Reappointment of Judge Michael G. Williamson - United States Bankruptcy Judge Middle District of Florida

View the announcement

Reappointment of Judge C. Ray Mullins - Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge Northern District of Georgia

View the announcement

Amendments to Local Rules - May 31, 2013

The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved new and amended Local Rules, effective July 1, 2013.

View the new and amended Local Rules

Revised Permissive Use of Negative Notice List - May 23, 2013

The Court has revised the Permissive Use of Negative Notice List (see below) to include Motion to Determine Secured Status/Value Property and Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien in Chapter 11 cases and Motion to Offset Funds Filed by Trustee in Chapter 13 Cases. The revised list may be viewed here.

Proposed Amended Local Rule 9019-2 (ADR); Mediation - May 12, 2013

The judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida are considering significant amendments to Local Rule 9019-2 (ADR); Mediation. The proposed amended local rule is posted below for public comment commencing May 14, 2013. The public comment period ends on May 28, 2013. Upon final approval by the judges, the amended local rule will be posted on June 1, 2013, with an effective date of July 1, 2013.

View the proposed amended local rule

Two new training modules available to assist attorneys and trustees service of orders - May 10, 2013

Click to view Generating a Mailing Matrix module

Click to view Service of Orders Process module

Notice of Bankruptcy Judges' Mentoring Program for New Bankruptcy Lawyers - May 9, 2013

Click here to read the announcement

Filing Fee increases and changes effective May 1, 2013 - April 26, 2013

The filing fee for reopening a Chapter 9 case is increasing to $1,167.00
The filing fee for reopening a Chapter 15 case is increasing to $1,167.00
A new fee of $25.00 for each claim being transferred will be imposed.

CM/ECF v5.1 upgrade - April 21, 2013

CM/ECF is fully operational on version 5.1 and users have full access to the system.

Change of Limited Filer Filing Events - April 15, 2013

Effective April 15, 2013 the Event List for Limited Filers is changing. This list restricts the limited filers to only those events which are in line with their filing privileges. The full list of limited filer events will be located in CM/ECF under Bankruptcy Events. If you should have any questions or concerns, please contact the Help Desk/Training Team.

Notice of change in service procedures - April 4, 2013

Effective May 1, 2013 the Clerk’s office of the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court will no longer serve copies of orders to interested parties in a case. With very few exceptions it will be the responsibility of the Movant, the prevailing party or other party as directed by the Court (“Responsible Party”) to serve copies of signed orders to interested parties and file a proof of service in compliance with Local Rules 7005-1, 7005-3, 9014-1 and 9072-1 and F.R.B.P. 2002, 5005, 7004 and 7005.

Click here to view the entire notice

Presumptively Reasonable Debtor's Attorney Fee and a la carte fees - April 2, 2013

Presumptively Reasonable Debtor's Attorney Fee and a la carte fees have been adjusted pursuant to Sec. 104 of the Bankruptcy Code for all Chapter 13 cases filed in the Tampa and Ft. Myers Divisions on or after April 1, 2013.

Click here to view the fees

Judges' Quarterly Mentoring Program - March 25, 2013

Any attorney who attended the Judges' Quarterly Mentoring Program on the Means Test on 2/26/13 and has not yet received information about CLE credit, please call (813) 301-5082.

Revised Negative Notice List Effective March 25, 2013 - March 25, 2013

The Court has revised the Permissive Use of Negative Notice List (see below) to include Interim Applications for Compensation (Chapter 11) and Motions to Confirm Priority of Modified Mortgage (Chapters 7 and 13).

Click here to view the revised Negative Notice list

Press Release - New Judge appointed in Orlando - March 5, 2013

Click here to view the press release

Proposed amendments to the Local Rules for public comment - March 1, 2013

The judges of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida are considering proposed amendments to the Local Rules. The proposals are posted on the link below for public comment commencing on March 1, 2013. The public comment period ends on April 15, 2013.

Revised Chapter 13 Model Plan in Ft. Myers and Tampa - Effective March 15, 2013 - February 28, 2013

The judges of the Ft. Myers and Tampa Divisions have approved revisions to the Chapter 13 Model Plan. The revised Model Plan must be used by all Chapter 13 debtors in cases filed on or after March 15, 2013.

