Attorney Annual Renewal Information

FAQs on Attorney Renewals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why is the renewal fee $20.00?
In accordance with this Court’s Fourth Amended and Restated Guidelines and Plan for the Administration of Non-Appropriated Funds, amended by the Board of Judges in 2011, renewal fees are $20. This amount covers a two-year period, payable every even-numbered year.
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When is my renewal due? Is there a “grace period” for submission?
In accordance with this Court’s Fourth Amended and Restated Guidelines and Plan for the Administration of Non-Appropriated Funds, amended by the Board of Judges in 2011, renewal fees are $20. This amount covers a two-year period, payable every even-numbered year.
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When does the Court consider that I am no longer an active member of the MDFL Bar?
Any member who has failed to renew his/her membership and has not paid any required fees/late charges by September 30, 2012, will no longer be considered an active member of this Court’s Bar and must make application as a new member, pay the current admittance fee, and attend an admissions ceremony before he/she can practice before this Court. Renewal fees received on October 1, 2012 or later will be rejected..
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Can a renewal check be submitted on behalf of multiple attorneys?
No. Effective with the 2012-2013 Attorney Renewal Membership Drive, attorneys are required to pay their renewal fees with a credit card, by logging into CM/ECF, which can be accessed through the Court’s Web site (www.flmd.uscourts.gov). The event used for this submission will NOT be activated until June 1, 2012, and payment cannot be submitted until that time. Further instructions on how to pay your fee on-line will be posted on our website closer to the time of renewal. No checks will be accepted.
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Can one renewal form be submitted on behalf of multiple attorneys?
No. Each attorney must pay their own fee by logging into CM/ECF using their own login and password. This is the only way for the renewal fee to be reflected properly for each attorney.
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What if I don’t have a credit card or Internet access?
The Court is requiring payment by credit card through CM/ECF. A member of bar who does not have a credit card or Internet access must make alternate arraignments to comply with the Court’s requirement. Back to top

I mailed my renewal form without attaching a check, I sent my renewal form without signing it, I mailed my check without attaching my renewal form, or I sent my form and check but forgot to enclose the required additional late fee. What happens now?
Renewal fees submitted by check to the Clerk’s Office for the 2012-2013 Attorney Renewal Membership Drive will be returned to the attorney. If the renewal fee is not resubmitted properly (via logging into CM/ECF) before the due date, the attorney will either be subject to a late fee of $50, in addition to the $20 renewal fee, or be considered delinquent and subject to removal from the MDFL Bar. No membership renewal payments will be accepted effective October 1, 2012, or later. If an attorney fails to renew prior to October 1, 2012, her or she must be readmitted at the current admission rate of $191.
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I think I am a member of the Middle District of Florida’s Bar, but I don’t recall when I was admitted to practice before the Court. How can I verify my membership?
You may search the MDFL Attorney Roster located on this website. This link may also be found on the Attorney Resources page.
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The contact information in CM/ECF is incorrect, how can I update my contact information?
All attorneys are responsible for updating their E-mail address, phone number and fax number that is on file with the USDC-MDFL. This is done by logging into CM/ECF, clicking on ‘Utilities’ in the blue menu bar, and using the options listed under ‘Your Account’. If an attorney’s address is incorrect, changes can be submitted through the “Submit a Change of Address" link or by submitting the changes in writing to the Clerk’s Office where filing is done most frequently. DO NOT send the 2012-2013 Attorney Renewal Fee to the Clerk’s Office - it will only be returned to you
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I’m running late. Can I pay my renewal fee to the Clerk’s Office for payment? Can I Federal Express my form and fee to the Court?
No. Renewal payments will not be accepted at any of the five divisional offices of the Court. Please access CM/ECF to submit your renewal fee through Pay.gov. FLMD Membership Renewal using CM/ECF and Pay.gov
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I am a non-resident attorney specially admitted under Local Rule 2.02. Should I pay the fee?
No. Non-resident attorneys should not pay the renewal fee.
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I was just admitted/readmitted to the MDFL Bar earlier this calendar year (2012). Should I pay the fee?
No. All attorneys who are members of the Bar of this Court must pay a renewal fee, including attorneys who may have previously been exempt (attorneys who were employed full time by either the United States or an agency of the United States, who were required to “practice” before the Court in an official capacity).
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In years past, I was considered “exempt” and did not have to submit a renewal fee. Am I still exempt?
No. All attorneys who are members of the Bar of this Court must pay a renewal fee and submit a renewal form, including attorneys who may have previously been exempt (attorneys who were employed full time by either the United States or an agency of the United States, who were required to “practice” before the Court in an official capacity).
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I did not receive an E-mail regarding the upcoming Attorney Renewal Membership Drive and when I called the Court to verify my status, I was informed that I am no longer a member of the MDFL Bar. I believe that an error has been made and would like to address my situation with the Court. What should I do?
Attorneys who dispute the finding that they are no longer a member of the MDFL Bar should send a detailed letter explaining the dispute to the Attorney Admissions Clerk in the Division where they file most frequently. Any documentation to support your position should be attached to the letter. The Attorney Admissions Clerk will forward your letter through the proper channels and, after the Court has had an opportunity to investigate the matter further, you will be contacted in writing with a decision.
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I must be readmitted but cannot wait for the next ceremony. Can I have my admissions expedited?
In certain emergency circumstances, some judges are willing to swear in an attorney before the next admission ceremony is scheduled. You should speak with the Attorney Admissions Clerk in the Division closest to you about your emergency situation.
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I must be readmitted. Do I keep my initial admission date?
Your record will reflect your original admission date as well as your readmittance date.
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If I do not pay my renewal fee, does this adversely effect my record with the Middle District of Florida or the Florida Bar?
While there are no penalties per se for letting your renewal lapse, once you are no longer a member of the Bar of this Court, you must be readmitted before you may practice before the Court. Please also note that attorneys who are no longer members of this Court’s Bar are subject to removal from the CJA Attorney and Mediator Panels. There is no effect on your Florida Bar membership, if you do not pay your renewal fee to the MDFL Bar.
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