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Board Certification
What does it mean?
For more information call (850) 561-5842
or visit FloridaBar.org/certification
Board Certification recognizes attorneys' special knowledge,
skills and proficiency in various areas of law and professionalism,
as well as ethics in practice.

Certification is the highest level of evaluation by
The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys
 in the 24 areas of law approved for certification
by the Supreme Court of Florida.
Established in 1982 by the Florida Supreme Court,
board certification helps consumers identify specialists
in various areas of law.

Board Certified Florida Bar members,
are the only Florida attorneys allowed to indentify themselves
as "Board Certified," "Specialist," or "Expert,"
or to use the letters "B.S.C." for Board Certified Specialist
on business cards or letterhead, in legal directories or in advertising.
A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the state's Supreme Court, may become board certified in one or more of the 24 certified fields.  Seven percent of eligible Florida Bar members - about 4,400 lawyers - are board certified.  Minimum requirements for certification are listed below.  Each area of certification may contain higher or additional standards.
  • A minimum of five years in law practice
  • A satisfactory showing of substantial involvement in the field of law for which certification is sought
  • A passing grade on the examination required of all applicants   
  • Satisfactory peer review assessment of competence in the specialty field as well as character, ethics and professionalism in the practice of law    
  • Satisfaction of the  certification area's continuing legal education requirements
"Board Certification by The Florida Bar, demonstrates
that lawyer's high level of skill, excellence
and a commitment to professionalism. 
Every new certification enhances our profession
and gives the public a meaningful way to evaluate lawyers."

~ Florida BarPresident
Mayanne Downs
Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-Approved continuing legal education courses.  To be re-certified, lawyers must meet requirements similar to those for initial certification.
Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified,
have taken the extra steps to have their competence and experience validated.
FloridaBar.org/certification