The revisions to the Model Plan are highlighted in yellow. The Model Plan now requires an affirmative representation that the plan conforms to the Model Plan, and strikes non-conforming provisions not set forth in Additional Provisions, paragraph 5. In addition, the Model Plan now permits the debtor to elect when property of the estate is vested in the debtor, either at confirmation or upon the debtor's discharge or dismissal of the case. See 11 U.S.C. § 1327(b). Debtors and their counsel should give careful consideration to this election, as it may result in significant legal consequences.

Click here to view the Revised Chapter 13 Model Plan

Evaluation Solutions, LLC and ES Appraisal Services, LLC (Jacksonville) information - February 27, 2013

Evaluation Solutions, LLC and ES Appraisal Services, LLC filed for bankruptcy pursuant to Chapter 7 on January 25, 2013, in the Middle District of Florida, Jacksonville Division and is assigned to The Honorable Jerry A. Funk under jointly administered case number 3:13-bk-00446.

Information may be obtained through the website established by the trustee (http://www.es.creditorinfo.com).

Attorney for the Debtor is Bradley R. Markey, of the law firm Stutsman, Thames & Markey, PA. Their office is located at 50 North Laura Street, Suite 1600, Jacksonville, Florida 32202-3614, and their telephone number is 904-358-4000.

The case manager responsible for this case is Cathy Perkins. Her telephone number is 904-301-6522.

Proofs of Claim are not docketed or maintained by the Clerk’s Office. BMC Group currently handles the processing of all claims in this case. A separate claim must be filed against each Debtor in which a creditor asserts a claim.

By regular US Mail:

Evaluation Solutions
c/o BMC Group, Claims Processing
P.O. Box 3020
Chanhassen, MN 55317-3020

By Messenger or overnight courier:

Evaluation Solutions, LLC
c/o BMC Group, Claims Processing
18675 Lake Drive East
Chanhassen, MN 55317

Electronic case filing is mandatory in the Jacksonville Division. If you are an attorney who is already registered to file electronically in another bankruptcy district and you wish to obtain a password in order to electronically file in the Middle District of Florida, you must complete an on-line Out of District ECF Registration Form which can be found by clicking the CM/ECF Registration link located on the home page of our court’s website.

Please refer to http://www.es.creditorinfo.com or the Court’s website.

Approved Residential Mortgage Modification Course - February 21, 2013

Click here for more information

Release of Chief Justice Roberts' 2012 Year End Report on the state of the Federal Judiciary - February 7, 2013

Click here to view the Report

Notice of Bankruptcy Judge's next Jr. Lawyer Mentoring Program - February 7, 2013

Click here to read the announcement

District-wide Form for Admission to List of Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Mediators - January 31, 2013

Click here for the Admission Form

Click here to view the Administrative Order

Click here to view the Mortgage Modification Mediators for the District

Rededication Ceremony for the George C. Young Federal Building - January 24, 2013

Rededication Ceremony for the George C. Young Federal Building and United States Courthouse at 400 West Washington Street, Orlando, Florida on Friday, February 8, 2013 at 10:30am EST. Kindly RSVP to Ms. Kelly Haynes via email at: kelly.haynes@gsa.gov

Open House for family and friends on February 8, 2013 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm EST - George C. Young Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 400 West Washington Street, Orlando, Florida.

Orlando's Intake will be closed at 3:00pm EST on February 8, 2013.

Reappointment of Dwight H. Williams, Jr., Chief United States Bankruptcy Judge in the Middle District of Alabama - January 18, 2013

Click here to read the announcement

Proposed Rule Amendments Published for Public Comment - January 14, 2013

The Judicial Conference Advisory Committees on the Appellate, Bankruptcy, Civil, Criminal, and Evidence Rules have proposed amendments to their respective rules and requested that the proposals be circulated to the bench, bar, and public for comment. The public comment period ends on February 15, 2013.

Click here to view the Proposed Rule Amendments

Attention: All Pro Se debtors and other unrepresented parties - January 10, 2013

During the course of a bankruptcy case or proceeding, bankruptcy court notices are mailed by the Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) on behalf of the court. The BNC, which is operated by a private contractor, provides notice production and mailing services for the
court, but THE BNC IS NOT THE COURT. PLEASE DO NOT SEND DOCUMENTS OR EMAIL REPLIES TO THE BNC. Documents related to a bankruptcy case or proceeding should be sent directly to the court (click here for court addresses).

