The Florida Bar Petition for Inactive Status is the official membership-change form that a Florida-licensed attorney files with The Florida Bar under Rule 1-3.5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar to move from active practicing status to inactive status. Filing it correctly stops the attorney from practicing law in Florida, lowers the annual fee, and protects the lawyer from unauthorized-practice claims while paused.
The petition fixes a real risk. An attorney who keeps active status while not practicing still owes full fees, full Continuing Legal Education credits, and full ethical duties, and a single missed obligation can trigger delinquency under Rule 1-3.6. The Florida Bar reports that more than 110,000 lawyers are members statewide, and roughly 12% sit in inactive or retired status at any given time, which shows how routine this filing is for lawyers in transition.
- 📝 How to complete every field on the Petition for Inactive Status without triggering a return for correction.
- ⚖️ Which Florida Bar rules and Florida Supreme Court orders control your petition and your future reinstatement.
- 💰 The exact 2026 fee, the reduced inactive fee, and the reinstatement costs you must plan for.
- 🧾 Three real attorney scenarios walked from first signature to final confirmation email.
- 🚨 The common mistakes that delay petitions, freeze trust accounts, and create discipline exposure.
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Petition for Inactive Status is a sworn membership form issued by The Florida Bar Membership Records Department under the authority of the Supreme Court of Florida. The current version carries a revision date printed in the lower-left footer, and the 2026 edition reads “Rev. 01/2026.” Filers should always confirm they are using the latest version pulled from the Member Portal because older versions still in circulation omit the trust-account wind-down attestation added in 2023.
The form is filed by any Florida Bar member in good standing who wants to stop practicing Florida law for a set or open-ended period. Typical filers include lawyers on parental leave, lawyers handling a serious illness, lawyers moving in-house out of state, lawyers entering full-time judicial or executive-branch service, military reservists on extended deployment, and senior lawyers transitioning to retirement under Rule 1-3.5(b).
Members who are the subject of a pending disciplinary investigation cannot use this form to escape discipline. Rule 3-7.13 requires a separate “disciplinary resignation” or consent judgment, and a regular inactive petition filed during an open Bar grievance will be rejected by the Membership Records Department within ten business days.
The form does not surrender the law license. The lawyer remains a member of The Florida Bar, keeps the same Bar number, and may petition for reinstatement to active status under Rule 1-3.7 when ready. That distinction matters because a resignation is permanent and requires a fresh bar exam to undo, while inactive status preserves the license behind glass.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every supporting document before opening the petition because the form is sworn under penalty of perjury, and a missing exhibit forces the Bar to return the entire packet. Florida Bar Membership Records reviews petitions in the order received, and a returned petition loses its place in the queue.
- Florida Bar number. The six-digit number assigned at admission. Without it, the Membership Records Department cannot match the petition to your file, and processing will not start.
- Current contact information. A working email, mailing address, and phone number on file with the Bar. The Bar communicates by email under Rule 1-3.3, and a stale address means missed deadlines.
- Trust account information. Account numbers and the closing or transition plan for any IOTA trust account. An open trust account with active client funds blocks inactive status until reconciled.
- Client list and notification log. Proof that current clients received written notice of your status change. Without it, the Bar may treat the move as abandonment under Rule 4-1.16.
- CLE compliance summary. Print your CLE record from the Member Portal showing credits earned in the current reporting cycle. Inactive members owe no CLE going forward, but past delinquencies must be cured first.
- Malpractice tail-coverage confirmation. A declarations page from your carrier showing extended reporting period coverage for prior acts. Going bare invites future claims with no defense.
- Effective date. The date you want inactive status to begin. The Bar will not back-date the change before the postmark or portal submission date.
- Payment method. A credit card or check for the inactive-status annual fee. The 2026 inactive fee is $175, compared to the $265 active fee, per the Florida Bar fee schedule.
- Government-issued ID. Required for the notarized signature block. A notary will refuse to seal the oath without it.
- Pending matter disclosure. A short written statement listing any pending Bar grievance, fee arbitration, or Clients’ Security Fund claim. Omitting one is grounds for petition denial.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official Petition for Inactive Status lives behind the login wall of the Florida Bar Member Portal. Members log in with their Bar number and password, click “Membership Status,” and select “Request Inactive Status” to launch the prefilled digital version. The portal version pulls your name, address, and Bar number directly from the membership database, which eliminates the most common typing errors.
