Summary
The court grants in part a pro se plaintiff’s motion concerning electronic filing and notification in the case. Although the court denies authorization to file documents through CM/ECF without prejudice, it authorizes electronic filing notifications and directs the Clerk to add the plaintiff’s email address to CM/ECF.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether a pro se litigant who has not demonstrated good cause or extenuating circumstances should be authorized to file documents through CM/ECF.
- Whether the court may authorize a pro se litigant to receive electronic notifications of filings even while denying access to file through CM/ECF.
- Whether Corcho should be granted access to PACER or otherwise permitted to view electronically maintained court records.
Holdings
- A pro se litigant is not entitled to CM/ECF filing access absent a showing of good cause or extenuating circumstances justifying an exception to the court's electronic-filing procedures. Corcho did not make that showing, so her request for CM/ECF filing access was denied without prejudice.
- The court may, in its discretion, authorize a pro se litigant to receive electronic notifications of filings even without granting permission to file through CM/ECF. Corcho's request for email notification was granted.
- The court did not need to grant special authorization for PACER access because any member of the public may register for PACER and access federal court records subject to applicable fees.
Key quotations
“pro se litigants are generally denied access to electronic filing unless extenuating circumstances exist to justify waiving CM/ECF procedures.”
“Thus, Corcho’s request to receive email notification via CM/ECF is well-taken and will be granted.”
Factual background
The Middle District of Florida discontinued its web portal for pro se electronic filing on August 1, 2025. Corcho asserted that filing by mail or in person caused delays and hindered her timely participation in the litigation. The court noted that she had already made several filings and participated in the case without CM/ECF access, and found no showing that paper filing would be unduly burdensome or prejudicial.
Procedural history
Yesenia Corcho, proceeding without counsel, filed a motion requesting access to electronic filing and receipt of electronic documents. The district court denied access to file through CM/ECF because Corcho had not shown good cause or extenuating circumstances, but granted permission to receive electronic notifications of filings and directed the clerk to add her email address to CM/ECF.