Holiday closures for the United States Bankruptcy Court - December 18, 2012

In addition to the regularly scheduled closures on the Federal Holidays of December 25, 2012 and January 1, 2013, all Divisions of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, will be closed on December 24, 2012, and December 31, 2012, pursuant to Administrative Order FLMB-2012-1.

Click here to view the Administrative Order

Official Forms Changes - November 27, 2012

Official Forms B7, B9, B10 and B21 will be changed effective December 1, 2012. Copies of the new forms are available on the U.S. Courts Web site by clicking HERE.

The following is a summary of the form changes:

Form B7 Statement of Financial Affairs is amended to make the definition of “insider” consistent with the statutory definition found in the United States Bankruptcy Code.

Forms B9A through B9I Notices of Bankruptcy Case Meeting of Creditors and Deadlines are amended to remind creditors not to attach the form Notice to any proof of claim or other filing in the case for privacy reasons.

Form B10 Proof of Claim is amended to remind filers of attachment requirements under Rule 3001(c). A previous direction requiring a power of attorney for authorized agents has been removed.

Form B21 Statement of Social Security Number of Taxpayer-Identification Number is amended to remind debtors that this form should be submitted to the court. This form and debtors’ social security numbers or taxpayer-identification numbers are non-public information.

Orlando Courthouse announcements and information - November 18, 2012

Hearings scheduled on or after November 19, 2012, will be heard at the George C. Young Federal Courthouse, 6th Floor, 400 W. Washington Street, Orlando, FL.

Section 341 Meeting of Creditors scheduled on or before November 30, 2012, will be held at 135 West Central Blvd., 6th Floor, Orlando, FL.

Please continue to monitor court website for further updates.

Click here to view updated announcements and information

Filing Fee Increases effective November 21, 2012 - November 5, 2012

Please be advised that there are several fee increases that take effect on November 21, 2012. The following is a list of the fee increases.

Fee for filing a Chapter 9 case increases to *$1,213.00
Fee for filing a Chapter 11 case increases to *$1,213.00
Fee for filing a Chapter 15 case increases to *$1,213.00

Fee for filing a motion to reopen a Chapter 11 case increases to $1,167.00
Fee for filing a motion by the debtor to divide (sever) a joint Chapter 11 case increases to *$1,213.00.

Fee for converting a Chapter 7 case to a Chapter 11 increases to $922.00
Fee for converting a Chapter 13 case to a Chapter 11 increases to $932.00

*(Includes the statutory fee of $1,167 and an Administrative Fee of $46)

Bankruptcy Judges' Mentoring Program for new Bankruptcy Lawyers November 28, 2012 - October 26, 2012

The next session of the Bankruptcy Judges’ mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Wednesday, November 28, 2012, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th Floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse, Tampa.

Click here for more information

Fourth FLMB Quarterly Newsletter - October 18, 2012

Click on the link below to access the Court's fourth quarter newsletter.

Click here to access the Newsletter

Celebrate Pro Bono 2012 - October 18, 2012

Celebrate Pro Bono 2012! is the theme of this year's National Celebration of Pro Bono Week. During this week, the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service is encouraging even greater pro bono participation by lawyers throughout the nation. For a list of pro bono opportunities in your area, please click HERE. To sign up to volunteer to represent a party in an adversary proceeding or contested matter through the Court's Legal Assistance Program for Low-Income Parties, please go to the Legal Assistance page of the Court's website.

Reminder of requirement to maintain email addresses in CM/ECF - October 2, 2012

The Court’s CM/ECF system sends emails regarding case activity to primary and any additional email addresses that registered attorney users have entered in their CM/ECF user accounts. Often the Court receives returned or “bounced-back” emails primarily as a result of email addresses being entered incorrectly or email accounts being full or closed.