A paper version is available on request from the Membership Records Department by calling the Tallahassee office. The paper form is a four-page PDF that members print, complete by hand or typewriter, sign before a notary, and mail to 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300. Paper filings add roughly 10 to 14 days to processing because of mail handling and manual data entry.
Some members access the form through their local voluntary bar associations or through the Florida Lawyers Assistance program when the move to inactive status is tied to health or recovery. FLA staff can help complete the petition and route it confidentially. That route does not change the legal effect of the petition, but it adds a support layer for vulnerable filers.
The form is free to download. The fee attaches only at submission, and members in financial hardship can request a fee deferral by attaching a hardship affidavit that the Executive Director reviews under Rule 1-3.5(c).
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Petition for Inactive Status Line by Line
The petition has four parts: (1) Petitioner Information, (2) Status Change Request, (3) Sworn Certifications, and (4) Signature and Notary. Each part contains numbered fields. Walk through them in order, because answers in later fields depend on entries in earlier ones.
Field 1: Full Legal Name
This field asks for your complete legal name as recorded with The Florida Bar at admission. Enter the name in the order Last, First, Middle, all in upper- and lower-case letters, exactly as printed on your Bar card. Maria Elena Rodriguez writes “Rodriguez, Maria Elena” in this box.
If you legally changed your name after admission, enter the current legal name and attach a separate “Notice of Name Change” with a certified copy of the marriage certificate or court order. The Bar will reject a petition where the name on the form does not match the name in the membership database without that attachment.
A common mistake is entering a nickname or shortened version, such as “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth,” which forces the Bar to return the petition for correction and pushes the effective date back by weeks. Many lawyers also believe a middle initial is enough; it is not, because the Bar matches on full middle name when one is on file.
Field 2: Florida Bar Number
This field asks for the unique six-digit Bar number assigned to you at admission. Enter the number with no leading zeros and no spaces. Carlos Méndez, Bar No. 0987654, writes “987654” in this box.
If you do not remember your Bar number, look it up using the public Find a Lawyer directory before filing. Guessing or leaving the field blank causes an automatic rejection, because the entire petition routes by Bar number.
The most frequent mistake is transposing two digits, which sends the petition into another lawyer’s file and creates a privacy incident. A common misconception is that the Bar number changes after a name change. It does not. The number is assigned for life.
Field 3: Date of Admission
This field asks for the date you were sworn in to The Florida Bar. Enter it in MM/DD/YYYY format with slashes and four-digit year. A lawyer admitted on October 12, 2007 writes “10/12/2007” in this box.
If you were admitted at a group ceremony, use the date printed on your admission certificate, not the date you took the oath privately. The Bar matches against its admission roster, and a one-day mismatch will flag the petition for manual review.
A common mistake is using the date the bar exam scores were released or the date the character and fitness file closed; neither counts. The misconception that admission date and “license issue date” are the same trips up many lawyers; the only date that matters here is the swearing-in date.
Field 4: Current Mailing Address
This field asks for the address where you want all Bar correspondence sent. Use a street address or a P.O. Box, including unit number, city, state, and ZIP+4. Janet Whitcomb writes “8421 Coral Way, Apt 3B, Miami, FL 33155-2210.”
If you are moving as part of the inactive transition, list the new address and check the “Address Change” box at the top of Part 1. The Bar updates the membership database within 48 hours of receipt, but only if the box is checked, because membership records and discipline records pull from separate systems.
A common mistake is listing an old firm address that the firm will close or forward away from after departure; lost mail can cause missed reinstatement notices and even default discipline. The misconception that email alone is enough is wrong, because Rule 1-3.3 requires a current physical address on file.
Field 5: Email Address
This field asks for the email address The Florida Bar will use for all official communication. Enter a personal address you control, not a firm address you are leaving. David Park writes “david.park.esq@gmail.com” rather than his soon-to-be-deactivated firm email.
If you do not have a personal email, create one before filing, because the Member Portal sends petition status updates only to the address on file. Bouncebacks count as failed service.
A common mistake is using a shared family email that goes to multiple people, which violates the confidentiality assumption built into Bar communications. The misconception that the Bar will call before emailing is false; email is the primary channel, with phone as backup.
Field 6: Effective Date Requested
This field asks for the date you want inactive status to begin. Enter a future date in MM/DD/YYYY format that is at least 14 days after the petition submission date. An attorney submitting on June 1, 2026 writes “06/15/2026” to give the Bar time to process.
