An appellant who is not able to pay the filing fee must file a document called a “verified petition or motion for indigency” and financial affidavit with the trial judge at the same time that the appellant files the notice of appeal. Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.180(g)(2), states what information must be included in the verified petition or motion for indigency. The appellant must sign this document in person before a notary public, to make it “verified,” and send a copy to the attorney for the opposing party. If the trial judge grants the motion and issues a certificate of indigency, the appellant may proceed with the appeal without paying any filing fees. If the trial judge denies the motion and does not issue a certificate of indigency, the appellant will have to deposit the filing fee with the trial judge within 15 days from the date of the order denying the motion or file a written request with the First District Court of Appeal to review the trial judge’s denial of the verified petition or motion for indigency.
