The role of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners (FBBE) is crucial to protecting the public’s safety when recommending only applicants who fulfill the strict admission requirements in Florida. As an administrative agency of the Florida Supreme Court, the FBBE oversees bar admissions and the Bar exam.
What Is The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners?
The FBBE is a Florida Supreme Court-appointed agency that handles administrative duties in regards to bar admission. It consists of administrators, Board staff and counsel, and attorneys and laypersons. The FBBE requires all applicants to pass the character and fitness screening as well as the Florida Bar Exam in order to be admitted to the Florida Bar.
What Does The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners Do?
The attorneys and layperson members serve on hearing panels at the investigative hearing and formal hearing levels. They do the questioning during a hearing, and after a hearing they recommend admission to the Board, or require additional investigation, or recommend a denial of admission. The administrators actively participate in making sure the twice-yearly Bar exam goes as smoothly as possible. The administrators, Board counsel, some Board staff, and the attorneys and the layperson members meet on a monthly basis to fulfill their duties, in addition to scheduling and attending investigative hearings and formal hearings. Hearings are held in person or via Zoom.
Is the Florida Board of Bar Examiners the same agency as The Florida Bar?
No. They are often confused as such, but they are actually separate and different agencies. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners oversees the Bar exam and Bar applicants, while The Florida Bar oversees admitted attorneys. The exception to this separated jurisdiction is outlined in Rule 5-14 of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to the Bar:
5-14 Board Jurisdiction after Admission. If, within 12 months of admission of an applicant to The Florida Bar, the board determines that a material misstatement or material omission in the application process of the applicant may have occurred, the board may conduct an investigation and hold hearings. After investigation and hearings, the board may make Findings and recommendations as to revocation of any license issued to the applicant and will file any Findings with the Supreme Court of Florida for final determination by the court.
Who Regulates The Florida Board of Bar Examiners?
The Florida Supreme Court oversees both the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and The Florida Bar. It is the authority that manages, through The Florida Bar, the practice of law and administers disciplinary action to those illegally or improperly practicing law. Through the Board of Bar Examiners, the Supreme Court of Florida reviews, denies or approves rules relating to admissions to the bar.
How Often Does The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners Meet?
The Board meets about ten times per year. Board member positions are unpaid, but travel expenses are reimbursed.
Where Is The Office For The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners Located?
The FBBE office is located in Tallahassee at 1891 Eider Court. The hours of operation are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with phones being answered from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
How To Contact the FBBE
By Mail:
Florida Board of Bar Examiners
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750
By fax: 850.414.6822
By Phone between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday: 850.487.1292 or 1.800.955.8771
If you need help with navigating the application process or the character and fitness screening, hire an experienced professional with strong knowledge and background in Bar admittance. Contact Elizabeth S. Conan, Attorney at Law today!