If you submit a date in the past, the Bar will reset it to the postmark or portal submission date and notify you by email. Back-dating is not allowed under any circumstances, because it would erase the period of active practice and the corresponding ethical duties.
A common mistake is choosing the first day of the next month without checking whether trust account closure is complete; if funds remain, the Bar holds the petition until the account zeros out. The misconception that inactive status starts the moment you sign is wrong; it starts only when the Bar approves and posts the change.
Field 7: Reason for Inactive Status
This field asks you to check the box that best describes your reason: parental leave, medical, government service, retirement, in-house out-of-state, military deployment, or “other.” Check exactly one box, and if “other,” write a one-sentence explanation in the line provided. Aisha Thompson, leaving private practice for the U.S. Department of Justice, checks “Government Service.”
If two reasons apply, choose the dominant one and reference the secondary reason in the optional narrative attachment. The Bar uses the reason code to route the petition to the correct staff reviewer, and a wrong code adds review days.
A common mistake is checking “retirement” when the lawyer plans to return within two years, which can complicate the later reinstatement under Rule 1-3.7. The misconception that the reason is private and never disclosed is wrong; the Bar may share the category in aggregate statistics, though never the lawyer’s identity.
Field 8: Pending Client Matters Certification
This field asks whether you have any open client files on the effective date and, if so, how each will be handled. Check “No” only if every file is closed, transferred, or transitioned in writing. Marcus Lee writes “All 14 active files transferred to John Smith, Esq., Bar No. 123456, by signed substitution-of-counsel orders dated 05/30/2026.”
If files remain, attach a transition plan listing each client, the receiving lawyer, and the transfer date. Rule 4-1.16 requires written notice to every client, and missing notices can become discipline complaints.
A common mistake is leaving the field blank when no clients exist; the Bar reads a blank as nondisclosure and returns the petition. The misconception that a partner’s verbal promise to “cover the files” is enough is wrong; written substitution or withdrawal is required.
Field 9: Trust Account Wind-Down Attestation
This field asks whether any IOTA trust account bears your signature authority and confirms that all client funds have been disbursed or transferred. You must check “Yes” or “No,” and if “Yes,” list the bank, account number, and date of zero balance. Janet Whitcomb writes “Wells Fargo IOTA #4421-7798, zero balance confirmed 06/01/2026.”
If client funds remain, the petition cannot be approved until the account is reconciled. The Florida Bar’s Trust Accounting Rules under Chapter 5 require ongoing compliance even after the lawyer stops practicing.
A common mistake is closing the operating account but forgetting the trust account; even a $1.27 residue blocks inactive status. The misconception that the bank automatically notifies the Bar is wrong; the lawyer must send the closing letter to the Lawyer Regulation Department.
Field 10: CLE Compliance Statement
This field asks you to certify that you are current with Continuing Legal Education requirements through the petition date. Check the box that matches your record, and attach a printout from the Member Portal CLE tab. David Park, who finished his 33 hours in May 2026, checks “I am current.”
If you are short on credits, complete them before filing or check “I will complete by [date]” and attach a remediation plan. Inactive status carries no CLE obligation going forward, but past deficiencies follow you until cured.
A common mistake is assuming inactive status erases past CLE shortfalls; it does not, and the deficiency reappears at reinstatement. The misconception that ethics credits roll over indefinitely is also wrong; credits expire at the end of each three-year cycle.
Field 11: Disciplinary Disclosure
This field asks whether you have any pending disciplinary matter, fee arbitration, or Clients’ Security Fund claim. Check “Yes” or “No,” and if “Yes,” provide the case number and current status. An attorney with an open Bar file writes “TFB File No. 2026-50,123, currently under Grievance Committee 5C review.”
If “Yes,” the Bar may convert the petition into a Rule 3-7.13 disciplinary review, and the lawyer should consult counsel before submitting. False answers here are themselves grounds for discipline.
A common mistake is treating an inquiry letter as “not yet a complaint”; the Bar treats any open file number as pending. The misconception that inactive status pauses an investigation is wrong; the file proceeds whether the lawyer practices or not.
