The Florida Bar admission rules are rules of the Florida Supreme Court. The Board of Bar Examiners work under the Court and handle the administrative responsibilities when it comes to bar admission. While the rules are followed and utilized by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners, the Florida Supreme Court has the ultimate authority over bar admissions. Now that we have then sorted out, let’s explore The Florida Board of Bar Examiners Admission Rules.

Rule 1 – What Are The Florida Board of Bar Admission Rules Regarding Authority and Mission?

Rule 1 (Mission and Authority) breaks down the mission and authority of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar. This rule explains that the Supreme Court of Florida reviews, approves, and promulgates the admission rules, while the Florida Board of Bar Examiners implements the rules. 

Rule 1 also reviews:

• The purpose of and the responsibility of the board with regard to Background/Character and Fitness Investigations, and the Bar Exam
• Admission recommendations
• Qualifications, appointments, term of service, and responsibilities of Board Members 
• Board meetings
• Fiscal authority
• Confidentiality
• Immunity and privilege

Rule 2 – The Florida Board Of Bar Examiners Admission Rules: Applicant Requirements 

Rule 2 (Application Requirements) reviews what is required of Florida Bar applicants to become admitted to the bar and offers other information as well. This includes: 

• Proof of character and fitness
• Some prohibitions against application
  • Disbarment
  • Professional suspension for disciplinary reasons
  • Outstanding court-ordered restitution or costs
  • Convicted of a felony without civil rights restored
  • Currently serving felony probation
  • Found otherwise unqualified by the board
• Reapplications for admission after admission denial
• Application fees
• Petitions relating to administrative rulings

Rule 3 – Florida Board Of Bar Examiners Background Investigation Rules

Rule 3 (Background Investigation) clarifies applicant standards, as well as eligibility requirements. The Background Investigation Rule also reviews:

• Disqualifying conduct
• Determination of present character
• Elements of rehabilitation
• Bar application and supporting documentation
• Withdrawal of a bar application without prejudice
• Withdrawal of a bar application with prejudice
• Extraordinary investigative expenses
• Investigative process
• Investigative hearing 
• Specifications
• Petition for board reconsideration
• Petition for court review

Rule 4 – FBBE Bar Examination Rules

Rule 4 (Bar Examination) reviews the components of the Florida Bar Exam and what is expected of those taking the exam. The Bar Examination Rule covers:

• Florida Bar Examination includes the:
  • General Bar Exam
  • Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE)
• Requirement to submit
• Technical competence requirements
• Dates and location of exam
• Publication of examination topics and study materials
• Test accommodations
• Time limitation on passing examination
• Purpose of the General Bar Examination
• Specifics of Part A and Part B of the bar exam
• General Bar Examination preparation and grading
• Submission methods
• Scoring method
• Purpose of the MPRE
• Applications, filing deadlines and scoring method for the MPRE
• Application for the General Bar Examination
• Examination filing deadlines
• Filing application after the deadline
• Examination postponement
• Release of examination results

Rule 5 – FBBE Recommendations and Jurisdiction (Rule 5)

The Florida Board of Bar Examiners Rule 5 (Recommendations and Jurisdiction) states that “Every applicant who has complied with the requirements of the applicable rules for admission into the Florida Bar Examination, attained passing scores on the examination, met the requirements as to character and fitness, complied with the requirements of the applicable rules for admission into The Florida Bar, and who is 18 years of age or older will be recommended by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners to the Supreme Court of Florida for admission to The Florida Bar.” This Rule also reviews:

• Supreme court action
• Induction ceremonies
• Oath of attorney
• Board jurisdiction after admission
• Bar jurisdiction after admission

How Old Do You Have To Be Admitted To The Florida Bar?

In order to apply for the bar in the state of Florida, you must be at least 18 years of age.