Keep an eye out for your fee statement.

Florida Bar members are now receiving their 2012-13 fee statements, reflecting no increase in annual fees, which are payable July 1 and late after August 15.

Members should also note that the Supreme Court recently amended Bar rules to require lawyers who have business email addresses to report those to the Bar.

The statement this year also includes the newly amended "Oath of Admission," which contains new provisions emphasizing civility.

Members will receive one of two fee statements: one designed for active members and another for those who have elected inactive status. Annual fees are $265. Inactive members pay $175.

This marks the 11th consecutive year without a fee increase.

The fee statement is two-sided and must be completed both front and back and must be mailed along with payments to cover fees and sections joined.

Email Requirement

If they have not already done so, members can provide the Bar with their email address in the part of the fee statement that allows members to update their member profile, including the name of their firm, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and email address. Bar rules also require members to list a physical address of their offices, if that address is different from their mailing address. Membership data also may be changed at any time by visiting www.floridabar.org.

The court adopted the email requirement April 12 when it acted on a Bar petition for a variety of rules changes. Rule 1-3.3 already requires that each member must provide the Bar with an official Bar name, mailing address, and business telephone number. The revised rule adds to the list by specifying a "business email address, if the member has one," must be provided.

Oath of Admission

On the back side of the statement, members should be aware the updated "Oath of Admission" is printed. The Florida Supreme Court in 2011 added this new language to the oath: "To opposing parties and their counsel, I pledge fairness, integrity, and civility, not only in court, but also in all written and oral communications."

By submission of the fee statement, lawyers will be certifying that they are in compliance with the oath, including its new language.

Pay Online

Members have the option to complete their annual fee statement and pay their fees online via the Bar's website at www.floridabar.org, but to do so, members must first be registered on the Bar's website. If members have not registered, they can go to www.floridabar. org, click on the link...