FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why join FCRA?

  • FCRA IS FIGHTING TO KEEP THE "REPORTER" IN COURT REPORTING.
    We monitor, promote, and lobby to pass legislation favorable to the interests of court reporters. We are the only organization committed to representing all reporters and reporting agencies in Florida. The larger our association, the bigger the voice we can have with our legislators. Simply by joining FCRA, you go on record as supporting your profession and your colleagues around the state.
  • EDUCATION.
    Joining FCRA gives you the opportunity annually to maintain your national and state certifications with sessions and workshops focusing on you and your profession. Your FCRA membership gives you the ability to connect and network with reporters across the state. Whether through our Annual Conference, our informative website, our online magazine, our E-Flashes, or our FPR course, FCRA is committed to the education of all our members.
  • FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL REPORTER (FPR) DESIGNATION & FLORIDA MANUAL.
    FCRA has developed the Florida Professional Reporter course and certification for you! FCRA's Florida Manual is continually updated by the Florida Manual and FPR Oversight Committee. As one FPR said, "A reporter without a Florida Manual is like a lawyer without the Florida Statutes." Knowledge is power, and obtaining your FPR certification is certainly empowering. There is so much expected and required from us at both the state and federal levels, whether we're freelance or official, have been reporting for 6 months or 25 years, and the FPR puts all that together in a 700+ page manual and CD, helping us meet and exceed those expectations.
  • FCRAONLINE.ORG/FCRAFPR.ORG. FCRA has designed two extremely informative websites, one covering the Florida court reporting profession and the other dedicated to the Florida Professional Reporter, containing many resources right at your fingertips.
  • FCRA ONLINE.
    This is FCRA's official online publication. In keeping with the FCRA membership's desire to stay as green and efficient as possible, FCRA Online is published quarterly and contains articles of interest to students, reporters, and agencies.
  • FCRA E-FLASH.
    Breaking news of vital importance to the Florida court reporting profession is sent directly to you as it happens, keeping you informed.
  • SOCIAL NETWORKING.
    The FLORIDA COURT REPORTERS ASSOCIATION is on Facebook. It's a great place for FCRA members to connect more informally with each other and stay informed.
  • BENEFITS.
    As a member of FCR, Stenograph offers you discounts on writers and writer maintenance contracts, software and software support, and supplies.
  • PUBLIC RELATIONS.
    FCRA promotes you and the profession by acting as a liaison between the Florida Supreme Court; the Office of the State Court Administrator; the Judicial Council; the Florida Bar Association and other state organizations and groups; court reporting schools; and informs and educates the public about the reporter's role in the judicial system.

Why should I join FCRA if I'm already a member of NCRA?

Membership in both FCRA and NCRA is essential. While NCRA membership is required to keep your designation and keep you informed on national issues affecting the profession, FCRA is the only organization committed to representing the interests of Florida reporters and agencies. We are experiencing difficult times, and your participation in your state association is key to keeping court reporters on the job in Florida.

What is considered a membership year?

A membership year runs from November 1 to October 31.

How can I get more involved in FCRA?

FCRA could not function without members who volunteer their time to serve on committees. Every year our incoming president appoints members to serve on committees just prior to the Annual Convention. Check out the committee descriptions on this website and determine where you may like to contribute. Then go to the "Contact Us" tab and contact the committee chair of the committee that interests you and let them know you are interested in getting involved.

Is certification required for court reporters in Florida?

At this time there is no mandatory certification; however, Florida Rule of Judicial Administration 2.535 is a certification rule that is on the books. At this time, however, it is held in abeyance due to lack of funding. FCRA's hope is that it will become funded and all qualified reporters will be certified.

FCRA does have a voluntary certification called the FPR (Florida Professional Reporter) program given through FCRA.

Do I need to be a notary public to work in Florida?

Yes. You are required to be a notary public in order to administer oaths, and all Florida notaries are required to follow the notary rules as set out in the Governor's Reference Manual for Notaries State of Florida.

Do FCRA members have a Code of Ethics?

Yes. All FCRA members agree to abide by our Code of Professional Ethics (COPE) when they join our association.

Is FCRA a member of Ethics First ™ ?

Yes. As a member of Ethics First, we encourage our members to join Ethics First™ and reject the unethical practice of gift-giving.

What is the standard transcript format in Florida?

Florida Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 2.535 sets out the standard transcript format as follows:

Page Size: 8.5x11

Lines: 25 with all lines numbered 1 through 25, with no more than double space between lines.

Font: 9 or 10 Pica, 12-point Courier, or 12-point Times New Roman

Characters Per Line: No less than 56 characters per line on questions and answers unless test if speaker ends short of marginal requirements.

Indents: Click on Rule 2.535 link above to see specific indentation rules.

Volumes: No more than 200 pages in length, inclusive of index.

How long do I need to keep my steno notes?

  • 2 years from date of transcription of judicial proceedings, arbitration hearings, and discovery proceedings when an original transcript has been prepared
  • 10 years - Judicial proceedings in felony cases when transcript has not been prepared
  • 5 years - All other judicial proceedings, arbitration hearings, and discovery proceedings when a transcript has not been prepared.

Can I swear a witness over the telephone?

Under no circumstances should you swear a witness over the telephone. It violates the Florida Notary Law.

Do I have to charge sales tax on my transcripts?

Charges made by court reporters for transcripts or videotapes of proceedings are exempt from sales tax as professional services when furnished to parties to the proceedings. Charges for transcripts or video recordings to third persons who are not parties to the proceedings for which the reporter was engaged are taxable. Charges for attendance and stenographic or video recording of proceedings at a trial, hearing, conference, or similar function by a court reporter are exempt as professional services.

How do I get/become a mentor?

Contact the Court Reporting Schools Committee chair.