Rev.: 12/16
SAMPLE CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
General Information
A certificate of compliance (“CoC”) is required whenever a word limit or line limit
is used, except for the word limit for supplemental authorities in FRAP 28(j). In
computing the limits, the items listed in FRAP 32(f) may be excluded. You may rely on
the word or line count of the word-processing system used to prepare the document.
Briefs
• CoC is required for briefs filed in reliance on a word or line limit
• CoC is not required for briefs filed in reliance on page limits
CoC is required for a brief submitted under:
-FRAP 28.1(e)(2), 29(b)(4), or 32(a)(7)(B); or
-FRAP 29(a)(5) (if length is computed using a word or line limit).
Motions, Responses, Replies, Petitions, and Answers
• CoC is required if paper is produced using a computer (word limits apply)
• CoC is not required if paper is handwritten or typewritten (page limits apply)
CoC is required for a paper produced using a computer under:
-FRAP 5(c)(1) (a petition for permission to appeal, cross-petition, and any
answer),
-FRAP 21(d)(1) (a petition for a writ of mandamus or prohibition, or other
extraordinary writ, and any answer),
-FRAP 27(d)(2)(A) (a motion or response to a motion),
-FRAP 27(d)(2)(C) (a reply to a motion),
-FRAP 35(b)(2)(A) (a petition for an en banc hearing or rehearing), or
-FRAP 40(b)(1) (a petition for panel rehearing).
Application for a Certificate of Appealability
• CoC is required if a CoC would otherwise be required under FRAP 32(a)(7)(B).
See 11th Cir. R. 22-2.
A sample certificate of compliance is on the next page.
