The following questions are frequently asked about
admission to The Florida Bar. Each of the questions
below is linked to its corresponding answer.
How can I execute my Oath of Attorney ?
Once you have been recommended for admission to The Florida Bar, the Oath of Attorney may be administered immediately by a judge or other person authorized to administer oaths (a notary is authorized to administer oaths). If you are out of state, you may have the Oath of Attorney administered by an official authorized to administer oaths in your state. An oath form will be provided by the board in the correspondence tab of your applicant portal once you are recommended for admission to The Florida Bar.
After taking the Oath of Attorney, please sign it, have the judge or notary administering the oath sign and seal it, and then return the executed oath to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. Any Circuit Judge of any court in Florida or other official authorized to administer the oath may do so by audio-video communication technology, provided they can positively identify the applicant. When taking the oath in these circumstances, you must sign the oath of attorney and email a signed copy to the judge or other authorized official. The judge or other authorized official should administer the oath, sign the oath, and email a completed copy back to you.
You must upload your properly executed oath to your Florida Board of Bar Examiners portal account.
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How can I contact the Florida Board of Bar Examiners?
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U.S. Postal Service
:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750
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FedEx, Priority USPS, or other delivery service
:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537
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Fax Number:
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(850) 414-6822
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All normal long distance charges may apply.
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Telephone Number:
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(850) 487-1292
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Telephones are answered Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
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Use the Florida Relay Service at 711 (in Florida) or at 1-800-955-8771 (outside Florida) |
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Driving Directions:
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The board’s office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is located in the Tippin-Moore Building at
1891 Eider Court in Tallahassee, Florida. From I-10 take Exit 203-Tallahassee/Thomasville. You will exit onto Thomasville Road (US 319). From Thomasville Road drive east on Capital Circle NE, approximately 2.5 miles. Once you cross the intersection at Centerville Road, you will turn left at the first traffic light onto Capital Medical Boulevard. You will pass Capital Regional Medical Center on your left. Eider Court will be the second street on your left after you pass the hospital’s emergency entrance. The board’s office building is on the right after you make the turn. Public parking for the board’s office is across the street from the front entrance to the building (turn left into the lot before the curve).
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How do I apply?
The
Bar Application is available on this website. The board requires completion of the application online. Use the
checklists to ensure that the application is complete and that you meet all filing requirements at the time you complete your application and submit the Cover Sheet for Bar Application Submission.
Supplemental Forms are available for printing on this website (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader).
How do I submit the required fingerprints?
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners now requires all applicants to be fingerprinted electronically by IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA. IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA has 69 locations across the State of Florida.
Applicants must arrange to be fingerprinted prior to submitting the Bar Application, Student Registration, or CLI Registration. Processing of the application or registration cannot begin until the board has received confirmation (either a receipt provided by an applicant or notification directly from IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA) that the fingerprints have been taken or scanned. The fee to have fingerprints processed by IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA is $53.25 plus tax.
Applicants who live in Florida should go to IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA. Follow the instructions found there (under "Digital Fingerprinting" select "Schedule a New Appointment") in order to schedule an appointment to be fingerprinted and to pay the required fee. In order to take a bar examination, applicants must be fingerprinted by IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA on or before that examination's filing deadline.
Applicants who live outside of Florida:
- Have a standard fingerprint card completed by an authorized law enforcement agency.
- Make one copy of the fingerprint card to be sent to the Board of Bar Examiners with your application materials.
- Go to IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA;
- Select "Florida" under "Search for services by state";
- Click on "Digital Fingerprinting";
- Click "Register for Fingerprint Card Processing Service";
- Select "Florida Board of Bar Examiners" from the drop down menu;
- Read the three steps required to continue the registration process and click "yes" if you wish to continue;
- Complete the Personal Information;
- Proceed to arrange payment to IdentoGO by clicking on the "Continue to US Bank E-Pay" button;
- In order to take a bar examination, the original, completed fingerprint card must be postmarked by that examination's filing deadline. Mail the original fingerprint card to the address displayed subsequent to arranging payment:
MorphoTrust USA Florida Card Scan Operations
c/o Prints, Inc.