Please be advised that the Court’s Local Rule 1001-2(h) states “Registration as an Electronic User constitutes: (1) waiver of the right to receive notice by first-class mail and consent to receive notice electronically; and (2) waiver of the right to service by personal service or first-class mail and consent to electronic service, except with regard to summons and complaint under Fed. R. Bankr. P. 7004…”

Further, the Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida implemented the Reduced Paper Module (RPM) which means that in most cases where an electronic filer is a party, only electronic notice will be sent. The court no longer sends redundant paper notices and orders with a few exceptions.

It is your responsibility to properly maintain your CM/ECF user account with up-to-date email addresses in order to receive all electronic notices timely. Additionally it is your responsibility to monitor case activity.

To update email addresses, log into CM/ECF, select Utilities and Maintain Your ECF Account and then select “email”. You may update and add email addresses but may not delete your primary email address. For additional information on how to update your email address click here. Changes to your name, firm, or address information cannot be made through Maintain Your ECF Account under Utilities. You must contact the Court’s Help Desk for instruction and assistance to make these changes

Corrective Action entry system (CAT/CAR)-Effective 10/1/2012 - October 1, 2012

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida has significantly revised its Corrective Action entry system (CAT/ CAR) which becomes effective Monday, October 1, 2012.

Those who file documents electronically with the Bankruptcy Court or review the CM/ECF Electronic Notification emails are encouraged to review the new Corrective Action system at the below link:

Corrective Action Review

Chapter 13 Plans - Change in Jacksonville Clerk's Office Procedure - September 18, 2012

Effective Monday, October 1, 2012, the Clerk's Office will no longer serve copies of plans or amended plans on all interested parties in bankruptcy cases, with the exception of the original plan if it is filed at the same time as the voluntary petition. If the original plan is not filed at the same time as the petition, the debtor's attorney will be responsible for serving the plan on all interested parties in the case and file a certificate of service with the Court.

This cost saving measure is being implemented as the Court moves toward a drastically reduced budget for fiscal year 2013.

Centralized Processing of Returned BNC Mail - September 14, 2012

This month, the Judiciary’s Bankruptcy Noticing Center (BNC) contractor will begin accepting, processing and securely disposing of notices that would otherwise be returned to the bankruptcy courts by the United States Postal Service (USPS). The service will eliminate nearly all manual processing of returned mail currently performed by court personnel and will provide timely notification to debtors’ attorneys of returned notices.

Click here to read the entire announcement

Reappointment of Judge William R. Sawyer (Middle District of Alabama Bankruptcy Court) - August 24, 2012

Click here to read the announcement

Bankruptcy Judges Mentoring Program for new Bankruptcy Lawyers - August 24, 2012

The next session of the Bankruptcy Judges’ mentoring program for lawyers new to the practice of bankruptcy law is scheduled for Wednesday, September 12, 2012, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. in the bankruptcy court’s training room on the 5th Floor, Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse.

Click here to read the entire announcement

Proposed Amendments Published for Public Comment - August 20, 2012

The Judicial Conference Advisory Committees on Appellate, Bankruptcy, Criminal, and Evidence Rules have proposed amendments to their respective rules and forms, and requested that the proposals be circulated to the bench, bar, and public for comment. The proposed amendments, Rules Committee reports explaining the proposed changes, and other information are posted on the
Judiciary’s website at http://www.uscourts.gov/RulesAndPolicies/rules/proposed-amendments.aspx. The public comment period ends February 15, 2013.

Information regarding the Republican National Convention in Tampa - August 2, 2012

Access to the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse will be very limited during the Republican National Convention (“RNC”) that will be held in Tampa, Florida, during the week of August 27, 2012. No Court proceedings will be held in the Tampa Courthouse that week. Attorneys, as always, must rely on CM/ECF to file pleadings. The United States District Court has agreed to allow delivery of paperwork via their filing deposit box which will be located on the first floor of the Courthouse. The Court encourages the public to file papers through CM/ECF or by mail. For those unable to file through CM/ECF or the mail, an Administrative Order will be entered allowing filings by fax provided the original is received by 12 noon on Tuesday, September 4.

Local Rules Lawyers’ Advisory Committee Solicits Proposals for New or Revised Local Rules - July 31, 2012

The Local Rules Lawyers’ Advisory Committee invites interested parties, including members of the Bar and Bankruptcy Court employees, to submit their suggestions, comments, and proposals for proposed new Local Rules, or revisions to our current Local Rules.

