APEC economy: United States of America; Jurisdiction: Florida

Temporary practice ('fly-in, fly-out' practice)

There is an express rule allowing temporary practice by foreign lawyers.

The relevant legislation is Rule 4-5.5 of the rules regulating the Florida Bar. Conditions or restrictions on scope of practice are described in Rule 4-5.5.

Limited licensing of foreign lawyers (foreign legal consultant rules)

A foreign lawyer can obtain a limited licence entitling them to offer advisory services in foreign and international law (ie become a foreign legal consultant).

The relevant legislation is Rule 4-5.5 of the rules regulating the Florida Bar.

Requirements that must be met in order to qualify for a limited licence are described at Chapter 16 of the document.

In order to offer advisory services in foreign and international law, a foreign legal consultant is not required to enter a commercial association with local lawyers.

As at June 2009, approximately 35 limited licences had been granted to foreign lawyers in this jurisdiction.

Full licensing

A foreign lawyer can obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction.

In order to obtain a full licence to practise law in this jurisdiction, foreign lawyers must submit to the Bar exam. These rules are the same as those applicable to a local applicant. Information about the Florida Bar exam is available online at www.floridabarexam.org.

Commercial association between lawyers and law firms

In this jurisdiction:

Other regulatory issues

In this jurisdiction:

These rules are the same as for local lawyers.

Contacts

Category Name Website or other contact details
Organisation(s) that controls licensing of lawyers The Florida Bar www.floridabar.org
Peak professional association representing the legal profession The Florida Bar www.floridabar.org
Other associations playing a significant role in developing policy for the legal profession Supreme Court of Florida www.floridasupremecourt.org