I came into the UK in September 2004 on HSMP, my FLR is due in August, but I was wondering if I could apply for FLR now so I can beat the 5th April deadline for the new revised fees

I also will like to know if I need to have enough validity on my passprt when applying for the FLR, my current passport expires in June 2006, or do I have to renew it before applying for the FLR.
Cheers.