Florida Form CR4E001, the Notice of Confidential Information Within Court Filing, is the form you file to tell the clerk that your court paper contains private information that must be hidden from public view under Florida Rule 2.420. You fill it out by listing each confidential item, the page and line where it appears, and the legal reason it qualifies as confidential, then you submit it together with your filing.
Failing to file this notice when your document holds protected data exposes that data to the public and can trigger sanctions, malpractice claims, and identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission reports that Florida had the highest per-capita identity theft rate in the nation in 2024, which is one reason the state takes confidential filings so seriously.
- 📝 How to complete every line of Form CR4E001 without errors
- ⚖️ Which categories under Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B) require this notice
- 🧾 Real examples for family, civil, probate, and criminal cases
- 🚫 The most common mistakes that get filings rejected or sanctioned
- ❓ Answers to the top FAQs about confidentiality in Florida courts
What Form CR4E001 Is and Why It Exists
Form CR4E001 is the official Notice of Confidential Information Within Court Filing approved by the Florida Supreme Court and published on the Florida Courts forms page. The form gives the clerk of court a roadmap that points to private data inside your filing so the clerk can keep that data out of the public record.
The form exists because Florida treats most court filings as public under Article I, Section 24 of the Florida Constitution, which guarantees broad public access to government records. To balance that openness with privacy, the Florida Supreme Court created Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.420, which lists 21 categories of automatically confidential information.
The plain-English meaning is simple: if your filing contains a Social Security number, a child’s name in certain cases, a bank account, or any other listed item, you must flag it. The consequence of skipping the notice is that the clerk has no duty to hide the data, and your private details can appear on the court’s online docket within hours. A common misconception is that the clerk will catch and redact private data automatically, but the Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers have stated that the duty to identify confidential content rests on the filer.
The Legal Backbone of CR4E001
The form sits on top of three legal pillars. The first pillar is Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B), which lists the categories of automatic confidentiality. The second pillar is Rule 2.425, which limits the sensitive personal data you can put in a filing in the first place. The third pillar is the Florida Public Records Act, Chapter 119, which sets the default rule of openness.
The consequence of misreading any of these pillars is real. If you cite the wrong category, the court can deny confidential treatment and unseal your data. A real-world example is a parent who labels a child’s school records as “medical” by mistake, which can cause the clerk to reject the notice and leave the school records public. The misconception to watch for is that one citation fits all data; in fact, each item often needs its own subsection citation.
How CR4E001 Differs from a Motion to Determine Confidentiality
CR4E001 covers data that is automatically confidential under Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B). When data is not on that list but you still want it sealed, you must file a separate Motion to Determine Confidentiality of Court Records under Rule 2.420(d)(3). The two papers are often confused.
The consequence of mixing them up is that you can lose protection entirely. If you list non-automatic data on CR4E001, the clerk will not seal it, and you will not get a hearing because no motion was filed. A real-world example is a small-business owner who lists trade-secret pricing on CR4E001; trade secrets need a Rule 2.420(d)(3) motion, not the notice. The misconception is that any “private” data fits CR4E001, but only the 21 listed categories qualify.
Where to Find Form CR4E001
The current 2026 version of the form lives on the Florida Courts website under the family law forms library, and a fillable PDF copy is also hosted by the Florida Bar for member access. Most county clerks, including Miami-Dade, Broward, and Hillsborough, link to the same statewide form so you should always pull from the official source rather than a third-party site.
You can complete the form by hand in blue or black ink, type it on a computer, or use the state’s free eFiling Portal to attach a PDF version. The eFiling Portal version checks for missing required fields before submission. The consequence of using an outdated copy from a random website is that your filing may be rejected for not matching the current Supreme Court template.
A common scenario is Maria López, a pro se mother in Orlando, who downloaded a 2017 version from a blog and filed it with her parenting plan. The clerk rejected it because the rule references had since been renumbered. The misconception is that any version “close enough” works; clerks compare the form to the current Supreme Court approved template.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form CR4E001
The form is short, but every line carries weight. Below is a walk-through of each field with the consequence of getting it wrong.
Caption Block: Court, County, and Case Number
The top of the form asks for the circuit court, the county, the division (such as Family, Civil, Probate, or Juvenile), and the case number. You copy these from the lead pleading in your case so the notice attaches to the correct file. The plain-English purpose is to make sure the clerk routes the notice to the right docket.