100 Salem Ct.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
In either case, upload a copy of the receipt to the board via your portal. All questions regarding fingerprint submissions should be directed to IdentoGO by MorphoTrust USA at (844)-321-2124.
IMPORTANT: Applicants must submit the Bar Application, Student Registration, or CLI Registration within six months of being fingerprinted. Failure to do so will result in having to be re-fingerprinted at the applicant's expense.
Must I enter my Social Security number?
In compliance with the federal Privacy Act of 1974, disclosure of your Social Security number is mandatory as authorized by provisions of rules 1-63.8, 3-14.1, 3-14.2, and 4-41 of the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admission to the Bar.
The board uses a Social Security number to verify the identity of an individual. An applicant's entire Social Security number may be furnished to the following types of agencies during the processing of the Bar Application, including the board's background investigation into an applicant's character and fitness for membership in The Florida Bar:
- credit reporting agencies
- personal creditors
- financial institutions
- Internal Revenue Service
- educational institutions
- branches of the military
- unemployment compensation agencies
- federal and state police
The last four digits of the Social Security number may be furnished to the following types of agencies:
- child support enforcement
- present and past employers
- professional licensing and license regulation agencies
- medical and health practitioners
- bar admission agencies
- bar associations
Individuals such as personal references, opposing counsel, A.A. sponsors, and former spouses are not provided an applicant's Social Security number. Return to top
Must I provide documentation of my U.S. citizenship or immigration status?
Yes, all applicants are required to document their citizenship or immigration status.
U.S. citizen:
- If you are a U.S. citizen and were born in the U.S., the board will accept a certified copy of your birth certificate. You should obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate from the appropriate government office in the state where you were born. You can locate the appropriate office to contact by visiting the Vital Records website. You may upload a scanned copy of your certified birth certificate via the applicant portal. Be advised that a scanned copy of the certified birth certificate will include the watermark of "VOID." It is acceptable to upload the document with the watermark; however, you may be requested to provide the hard copy if the uploaded certificate cannot be verified.
- If you are a U.S. citizen who was born abroad, the board will accept a certified copy of a Certification of Birth (DS-1350) or a certified copy of the Consular Report of Birth Abroad (FS-240). For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website. You may upload a scanned copy of the certificate via the applicant portal. Be advised that a scanned copy of the certificate will include the watermark of "VOID." It is acceptable to upload the document with the watermark; however, you may be requested to provide the hard copy if the uploaded certificate cannot be verified.
- The board does not accept hospital birth certificates, photocopies, notarized photocopies, or foreign birth certificates.
U.S. citizen via naturalization:
- The board will accept, via upload to the applicant portal, a copy of your Certificate of Naturalization for submission to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for verification of authenticity.
- Certified copies of a valid U.S. Passport record may also be submitted, via upload to the applicant portal, as proof of citizenship; however, this process can take 4-6 weeks. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State website.
Not a citizen of the United States:
- Provide, via upload to the applicant portal, a photocopy of the immigration document that documents your status for submission to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for verification of authenticity. The USCIS has indicated a copy of these documents may be made to the board for submission to USCIS, regardless of the statement prohibiting copying of these documents. For more information on how to obtain copies of immigration documents or duplication of these documents, visit the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
When should I file my application?
To be considered timely filed, first-time applicants are required to file the Bar Application, and registrants are required to file the Supplement to Bar Application and the Re-Examination/Conversion Application, by the filing deadline (
Florida Bar Examination Information). Applicants who miss the timely filing deadline can still apply for the examination by submitting the appropriate late filing fee with the completed application(s). Though applicants can wait until the filing deadlines to submit the application(s), the sooner the process is initiated, the sooner the investigation can begin and the better the chance that the investigation will be complete at the time the examination results are released. A quick response to requests for incomplete or additional information will assist in the prompt completion of the investigation.