Field 12: Malpractice Tail Coverage Acknowledgment
This field asks whether you maintain extended-reporting-period coverage for prior legal services. Check “Yes,” “No,” or “Self-insured/Not Applicable,” and provide the carrier name if “Yes.” Carlos Méndez writes “ALAS Mutual, ERP through 06/30/2030.”
If “No,” the Bar accepts the answer but flags the petition for a follow-up letter explaining the risk. Going bare is legal but exposes personal assets to claims that surface years later.
A common mistake is assuming the firm’s policy covers a departing lawyer; most do not, and a separate tail must be purchased. The misconception that the statute of limitations cuts off claims at two years is wrong; the Florida professional malpractice statute reaches farther under the discovery rule.
Field 13: Petitioner Oath and Signature
This field is the sworn signature line. Sign in blue or black ink in the presence of a Florida notary public, and print your name on the line below. Maria Elena Rodriguez signs “Maria Elena Rodriguez” and prints the same name underneath.
If filing through the Member Portal, the system uses an eSign workflow tied to your Bar credentials, which substitutes for the notary. The portal records IP address, timestamp, and login factor as the signature audit trail.
A common mistake is signing before going to the notary; the notary will refuse and require a fresh signature. The misconception that an out-of-state notary works is partially wrong; out-of-state notaries are accepted only with a Florida-recognized acknowledgment certificate.
Field 14: Notary Acknowledgment
This field is completed by the notary, not the petitioner. The notary fills in the county, date, identification type, commission number, and seal. A Miami-Dade notary writes “Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of June, 2026, by Maria Elena Rodriguez, who produced FL DL R-263-541-85-621-0.”
If any element is missing, including the raised or inked seal, the petition is void on its face. The Bar’s Membership Records Department checks the seal under a backlight before accepting the form.
A common mistake is using a notary whose commission expires within the next 30 days; some Bar staff reject those out of caution. The misconception that a video-notary session under Florida’s online notary law is not allowed is wrong; remote online notarization is fully accepted.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three scenarios show how three different lawyers complete the same form. Each lawyer is fictional but reflects a common Florida Bar fact pattern.
Scenario 1: Maria, the New Parent
Maria Elena Rodriguez is a sixth-year associate in Tampa who is taking 18 months of parental leave after the birth of twins.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Field 1: Full Legal Name | Rodriguez, Maria Elena |
| Field 2: Florida Bar Number | 0156782 |
| Field 3: Date of Admission | 09/24/2019 |
| Field 6: Effective Date Requested | 07/01/2026 |
| Field 7: Reason | Parental Leave |
| Field 8: Pending Matters | All 9 files transitioned to associate Sarah Cohen, Bar No. 0245891, by 06/25/2026 |
| Field 9: Trust Account | No personal trust signature authority; firm trust account remains with firm |
| Field 10: CLE | Current; 33 credits earned in cycle ending 03/2027 |
| Field 11: Discipline | None |
| Field 13: Signature | Signed before notary in Hillsborough County on 06/10/2026 |
Scenario 2: Carlos, Moving In-House Out of State
Carlos Méndez is a twelfth-year partner in Miami leaving private practice for an in-house counsel job in Atlanta. He is admitted in Georgia and no longer needs active Florida status.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Field 1: Full Legal Name | Méndez, Carlos Alberto |
| Field 2: Florida Bar Number | 0987654 |
| Field 3: Date of Admission | 05/15/2013 |
| Field 4: Mailing Address | 2200 Peachtree Rd NE, Apt 1404, Atlanta, GA 30309-1207 |
| Field 6: Effective Date | 08/01/2026 |
| Field 7: Reason | In-House, Out-of-State |
| Field 8: Pending Matters | All matters transferred to firm partners by 07/20/2026; written client notices sent |
| Field 9: Trust Account | Wells Fargo IOTA #4421-7798, zero balance 07/15/2026 |
| Field 12: Tail Coverage | ALAS Mutual ERP through 06/30/2030 |
| Field 13: Signature | RON session via Florida online notary on 07/22/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet, Transitioning to Retirement
Janet Whitcomb is a 38-year solo practitioner in Jacksonville who is retiring at age 71 and closing her practice.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Field 1: Full Legal Name | Whitcomb, Janet Marie |
| Field 2: Florida Bar Number | 0234118 |
| Field 3: Date of Admission | 06/12/1988 |
| Field 4: Mailing Address | 8421 Coral Way, Apt 3B, Jacksonville, FL 32256-1190 |
| Field 6: Effective Date | 09/30/2026 |
| Field 7: Reason | Retirement |
| Field 8: Pending Matters | All 23 files closed or transferred to successor counsel Robert Hayes, Bar No. 0512344, by 09/15/2026 |
| Field 9: Trust Account | Bank of America IOTA #1198-3322, zero balance confirmed 09/20/2026 |
| Field 11: Discipline | None |
| Field 12: Tail Coverage | CNA ERP through 09/30/2031 |
How to File the Completed Form
The Florida Bar accepts the Petition for Inactive Status through three filing channels. Each channel has its own fee path, processing time, and proof-of-filing rules.