Click here to read the entire announcement

Third FLMB Quarterly Newsletter - July 25, 2012

Click on the link below to access the Court's third quarterly newsletter.

Click here to access the Newsletter

Notice to Customers Making Payment by Check - July 19, 2012

When you provide a check as payment, you authorize us either to use information from your check to make a one-time electronic fund transfer from your account or to process the payment as a check transaction.

Privacy Act – A Privacy Act Statement required by 5 U.S.C. § 552a(e)(3) stating our authority for soliciting and collecting the information from your check, and explaining the purposes and routine uses which will be made of your check information, is available from our internet site at (http://www.fms.treas.gov/otcnet/index.html), or call toll free at (1-866-945-7920) to obtain a copy by mail. Furnishing the check information is voluntary, but a decision not to do so may require you to make payment by some other method.

CM/ECF Online Training Course - Update - July 12, 2012

The Court's CM/ECF Online Training Course has been updated to include seven additional recommended learning modules: Filing a Notice of Change of Address for the Debtor, Filing a Transfer of Proof of Claim. Filing a Withdrawal of a Proof of Claim and Filing a Withdrawal of a Document or Pleading. In addition, two learning modules have been updated: Filing a Notice of Change of Address for a Creditor and Filing a Motion to Avoid Lien. Refer to the Court's News and Announcements Section regularly as additional learning modules will be added over the next few months.

Reappointment of Bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol in the Southern District of Florida - June 22, 2012

Click here to read the public notice

New Password Security Standards for CM/ECF - June 20, 2012

The Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court is taking measures to improve password security in CM/ECF. Under the new standards, all CM/ECF passwords must be a minimum of 8 characters, and must include both upper- and lower-case alphabetic characters and at least one digit or special character [e.g., 0-9, @, #, $, %, &, *, +, :].

Additionally, after five invalid login attempts on a particular account, the account is locked out for five minutes. After the timeout period, if an invalid password is again given for the account, a new timeout period (one minute longer than the previous) is started. Every additional invalid password entered after a timeout will increase the duration of the next timeout.

Upon a filer’s first login attempt in CM/ECF after the new standards are activated, the following message will display:

Clicking the link in the message will allow the filer to change his or her password to meet the new standards.

The new standards will go into effect at close of business on June 22, 2012.

If you are not prompted upon CM/ECF login or notified via email to update password, your password is already in compliance with these guidelines.

Order Reassigning Certain Pending Tampa Division Cases - June 14, 2012

NCBJ Announces Blackshear Fellowship Opportunities for 2012 Conference - June 13, 2012

The National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges is now accepting applications for its Honorable Cornelius Blackshear Presidential Fellowships for minority lawyers who practice bankruptcy law. Go here for information about Judge Blackshear, the Fellowship criteria, the application form, and other information about the program: www.ncbj.org/Blackshear_Fellowship.aspx.

Named after esteemed Bankruptcy Judge Blackshear (now retired) of the Southern District of New York, the fellowship program provides both free conference registration ($900 value) and a stipend for reasonable travel/hotel expenses for five up-and-coming minority bankruptcy practitioners (with less than 10 years' experience) who wish to attend the annual conference of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges and who otherwise meet the selection criteria. This year's conference will be held October 24-27 in San Diego at the Marriott Marquis. To view this year's conference agenda, go to www.ncbj.org/documents/2012_BROCHURE.pdf.

The deadline for submitting an application is JULY 13th. The application must be faxed to NCBJ NBA Liaison Committee Chair Honorable Jeffery P. Hopkins (fax: 513-357-5420).

Opportunity to Decline Notices of Electronic Filing - June 11, 2012

Attorneys in adversary proceedings have traditionally received Notices of Electronic Filings for the adversary proceedings in which they are directly involved and for their related bankruptcy cases. On June 11, 2012, the Middle District of Florida Bankruptcy Court will offer a new option that allows attorneys in adversary proceedings to opt out of certain e-mail notifications in the related bankruptcy case.

Click here to read the entire announcement

Negative Notice List Revised May 25, 2012 - May 25, 2012

In light of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeal's recent decision in In re McNeal, 2012 WL 116498, the Court's Permissive Use of Negative Notice List has been amended to include “Motion to Determine Secured Status/Strip Lien on Real Property (30-day notice required)” in Chapter 7 cases.

