Public can now file court documents online

In an effort to "bring the courthouse to you," Highlands County Clerk of Courts Bob Germaine introduced a new system that allows users to record all vital documents electronically.

The program, called Simplifile, cuts out the use of express mail, a courier service or an office runner to record important papers with the clerk's office.

Company representative Pat Sponem told a crowd of more than 70 who were on hand Monday morning for a demonstration at the Highlands County Courthouse that all the user has to do is scan the document and upload it to Simplifile before sending it over the Internet to the destination county.

The document, or package, could be anything from a one-page lien or quick deed to a more complex closing, deed or mortgage.

Florida only has 18 counties that are currently using an e-recording system, according to Sponem.

"Highlands County is very innovative when you look at your 67 counties and this is only the 18th currently accepting electronic submissions," she said.

The annual fee for the service is between $195 and $295.

Attorney Pam Karlson was Highlands County's pilot e-recording submitter and the first office to be set up with Simplifile. During the demonstration, she sent an actual document using the system to show its ease.

"We've enjoyed being part of this process and it's ... our office policy to use this product as often as we can," Karlson said.

Germaine said e-recording will be an asset to his office, which has suffered layoffs and budget cutbacks in light of the hard economic situation.

In 2009, the office's budget was cut by 18 percent and it might be slashed by another 8 percent this year, according to Germaine.

"We have to figure out ways to get the job done with less people," he said. "This is one of our first steps. This e-recording is really going to help us, but it's only going to help us if you think it's going to help you in your business. It all comes down to saving money."