May I register as a first-year law student?
Yes, first-year law students are encouraged to register with the board during their first year of law school. In addition to the early start of the investigative process, student registrants are afforded a significant savings on the application fees.
Rule 2-23.1 provides for discounted registration fees if your Registrant Bar Application is postmarked or received by the deadlines outlined below:
Student Registrant deadlines (for discounted fees) are dates based on
law school start dates, and are the same for all law schools.
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Law School Start Date
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$100 Filing Deadline
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$350 Filing Deadline
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August/September
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the following January 15
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the following March 15
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January/February
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the following June 15
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the following August 15
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May/June
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the following October 15
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the following December 15
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All student registrations postmarked after March 15, August 15, or December 15 (whichever is applicable) require the full registration fee of $400. While there is no dollar savings at this point, student registrants still gain the advantage of early investigative steps already conducted when they convert in their third year. Students registering early in law school are required to convert their registration into a regular application during their third year of law school, at which time the $600 converter fee is due.
Checks should be made payable to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The board does not accept payment by credit card; however the board accepts electronic payment of fees by ACH or eCheck.
Is it still possible to file a student registration as a second-year law student?
Yes, the board encourages second-year law school students to file a student registration with the board if they did not do so in their first year. Although the background investigation will begin later than those of students who filed a registration in the first year of law school, it is still possible that clearance can be obtained prior to the third year of law school in time to participate in internships or externships. Discounted fees are no longer available for students who file a registration in the second year of law school; the full registration fee of $400 is required.
Students who file a student registration in the second year of law school are required to convert the student registration into a regular application during the final year of law school, at which time the $600 converter fee is due.
Checks should be made payable to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The board does not accept payment by credit card; however the board accepts
electronic payment
of fees by ACH or eCheck.
May I file a student registration as a third-year law student?
If you are within 12 months of your anticipated graduation date, you should file an application for admission to The Florida Bar as well as an application to take the General Bar Examination (Section D of the bar application) rather than a student registration; a student registration will not be accepted at that point. The full application fee of $1000 will be required.
If your bar application is filed in the summer prior to your third year of law school, or at the beginning of your third year of law school, it may still be possible to receive clearance from the board in order to participate in an internship or externship in the last semester of law school; however, it is much less likely that the investigation can be completed within that time frame than if you had filed a student registration in the first or second year of law school.
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How do I meet the clearance requirement for the Certified Legal Internship (CLI) program?
Rule 11-1.3(a) of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar requires that law students register with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and receive registrant clearance as one of the eligibility requirements for participating in the Certified Legal Internship (CLI) program for law school practice. There are two ways to obtain CLI clearance:
- Student Registration – From the Home page, click on “checklists,” and then select “Register as a First Year Student.” This filing status begins the processing track for bar admission in Florida. It also provides registrant clearance that is one of the eligibility requirements for participating in the Certified Legal Internship program. If filed by the earliest deadline provided under rule 2-23.1(a) the filing fee is $100, the lowest fee that provides the greatest cost savings.
- Certified Legal Intern (CLI) Registration – From the Home page, click on “checklists,” and then select “Register for Certified Legal Internship (CLI) Clearance only.” This filing status provides CLI clearance only, which is one of the eligibility requirements for participating in the Certified Legal Internship program. It does not pursue admission to practice law in Florida. If filed within the first 250 days of beginning law school, the filing fee is $75; after 250 days of beginning law school, the filing fee is $150.
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If there is any chance you will pursue admission to The Florida Bar, Student Registration is the option to choose.
What fees do I pay to take the examination and apply for admission?
The cost of filing a Bar Application is covered by one fee that is determined by your status as set forth in rule 2-23.2 through rule 2-23.4.