A copy of the Court's Negative Notice List may be found on the Court's website.

Availability of a Bankruptcy Judge Position In The Middle District of Florida at Orlando - May 8, 2012

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit seeks applications from all highly qualified candidates for a fourteen-year appointment as United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Middle District of Florida at Orlando. The basic jurisdiction of a bankruptcy judge is specified in Title 28, United States Code and explained in Title 11, United States Code, as well as in 98 Stat. 344, Pub. L. 98-353, Title I, § 120.

The Honorable Alexander L. Paskay - April 30, 2012

The Honorable Alexander L. Paskay passed away (peacefully) April 27, 2012, with Mrs. Paskay (his wife of 62 years) and their sons, Steve and Rick at his side. Judge Paskay will certainly be missed by his Colleagues in this District and around the nation, together with his Court family in the Tampa and Ft. Myers Divisions.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, (Corner of Twiggs Street and Florida Avenue), 509 North Florida Avenue, Tampa, Florida.

A Gathering of loved ones and friends met following the service at Stetson University College of Law, Tampa Law Center, 1700 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida.

Those wishing to honor his memory may make a contribution to one of the following:

Judge Alexander L. Paskay Endowed Scholarship Fund
Stetson University College of Law
1401 61st Street, South
Gulfport, FL 33707

Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation
P. O. Box 23827
Tampa, FL 33633-3827

LifePath Hospice Administrative Office
3010 W. Azelle Street
Tampa, FL 33609

Retirement of The Honorable Arthur B. Briskman - April 30, 2012

On July 24, 2012, Judge Arthur B. Briskman will retire. After serving several years on the Senate Judiciary Committee and in private practice in Mobile, Alabama, Arthur Briskman was appointed as a Bankruptcy Judge on November 22, 1985. He first sat as a judge in Alabama, and, starting in 1993, in Orlando. He has served this country as a true public servant in every sense of the word every day for decades.

Judge Briskman has agreed to remain on recall status. Orlando and the Middle District have benefitted greatly from his labors and we all congratulate him on this transition.

CM/ECF Online Training Course - Update - April 20, 2012

The Court's CM/ECF Online Training Course has been updated to include two additional recommended learning modules: CM/ECF Reports and Filing a Reaffirmation. In addition, several learning modules have been repaired as a result of feedback provide by users of the Program: Filing an Objection to Proof of Claim, Filing a Plan, Filing an Amended Plan and Filing a Proof of Claim. Refer to the Court's News and Announcements Section regularly as additional learning modules will be added over the next few months.

Second FLMB Quarterly Newsletter - April 18, 2012

Click on the link below to access the Court's second quarterly newsletter.

» Click here to access the Newsletter

Revised Negative Notice List Effective April 16, 2012 - April 2, 2012

The Court has revised the Permissive Use of Negative Notice List (see below) to more clearly describe those motions and papers which may be filed using negative notice as permitted by Local Rule 2002-4. In order to assist practitioners, the Negative Notice List is now categorized by bankruptcy chapter (7, 11, 12 and 13). Motions and papers that are not described on the Negative Notice List will be set for hearing or, if appropriate, granted or denied without a hearing.

» Click here to the revised Negative Notice List

CM/ECF Online Training Course - Update - April 2, 2012

The Court's Debtor Attorney CM/ECF Online Training Course has been updated to include five additional recommended learning modules: Filing a Plan; Filing an Amended Plan; Filing a Motion to Avoid Lien; Filing an Application to Pay Filing Fee in Installments and Filing an Application for Waiver of Filing Fee. Refer to the Court's News and Announcements Section regularly as additional learning modules will be added over the next few months.

April is National Financial Literacy Month - March 30, 2012

April has been designated by Congress as National Financial Literacy Month. The United States Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida are participating in this annual promotion of financial well-being and invite you to browse the following resources for acquiring good financial habits.

» Click here to browse the resources for acquiring good financial habits

CM/ECF Online Training Course - March 16, 2012

A significant change to CM/ECF training will take place on March 19, 2012, when the Clerk's Office will introduce its new CM/ECF online training course. This course is designed to train attorneys, their staff, and other outside filers who want to file in a limited capacity. The online course replaces the training classes, which were provided at the District’s divisional offices since the Court went live on CM/ECF in February 2002.