The consequence of a wrong case number is that your private data may be filed in a stranger’s case, exposing you to a public records breach and forcing an emergency motion to strike. A real-world example is David Chen, a probate paralegal who transposed two digits and listed a decedent’s Social Security number under another estate; the data appeared on the wrong public docket for 12 hours. The misconception is that the clerk will catch caption errors, but eFiling Portal intake staff verify only that the case exists, not that it is yours.
Party Names and Filer Information
Below the caption you list the Petitioner and Respondent (or Plaintiff and Defendant) exactly as they appear on the original pleadings. You also enter your name, address, phone, and email as the filer. Use your designated email for service under Rule 2.516.
The consequence of using a nickname or a different spelling is that the clerk may not match the notice to your case, which delays sealing. A common scenario is a Jane Doe petition that lists “Jane Doe” while the underlying complaint says “Jane M. Doe”; the system flags a name mismatch. The misconception is that a small spelling change is harmless, but the clerk’s case management software relies on exact party-name matches.
Identifying the Filing That Contains Confidential Information
Next you state the title of the document that holds the confidential data, such as Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Motion for Temporary Support. You also state the date the underlying document was filed or will be filed. The notice can be filed at the same time as the document or within five days afterward under Rule 2.420(d)(2).
The consequence of waiting longer than five days is that the clerk has no duty to seal data that has already been public; you must then file a separate motion to remove the document from public view. A real example is attorney Priya Patel, who filed a financial affidavit Monday and the notice the following Tuesday, eight days later; the bank account numbers were public the entire time. The misconception is that “filed within a reasonable time” is enough, but the rule sets a hard five-day window.
The Heart of the Form: The Confidentiality Table
The middle of CR4E001 is a table where each row identifies one piece of confidential information. The columns are:
- The page number where the data appears
- The line number or paragraph number on that page
- A description of the confidential information
- The subsection of Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B) that authorizes the confidential treatment, or the statute if the data is confidential by statute
You complete one row per item, not one row per document. If your filing contains five Social Security numbers, you list five rows even though they share the same legal basis. The consequence of grouping items into one row is that the clerk may seal only the first occurrence and miss the rest.
A real-world scenario is Marcus Johnson, a civil litigant whose answer included three bank account numbers on pages 4, 7, and 11. He listed only one row and the clerk redacted only page 4; pages 7 and 11 remained public until he filed an amended notice. The misconception is that the clerk will hunt for repeats, but the clerk redacts only what is pinpointed.
The 21 Categories Under Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B)
You must cite the exact subsection that protects each item. The list inside Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B)(i)–(xxi) covers items such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, charge account numbers, dependents’ names in family cases, victim information in sexual offense cases, HIV test results, substance abuse records, and adoption records.
Each category has its own consequence for misuse. For example, citing subsection (i) (Social Security numbers) for a child’s name will fail because dependents’ names sit under subsection (xxi). The plain-English rule is match the data to the right slot. A real-world example is attorney Robert Singh, who cited (i) for a victim’s address in a domestic violence injunction; the correct cite is (xx). The misconception is that close categories are interchangeable, but each subsection has its own scope.
Signature, Certificate of Service, and Verification
At the bottom you sign and date the form, certify under Rule 2.515 that the data listed is in fact confidential, and serve a copy on every other party. You complete the certificate of service with each party’s email or address.
The consequence of skipping the certificate of service is that the opposing side may not know what was sealed and the court can strike the notice. A common scenario is a pro se filer who emails only the judge’s assistant; the rule requires service on every party. The misconception is that confidentiality means secrecy from the other side, but the other parties are always entitled to a copy of the notice itself.
Three Common Scenarios With Examples
Below are the three most common situations that trigger CR4E001, each shown as a two-column table.