Online via the Member Portal. Log in at the Florida Bar Member Portal, navigate to “Membership Status,” and follow the guided workflow. The 2026 inactive fee of $175 is paid by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. Processing takes 5 to 7 business days. The portal emails a PDF confirmation with a tracking number that serves as proof of filing.
By mail. Send the completed and notarized paper petition with a check or money order made payable to “The Florida Bar” to The Florida Bar, Attn: Membership Records, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300. Processing takes 14 to 21 business days. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt and keep the green card as proof of filing.
In person. Walk-in filings are accepted at the Tallahassee headquarters during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern. Pay by check, money order, or credit card. Ask for a stamped copy of the first page as proof of filing.
Fax filing is no longer accepted as of 2024 under Florida Bar Membership Records Procedure 2024-03. Email submission is allowed only when the Florida Lawyers Assistance program routes the petition on a member’s behalf, in which case FLA staff handles transmission.
What Happens After You File
After submission, the Membership Records Department logs the petition, assigns a tracking number, and routes it to the appropriate reviewer based on the reason code. The reviewer verifies CLE status, trust account closure, and the absence of pending discipline before approving the change.
If the petition is complete, the Bar issues a confirmation letter and updates the membership database to “Inactive – [Reason]” on the requested effective date. The lawyer’s Find a Lawyer listing changes to “Inactive” within 48 hours, signaling to the public that the lawyer no longer practices.
If the petition is incomplete, the reviewer sends a deficiency letter by email listing each missing item and a 30-day cure window. Failure to cure causes the petition to lapse, and the lawyer remains active and on the hook for full active fees and CLE.
Once inactive, the lawyer cannot give legal advice, sign pleadings, appear in court, or hold out as eligible to practice Florida law under Rule 4-5.5. The lawyer keeps the JD, the Bar number, and the right to seek reinstatement later.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using an outdated form version. A pre-2023 form lacks the trust account attestation and triggers automatic rejection.
- Leaving Field 8 blank. A blank pending-matters field reads as nondisclosure, and the petition is returned.
- Back-dating the effective date. The Bar resets the date to the submission date, costing weeks of planning.
- Forgetting the notary seal. A signed but unsealed petition is void on its face.
- Choosing the wrong reason code. A miscoded reason routes to the wrong reviewer and adds review days.
- Filing during an open grievance. Rule 3-7.13 requires a different process, and the petition is rejected.
- Ignoring CLE deficiencies. Past shortfalls follow you and reappear at reinstatement.
- Skipping client notice. Missing Rule 4-1.16 notices can convert into discipline complaints.
- Closing only the operating account. A residual trust balance freezes the petition.
- Using a firm email. Departure deactivates the address and causes missed Bar correspondence.
- Going bare on tail coverage. Future claims surface with no defense.
- Submitting without payment. An unpaid petition is held and never enters the queue.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do confirm the form revision date matches the current 2026 version, because outdated forms are rejected on intake.
- Do create a personal email address before filing, because Bar communications go there for the duration of inactive status.
- Do keep certified-mail receipts and portal confirmations for at least seven years, because the burden of proof of filing rests on the lawyer.
- Do send written client notices well before the effective date, because Rule 4-1.16 requires reasonable time.
- Do purchase malpractice tail coverage, because prior-acts claims can surface years later.
- Do consult Florida Lawyers Assistance if health issues drive the move, because confidential support is available.
- Don’t sign before the notary, because the notarization will be invalid.
- Don’t check “retirement” if you plan to return soon, because reinstatement paths differ by reason code.
- Don’t leave the trust account field blank, because blanks trigger rejection.
- Don’t assume your firm will handle notifications, because the duty is personal under the Rules.
- Don’t ignore deficiency letters, because the 30-day cure window is firm.