The online course is made up of a series of electronic learning modules (ELMs) broken down into training for three categories of users as follows.

Creditor Attorney – This set of ELMs should be completed by attorneys (and their staff) who primarily represent creditors, trustees and other professionals, and who are seeking full filing access to the Court’s CM/ECF filing system.

Debtor Attorney – These ELMs should be completed by attorneys (and their staff) who primarily represent debtors and who are seeking full filing access to the Court’s CM/ECF filing system.

Limited Filer – These ELMS should be completed by creditors and attorneys seeking to participate in the CM/ECF filing system for the limited purpose of filing Requests for Notice/Notices of Appearance, Reaffirmation Agreements, Proofs of Claim, Transfers of Claim, and other Claim related documents.

Access to the online course will be through the court’s website by clicking on the online course registration tab under the CM/ECF section located in the upper right hand corner on the homepage. For those interested, the course can be viewed beginning Monday, March 19, by clicking through the online course registration tab.

Relocation of the Proposed Orders submission link effective Monday, March 12, 2012 - March 7, 2012

The location of the Proposed Orders submission link on the Court's website has changed. The link is now located on the homepage under the newly renamed heading of Electronic Filing/Submission and has been re-titled eProposed Orders. Previously, the Proposed Orders link could be found on the Court's homepage under Areas of Interest.

Amendments to the Local Rules effective March 15, 2012 - March 1 , 2012

The Bankruptcy Judges of the Middle District of Florida have approved the following new and amended Local Rules, effective March 15, 2012.

» Click here to view the new and amended Local Rules

New Calendaring Program - Effective Thursday, March 1st for Jacksonville Division - February 25, 2012

The Jacksonville Division will begin its transition to a new calendaring system called CHAP on Thursday, March 1, 2012. The Orlando, Tampa and Ft. Myers Divisions have already made the transition. While the new system offers some efficiencies and improvements in the calendaring arena, it is not anticipated that external users will notice a difference when viewing the Judge's calendars from our website.

First FLMB Quarterly Newsletter - February 24, 2012

Click on the link below to access the Court's first quarterly newsletter.

» Click here to access the Newsletter

Permissive Use of Negative Notice - February 24, 2012

Effective March 1, 2012, the Court will permit service of certain matters provided for on the Permissive Use of Negative Notice list [see below]. Negative notice is not appropriate for emergency matters. Additionally, you are reminded of the Court's discretion to set any matter for hearing even if no objection is filed.

» Click here to view the Permissive Use of Negative Notice Chart

Designated Address Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rules 2002(j) and 5003(e) - February 15, 2012

Documents should be mailed to the following address for the Atlanta Regional Office of the Commission:
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Office of Reorganization
950 East Paces Ferry Road, N.E.
Suite 900
Atlanta, GA 30326-1382

At the SEC, Please contact:
Susan R. Sherrill-Beard
Senior Trial Counsel/Bankruptcy
Tel…………………..(404) 842-7626
Fax………………….(404) 842-7633
E-mail…....................sherrill-beards@sec.gov

Alternatively, documents may be transmitted electronically via facsimile transmittal to (404) 842-7633 or by e-mail to atlreorg@sec.gov. Additionally, if another office of the Commission files a notice of appearance, a proof of claim, or request for notice in a specific case, documents in the specific case also should be sent to the requesting Commission office . Once the Commission staff becomes aware of cases that involve significant public investor interest, the staff will seek to obtain all additional information needed through ECF and PACER.

The SEC makes a continuing request in all Chapter 9 & 11 Bankruptcy Cases commenced by municipalities or by or against corporations or limited partnerships:

Petition and Exhibit “A” to Official Form No. 1 or
Statement of Affairs, Schedules, Lists and Notices and
Plan and Disclosure Statement with any Notices of Hearings
Pursuant to Bankruptcy Rule 3017(A).

Written requests will be made for additional filings and documents in specific cases by letter or a Notice of Appearance.

Access to file an electronic proof of claim through the Court's website - February 10, 2012

Access to file an electronic proof of claim through the Court's website is now located on the homepage under Electronic Filing and has been retitled eProof of Claim. Previously access to file a claim through the Court's website could be found under Proof of Claim on the homepage under Areas of Interest.

