The 2008 and 2009 renewal period opened on June 1, 2008. Renewal forms were mailed to all active members of the Bar of the Middle District of Florida as of May 1, 2008.

Signed renewal forms and fees were due July 15, 2008, although there is a grace period which will run from July 16 to August 31. During this time frame, late forms and fees will be accepted without penalty as long as they are postmarked on or before August 31, 2008.

Late renewal forms and fees will be accepted through the month of September as well; however, all signed renewal forms and fees that are postmarked September 1 through September 30 must be accompanied by a $50 late fee. This means that each attorney submitting a renewal in September must send a signed and dated renewal form with a check for $70, which includes the $20 renewal fee and $50 late fee, in order for that renewal to be accepted. Renewal forms and fees received during that time frame that are not accompanied by the required late fee will be returned to the attorney. If not resubmitted properly before the due date, the attorney will be considered delinquent and must reapply for membership to the Bar.

All attorney renewal forms and fees submitted/received with a postmark of October 1, 2008, or later will be returned to the attorney. The attorney will no longer be considered a member of the Court’s Bar and he/she must reapply for membership at a cost of $165 before they may again practice before this Court.

More information about the USDC-MDFL renewal process, including a helpful “Frequently Asked Questions” page, is available at the Court’s Web site, www.flmd.uscourts.gov; just go to the “Attorney Resources” heading and click on “Attorney Renewals.” Please check the Web site frequently for updates during the renewal period.