Status of Electronic Case Filing

The purpose of this letter is to notify you of the court’s decision to delay the implementation of CM/ECF until June 1, 2005. Although we initially anticipated that our external training program would begin in November, system delays coupled with building closures due to hurricane related issues have pushed back our training initiatives.

We believe the delay will not only benefit court staff but will benefit external users as well. The additional time will allow us to install and test the latest version of CM/ECF which has just been released, as well as several ancillary programs which will enhance our conversion to the new system. Also, we will have ample time to complete our training materials and allow external users to test the program from remote locations while we run internal dual docketing tests, which will ensure a smooth conversion process.

Our current training plan is to finalize all training materials for posting on our website and conduct formal training for court staff in February. In March we will begin our external training program for trustees, staff of the U.S. Trustee’s office and selected high volume filers. All other prospective e-filers will be permitted to register for training classes beginning in April on a first come, first serve basis. The court plans to make e-filing mandatory on January 1, 2006, so this will give everyone adequate time for training and to become proficient on the system.

We encourage you to continue to access our web page for updated information on CM/ECF. In the near future we will be publishing a variety of materials, including web-based training tutorials, which e-filers must complete prior to becoming registered users. On behalf of the court, we thank you for your continued interest, support and patience during this challenging and exciting time. For more information about CM/ECF please do not hesitate to contact our Project Manager, Joe Falzone at (305) 714-1894 or our IT Director & Back-up Project Manager, Erwin Ruiz at (305) 714-1855. You may also email us at our CM/ECF Help Desk address: CMECF_support@flsb.uscourts.gov.

Sincerely,

Karen Eddy, Clerk                                    Joe Falzone, Project Manager

                                                                    Erwin Ruiz, Back-Up Project Manager