Chapter 11 ballots to be filed electronically through the Court website or through CM/ECF - January 30, 2012

In Chapter 11 cases where the Plan of Reorganization is filed on or after February 6, 2012, Chapter 11 ballots may be filed electronically through the Court website or through CM/ECF. Filing through the Court website will allow non-CM/ECF users to utilize electronic filing while making ballots immediately viewable. A link for electronic filing of Chapter 11 ballots by non-CM/ECF users may be found at: https://pacer.flmb.uscourts.gov/cmecf/ballots/submission.asp. Please note this link will not be live until February 6, 2012.

CM/ECF users may electronically file ballots through CM/ECF. Additionally, paper ballots will still be accepted by the Clerk’s office. Formerly, the Clerk’s office retained ballots as they were received until a specified deadline established by the Court. They were not viewable until after they were scanned as a single image and docketed prior to the confirmation hearing. The new system permits ballots to be viewable in the ballots registry as they are filed.

Please note that the electronic filing system will create a preliminary ballot tabulation that may include late filed or otherwise invalid ballots. The preliminary electronic tabulation is not intended to be a pre-determination of the proper inclusion or exclusion of any ballot in a final tabulation. The responsibility for independently reviewing and tabulating acceptance and rejections for the plan remains with the attorney for the plan proponent. A judge may exercise discretion as to whether late or improperly filed ballots may be included in the final ballot tabulation.

Questions concerning use of the program should be directed to the help desk at ecfhelp.tpa@flmb.uscourts.gov, ecfhelp.orl@flmb.uscourts.gov, ecfhelp.jax@flmb.uscourts.gov, or your case manager.

Reappointment of Bankruptcy Administrator Travis M. Bedsole, Jr. - Southern District of Alabama - January 24, 2012

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Effective January 18, two new CM/ECF docket events will be available under the Notices category - January 17, 2012

Bankruptcy Notices – Notice of Mortgage Payment Change (B10 Supplement 1 – No Proof of Claim); and

Bankruptcy – Notices – Notice of Postpetition Mortgage Fees, Expenses and Charges (B10 Supplement 2 – No Proof of Claim).

Normally, if a related proof of claim was filed, Supplements 1 and 2 should be filed under Claim-Related matters. However, there may be occasions when a Notice of Mortgage Payment Change (B10 Supplement 1) or Notice of Postpetition Mortgage Fees, Expenses and Charges (B10 Supplement 2) are filed without a related proof of claim. Should there be no related proof of claim, they should be filed under the Notices category, using the events listed above.

Should you have any questions, please contact your case manager.

Designated Addresses for Service of Requests Made Pursuant to 11 U.S.C. § 505(b)(1)(A) - January 17, 2012

Section 505(b)(1)(A) of the Bankruptcy Code provides that the Clerk of the Court shall maintain a list of addresses provided by governmental units that are responsible for the collection of taxes. The addresses provided are for service of requests made under this subsection. Please note the requirements for filing such requests provided by the governmental units below.

Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, Small Business/Self-Employed Division:
Trustees and debtors-in-possession should submit requests for refunds or requests for prompt determination of any unpaid federal tax liability of the estate made pursuant to Section 505 to the Centralized Insolvency Operation (CIO) of the Internal Revenue Service.
The designated address to be used for submitting these requests is:

Internal Revenue Service
PO Box 7346
Philadelphia, PA 19101-7346

The toll-free telephone number of the CIO is 800-973-0424. The number for facsimile transmission is 267-941-1015.
Trustees and debtors-in-possession should consult Rev. Proc. 2010-27, 2010-31 IRB 183 and Rev. Proc. 2006-24, 2006-1 C.B. 943 for information on additional requirements in making these requests.

State of California, Franchise Tax Board:
Service of adversary proceedings:
Franchise Tax Board
Chief Counsel
c/o General Counsel Section
PO Box 1720, MS: A-260
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-1720

Bankruptcy Code Section 505 requests and all other service and notices:
Franchise Tax Board
Bankruptcy Section, MS: A-340
PO Box 2952
Sacramento, CA 95812-2952

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