- Don’t practice law after the effective date, because Rule 4-5.5 treats it as unauthorized practice.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
- Pro – Cost. Filing pro se costs only the $175 inactive fee, while attorney help can run $500 to $2,000.
- Pro – Speed. A clean pro-se portal filing clears in 5 to 7 business days.
- Pro – Privacy. Self-filing keeps reasons inside the Bar’s secure system.
- Pro – Control. You write your own narrative explanations and choose the effective date.
- Pro – Learning. Walking through the rules now helps later reinstatement filings.
- Con – Discipline risk. A pending grievance changes the legal analysis and demands counsel.
- Con – Trust account complexity. Wind-down errors can become Chapter 5 violations.
- Con – Tax consequences. Moving in-house out of state can trigger multi-state tax issues that benefit from advice.
- Con – Malpractice exposure. Choosing the wrong tail-coverage option leaves personal assets exposed.
- Con – Reinstatement planning. Retirement-coded petitions face different reinstatement burdens than parental-leave petitions, and counsel can advise on the choice.
Inactive Status vs. Disciplinary Resignation: Two Different Off-Ramps
| Feature | Inactive Status (Rule 1-3.5) |
|---|---|
| Reason | Voluntary, non-disciplinary pause |
| Reinstatement | Available under Rule 1-3.7 without a new bar exam |
| Public record | Listed as “Inactive” with reason category |
| Annual fee | $175 in 2026 |
| Time to take effect | 5 to 21 days |
| CLE | Suspended during inactive period |
| Feature | Disciplinary Resignation (Rule 3-7.12) |
|---|---|
| Reason | Open or anticipated discipline |
| Reinstatement | Requires new bar exam and full character review |
| Public record | Permanent on disciplinary history |
| Annual fee | None after resignation |
| Time to take effect | 60 to 180 days, court-approved |
| CLE | Not applicable; license surrendered |
FAQs
Can I practice federal law in Florida while inactive?
No. Inactive status under Rule 1-3.5 bars all Florida law practice, and most federal courts in Florida require active state membership for their bar.
Do I still pay Florida Bar fees while inactive?
Yes. The 2026 inactive fee is $175 per year, lower than the $265 active fee but still owed under the Florida Bar fee schedule.
How long can I stay on inactive status?
Yes, indefinitely, but if you stay inactive more than five years, Rule 1-3.7 requires extra reinstatement steps including a character and fitness review.
Do I have to do CLE while inactive?
No. Inactive members owe no CLE under Chapter 6 for the period of inactive status, though past shortfalls remain owed.
Can I list myself as a “lawyer” on LinkedIn while inactive?
Yes, as long as you make clear you are not currently practicing in Florida; otherwise Rule 4-7.13 on misleading communications applies.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Field 1?
Yes, use whichever name is currently on file with the Bar, and attach a name-change notice if it has changed since admission.
Can I leave Field 11 blank if I have no discipline history?
No. A blank reads as nondisclosure; mark “None” or check “No” so the reviewer can confirm.
Do I need a notary if I file through the Member Portal?
No. The portal’s eSign workflow replaces the notary, but paper filings still require a Florida-recognized notary.
Can I back-date the effective date in Field 6?
No. The Bar resets any past date to the actual submission date and notifies you by email.
Can I file while I have a Bar grievance pending?
No. A pending grievance routes the matter under Rule 3-7.13, and a regular inactive petition is rejected.
Do my clients have to consent to my move to inactive?
No, but they must receive timely written notice under Rule 4-1.16, and unfinished work must transfer.
How much does reinstatement cost later?
Yes, plan for fees: reinstatement under Rule 1-3.7 costs $250 if under three years and rises with time, plus any CLE catch-up.
Can I keep my IOLTA open just in case?
No. Chapter 5 trust rules require closure or transfer before approval, because inactive lawyers cannot hold client funds.
Will my malpractice carrier cancel automatically?
No, but most policies require notice within 30 days of status change; check with your carrier and confirm tail coverage with ALAS or your provider.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Form P-3.0010 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Bar Annual Membership Fee Statement + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Bar CLE Reporting Affidavit (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Petition for Authorization to Act (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Massachusetts Inactive Status Request (w/ Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the Ohio Inactive Status Request (Certificate of Registration) — With Examples + FAQs
- How to Fill Out the State Bar of Arizona Annual Registration + FAQs