to determine the number of billable pages. For report data retrieved from the CM/ECF system that is printed, the print job will not always match the number of pages billed. All users are charged equally for the same information regardless of the browser settings or printer configurations.

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• A personal computer
• Word-processing software
• Internet access and a browser
• An email address
• Scanning equipment may be useful
• High speed internet connection via DSL or cable modem
• Software to convert documents into a PDF format (it is recommended to avoid “freeware” PDF creation utilities)

Please refer to the User’s Manual for additional information.

For a list of documents that must be filed conventionally, please refer to the CM/ECF NextGen Administrative Procedures by clicking here: Policies & Procedures. This list includes the documents that require conventional filing, as well as the form for the Notice of Conventional Filing that attorneys must complete.

It means that the CM/ECF System is unable to complete your request. Please contact the CM/ECF Help Desk at 1-888-318-2260 and inform them of the error.

For sizable attachments, consider dividing them into smaller attachments and filing the series of attachments electronically. For documents that have not been created in a word processing software, the attachments will need to be scanned and then divided into several smaller attachments for filing electronically. Please refer to the Administrative Procedures for further information regarding attachments and exhibits that cannot be created and filed electronically. In addition, you can contact the Help Desk at 1-888-318-2260 for further assistance.

The Court seeks to have as many documents as reasonably possible filed electronically. The Court recognizes, however, that some documents may not be available in electronic format (i.e., medical records). Nevertheless, many of these documents can be easily scanned for electronic filing. Documents or objects that cannot reasonably be scanned, such as certain exhibits, will be filed and served in the traditional manner. Advance planning will help avoid the need to make last minute decisions on such matters.

The Case Management/Electronic Case Files (CM/ECF) system allows courts to maintain electronic case files and offer electronic filing online, making all case information immediately available. CM/ECF is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except for routine or emergency maintenance that should be posted on the court's website).

CM/ECF users are not charged for filing documents using CM/ECF or for viewing calendar information and written opinions. In addition, attorneys of record and parties in a case receive one free electronic copy of all documents filed electronically. Please note that this does NOT include a pro se litigant who has not consented to receive Notices of Electronic Filing. The cost is limited to those individuals that are utilizing the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) to obtain case and docket information. The results of any search for case specific information such as docket sheets, the PDF copies of filed documents and the cases report, are charged $0.10 per page.

You can obtain detailed instructions on opening a new civil case from our CM/ECF page. Please visit https://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/policies-procedures and click the link Electronic New Civil Case Opening Guide to view or download. Also refer to the CM/ECF Format for Adding Parties for Attorneys manual prior to opening your new civil case.

No, the Clerk’s Office will not maintain a paper case file as the electronic record will be the official record of the Court. Documents that require original signatures or that require either verification or a sworn declaration under any rule or statute, shall be filed electronically with the originally-executed documents maintained by the filer. The filer shall retain the paper document containing the original signature(s) for a period of one year after resolution of the action, including final disposition of all appeals. Please refer to the Administrative Procedures for further information.