Florida Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Requirements

Florida CLE Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	Details
Total Hours	33 credit hours every 3 years
Ethics / Professionalism	5 hours (3 in ethics, professionalism, bias elimination, or mental health; 1 in professionalism; 1 in bias elimination or substance abuse)
Technology Requirement	3 hours in technology programs
Delivery Formats Allowed	Live, webcast, on-demand, or self-study (if accredited)
Compliance Period	3-year reporting cycle (assigned by Florida Bar)
Reporting Deadline	End of the member’s assigned 3-year cycle (exact date shown in Bar profile)
Carryover Credit	Not permitted
Exemptions / Special Rules	Newly admitted attorneys, government attorneys, inactive members, and judges
Reporting Responsibility	Attorneys self-report via the Florida Bar Member Portal

Overview

Florida attorneys must complete 33 credit hours of continuing legal education every three years, including 5 hours in ethics, professionalism, mental health, or substance abuse, and 3 hours in technology programs. Credits must be completed by the end of the attorney’s assigned 3-year reporting period and reported through the Florida Bar Member Portal.

The Florida Bar assigns each attorney a compliance period based on admission date. Attorneys can view their reporting deadline in their Bar profile.

CLE Credit Hour Requirements

• Total of 33 credit hours every 3 years
• Of those, 5 hours must be in approved ethics or professionalism-related topics, including:
  • 3 hours combined in ethics, professionalism, substance abuse, or mental health
  • 1 hour specifically in professionalism
  • 1 hour in bias elimination or substance abuse
• Additionally, 3 hours must focus on technology
• The remaining 25 hours may be in general law or practice-related subjects
• Credits can be earned through live programs, on-demand courses, or approved self-study formats
• Attorneys may also earn credit for teaching, publishing legal works, or bar committee service

Compliance Period

• Each attorney is assigned a 3-year reporting period that begins upon Florida Bar admission
• Attorneys can view their CLE reporting period and requirements via the Florida Bar Member Portal
• All CLE credits must be earned and reported by the last day of the compliance period

Reporting and Deadlines

• Attorneys self-report CLE compliance through the Florida Bar Member Portal
• Reports must include all required specialty hours (ethics, professionalism, and technology)
• The Bar will send a notice 90 days before the reporting deadline
• Failure to comply results in delinquency status and possible suspension until compliance is restored

Carryover Rules

• Florida does not allow CLE credits to be carried forward to the next reporting period

Exemptions and Special Rules

• Newly admitted attorneys must complete the Basic Skills Course Requirement (BSCR) within 12 months of admission (no additional CLE during that first year)
• Judges are exempt but must meet judicial education requirements separately
• Inactive members, military attorneys, and government employees may receive exemptions or modifications based on position or request
• Attorneys may apply for a hardship exemption or extension for good cause

Approved Providers, Accreditation & Alternative Credit Methods

• CLE programs must be accredited by The Florida Bar
• Providers must submit attendance reports within 30 days of completion
• Attorneys may earn CLE credit for:
  • Teaching CLE courses (up to 5x the credit of attendees)
  • Writing legal articles (subject to approval)
  • Participation in certain Bar or committee educational activities
• Credit may also be obtained for attending accredited courses from other MCLE jurisdictions if submitted for approval

Non-Compliance Penalties

• Attorneys who fail to report or complete required CLE hours by the end of their reporting cycle will be classified as delinquent
• Delinquent attorneys may not practice law until the deficiency is cured
• Reinstatement requires completion of the missing hours and payment of a reinstatement fee

How to Report CLE in Florida

1. Log in to the Florida Bar Member Portal
2. Select the “My CLE Credits” section
3. Add courses, upload certificates, and confirm specialty credits
4. Submit all required CLE by the final day of your reporting cycle
5. If deficient, complete the required hours and pay any applicable fees

Florida CLE Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLE hours are required in Florida?

33 hours every three years, including 5 in ethics/professionalism and 3 in technology.

How many hours must be in ethics or professionalism?

5 hours total, including at least 3 hours in ethics or mental health and 1 in professionalism.

Are technology credits mandatory?

Yes. Attorneys must complete at least 3 hours in approved technology programs.

Can I carry over CLE hours?

No. Florida does not allow CLE carryover.

How do I check my CLE deadline?

Log in to your Florida Bar Member Portal to view your assigned compliance period and status.

What happens if I do not complete CLE on time?

You will be placed on delinquent status and cannot practice law until reinstated.

Do teaching or writing activities count for CLE?

Yes. Credit may be earned for approved teaching, writing, or participation in Bar educational activities.

Florida CLE Resources

• Florida Bar CLE Requirements: https://www.floridabar.org/member/cle/
• CLE Rules (Chapter 6): https://www.floridabar.org/rules/ctte/
• Florida Bar Member Portal: https://www.floridabar.org/mybarportal/
• CLE Provider Information: https://www.floridabar.org/member/cle/cleproviders/