Family Law: Child’s Identifying Information
| Filing Action | Confidentiality Outcome |
|---|---|
| Anna Rivera attaches her son’s birth certificate to a paternity petition | She lists page 3, line 1, “minor’s full name and date of birth,” cite (xxi); clerk seals the page |
| She forgets to file CR4E001 | The birth certificate appears on the public docket within 24 hours |
| She files CR4E001 on day 7 | She must also file a motion to remove the now-public record |
Civil Litigation: Financial Account Numbers
| Filing Action | Confidentiality Outcome |
|---|---|
| James O’Connor attaches a bank statement to a motion for sanctions | He lists each account number with cite (v); clerk redacts each digit string |
| He lists only “financial information” with no page or line | Clerk rejects the notice as too vague under Rule 2.420(d)(2) |
| He cites (i) instead of (v) | Clerk denies sealing; he must file an amended notice |
Criminal: Victim of a Sexual Offense
| Filing Action | Confidentiality Outcome |
|---|---|
| Officer Lee files a probable cause affidavit naming a sexual battery victim | He lists the victim’s name and address with cite (xx); clerk seals the data |
| He omits the victim’s address but lists the name | The address remains public, exposing the victim to contact |
| He cites Chapter 119 instead of Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B)(xx) | Clerk requires an amended notice with the proper subsection |
Named Examples Across Case Types
The form’s reach goes beyond divorce. Here are three more named examples that show how broad CR4E001 really is.
Sofia Martinez, a Tampa entrepreneur, files an answer in a breach-of-contract case that includes her business’s tax identification number. She lists page 2, line 14, with a cite to subsection (vi) for charge, credit, and debit account numbers, and supports it with Florida Statute 119.071(5) for tax data. The clerk seals the line within 24 hours.
Reverend Daniel Kim files a probate inventory listing the decedent’s brokerage account. He lists page 5, line 22, with cite (v). Because he filed the notice the same day as the inventory, the data never appears on the public docket.
Public defender Aisha Brown represents a juvenile in a delinquency case and files a plea agreement. She lists the juvenile’s name and date of birth with cite (xviii) for juvenile delinquency records. The juvenile’s identity stays out of the public docket throughout the case.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filing CR4E001
Mistakes on this form can be expensive. The Florida Bar’s Ethics Hotline regularly fields calls from lawyers facing bar grievances after a botched confidential filing.
- Filing CR4E001 more than five days after the underlying document, which forfeits automatic sealing
- Using a single row to cover multiple instances of the same data, which causes the clerk to seal only the first instance
- Citing the wrong subsection of Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B), which leads to denial of confidential treatment
- Listing data that is not automatically confidential, such as trade secrets, instead of filing a Rule 2.420(d)(3) motion
- Forgetting the certificate of service, which lets the court strike the notice
- Filing an outdated version of the form pulled from a non-court website
- Naming the document incorrectly so the clerk cannot match the notice to the filing
- Putting the confidential data inside the notice itself, which defeats the purpose
- Skipping the division designation, which can route the notice to the wrong department
- Filing only with the judge’s chambers and not through the eFiling Portal, which is required for most filers under Rule 2.525
Do’s and Don’ts for CR4E001
The do’s and don’ts below come from a review of clerk-rejection logs across multiple Florida circuits.
- Do double-check the case number against the lead pleading because a wrong number routes the notice into a stranger’s docket
- Do list each occurrence of confidential data on its own row because the clerk seals only what is pinpointed
- Do cite the exact subsection of Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B) because the clerk will not search for the right slot for you
- Do file the notice the same day as the underlying document because waiting risks public exposure
-
Do keep an unredacted master copy in your records because you may need it for appellate review
-
Don’t include the confidential data inside the notice because the notice itself is public
- Don’t rely on third-party form sites because the Supreme Court updates the template often
- Don’t assume the clerk will catch missed items because the duty to identify rests on the filer
- Don’t mix automatic and discretionary confidentiality on the same form because they have different procedures
- Don’t ignore service on opposing parties because failure to serve voids the notice
Pros and Cons of Filing CR4E001
Filing the form is mandatory when applicable, but it is helpful to understand the trade-offs.
- Pro: Automatic sealing without a hearing because the rule presumes confidentiality
- Pro: Fast turnaround because most clerks redact within 24 hours
- Pro: Low cost because the form has no filing fee
- Pro: Consistency across all 67 Florida counties because the form is statewide
-
Pro: Preserves your right to appeal a denial under Rule 2.420(e)
-
Con: Tight five-day window because late filings lose automatic protection
- Con: No protection for data outside the 21 listed categories because those need a separate motion
- Con: Heavy filer burden because you must cite the exact subsection
- Con: Risk of public exposure during the gap between filing and clerk action because redaction is not instant
- Con: Limited remedy for clerical errors because amendments take additional filings
Federal vs. Florida State Confidentiality Filings
Federal courts use a different system. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 5.2, filers must redact Social Security numbers, taxpayer IDs, birth dates, minors’ names, and financial account numbers before filing, and there is no equivalent of CR4E001. The plain-English meaning is that federal filers do the redaction themselves, while Florida state filers point the clerk to the data and let the clerk redact.
