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:

local lawyers may be employed by another local lawyer of a local firm;
local lawyers may not be employed by a foreign lawyer or foreign firm;

Other regulatory issues