The consequence of confusing the two systems is that a federal filer who tries to use CR4E001 in federal court will see the unredacted document hit the public PACER docket. A real-world example is attorney Hannah Schmidt, who filed a complaint in the Middle District of Florida with a CR4E001-style notice and unredacted SSNs; the court ordered her to refile and pay sanctions. The misconception is that federal and state confidentiality work the same way, but the duty to redact sits with different parties.
Key Court Rulings That Shape CR4E001 Practice
Several Florida appellate decisions shape how CR4E001 is used today. In In re Amendments to Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.420, 124 So. 3d 819 (Fla. 2013), the Florida Supreme Court expanded the categories and emphasized the filer’s duty to identify confidential data. The case is the reason the form contains a structured table rather than free-form prose.
In Barron v. Florida Freedom Newspapers, 531 So. 2d 113 (Fla. 1988), the court reaffirmed the strong presumption of public access, which is why CR4E001 must cite a specific subsection rather than a general claim of privacy. The consequence is that conclusory privacy claims fail. The misconception is that any “personal” item is confidential, but the courts apply the categories strictly.
In Times Publishing Co. v. Ake, 660 So. 2d 255 (Fla. 1995), the court held that the clerk’s office is bound by the public records law absent a court order or specific rule. That holding is why the categories in Rule 2.420(d)(1)(B) had to be enumerated; the clerk has no inherent power to seal.
Key Entities Involved in CR4E001 Filings
Several entities play a role in every confidential filing.
- The Florida Supreme Court approves the form and sets Rule 2.420
- The Florida Court Clerks & Comptrollers coordinates statewide clerk practices
- The local Clerk of the Circuit Court in each of the 67 counties processes the form and redacts the data
- The Florida Bar issues ethics guidance for attorneys filing the form
- The Florida Department of State maintains the public records framework that the rule overlays
Each entity has its own duty. The Supreme Court writes the rule, the clerks apply it, the Bar disciplines lawyers who misuse it, and the Department of State preserves the public-access default. Misunderstanding which entity does what often leads filers to send complaints to the wrong office.
FAQs
Do I have to file CR4E001 if my document already redacts the confidential information?
Yes. Even if you redact, Rule 2.420(d)(2) requires the notice so the clerk can verify the data is properly hidden and confirm the legal basis for the redaction.
Is there a filing fee for Form CR4E001?
No. The form is filed free of charge with the clerk; only the underlying pleading may carry a fee.
Can I file CR4E001 after the underlying document is already public?
No. The five-day window in Rule 2.420(d)(2) closes; you must instead file a motion to remove the document and seal it nunc pro tunc.
Does CR4E001 protect trade secrets or settlement terms?
No. Those are not in the 21 automatic categories; you must file a Motion to Determine Confidentiality under Rule 2.420(d)(3) and obtain a court order.
Can I list multiple categories on a single row?
No. Each item of confidential data needs its own row with its own cite so the clerk knows exactly what to seal.
Will the clerk redact my filing without CR4E001?
No. Florida clerks rely on the filer to identify confidential data; without the notice, the document goes public.
Do I have to serve CR4E001 on opposing parties?
Yes. Rule 2.516 requires service of every filing, and the certificate of service on the form must be completed.
Can I file CR4E001 in federal court?
No. Federal courts use Rule 5.2, which requires the filer to redact the document directly before filing.
Is CR4E001 the same as a motion to seal an entire case?
No. It seals only specific items inside a filing; sealing a whole case requires a Rule 2.420(c)(9) motion and judicial findings.
Can a non-lawyer fill out CR4E001?
Yes. Pro se litigants can complete the form themselves, but they must follow the same rule citations and service requirements as attorneys.
Does filing CR4E001 stop the press from reporting what is in the case?
No. It only removes specific data from the public record; it does not impose a gag order on parties or the media.
Can I amend a CR4E001 if I missed an item?
Yes. You file an Amended Notice of Confidential Information identifying the additional items and the same subsection cites; speed matters because the data may already be public.
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