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$600
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For law students who filed an early registration and are now converting to a regular applicant and plan to take the Bar Examination
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$1000
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For law students who did not file an early registration, for persons who have not been admitted, or for persons who have been admitted for less than one year
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$1600
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For attorneys admitted more than 1 but less than 5 years
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$2000
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For attorneys admitted more than 5 but less than 10 years
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$2400
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For attorneys admitted more than 10 but less than 15 years
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$3000
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For attorneys admitted 15 years or more
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Checks should be made payable to the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The board does not accept payment by credit card; however
the board now accepts
electronic payment
of fees by ACH or eChecks
.
Does Florida have reciprocity with any jurisdiction?
There is no reciprocity between Florida and any other jurisdiction. Submission to the Florida Bar Examination and completion of a character and fitness investigation is required of all applicants.
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Does Florida accept MBE scores transferred from other jurisdictions?
Effective November 30, 2017, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners will accept MBE scores transferred from other jurisdictions if the score meets the criteria set forth under rules
4-26.2 and
4-18.1. The score must be transferred directly to the board by the
National Conference of Bar Examiners or from the jurisdiction where the MBE was administered, only if the NCBE does not provide MBE score transfer service for that jurisdiction. In that case, forward the board's
MBE Score Transfer Form to the jurisdiction for completion. Scores must be received directly from the NCBE or the jurisdiction where the MBE was administered
, using the board's form; scores provided without identifying information will not be accepted.
For the February examination, scores must be received by January 15. For the July examination, scores must be received by June 15.
How do I have my Florida MBE score transferred to another jurisdiction?
You may request that your Florida Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) score be transferred to another jurisdiction. Score transfers are not available for scores that are more than 7 years old. For information regarding the score transfer process and fees, as well as score transfer forms, visit the
NCBE website.
How do I submit documents and information to the board?
All supporting documents should be uploaded through your applicant portal. Log in to your account and refer to the Supporting Documents page, linked on your Bar Application Progress page, for instructions. Notification of change of address should be made by amending Item 1.c. of the Bar Application via an online amendment.
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What is my file number and why does it change?
File numbers are assigned based on each applicant's filing profile: student registrant or applicant. Applicant file numbers that are all numeric are permanent and will not change. File numbers that include a 'B' is the designation for a student registrant that will change when the registrant files the Supplement to Registrant Bar Application in the third year of law school.
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How can I apply for accommodations under the ADA?
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners has a long history of providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with documented disabilities, well before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.
Bar Application Process - If you need an accommodation because of a disability to participate in the Bar Application process, please notify the Executive Director of the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The board does not assess a surcharge on a particular bar applicant with a disability or any group of bar applicants with disabilities to cover the costs of providing reasonable accommodations.
General Bar Examination Accommodations - Testing accommodations forms are available in PDF format for printing. Refer to rule 4-17 for additional information. The applicable items specified in the Petition Checklist must be completed and postmarked or received by the board on or before the filing deadline of the examination you plan to take.
Applicants with disabilities are entitled to, and have the responsibility to meet, the same deadline to apply as individuals without disabilities. As some of the forms require input from third parties, it is suggested that you request the appropriate individuals to complete the forms well in advance of the deadline for filing the petition for test accommodations, so that late filing fees are not incurred.
A timely petition requesting an accommodation for the February administration of the General Bar Examination must be postmarked or received not later than November 15 prior to the examination.
A timely petition requesting an accommodation for the July administration of the General Bar Examination must be postmarked or received not later than May 1 prior to the examination.
Applicants seeking to file an untimely petition will be permitted to do so on payment of a late fee as specified under rule 4-43. Petitions received after January 15 for the February examination and after June 15 for the July examination will not be accepted due to the time required to process a petition and accompanying documentation for review by the board, to reach a determination on the petition and to make necessary arrangements at the examination site.
May I apply now if I have been disbarred from Florida?
If you have been disbarred from the practice of law or have resigned pending disciplinary proceedings, you will not be eligible to apply in Florida until a period of 5 years from the date of disbarment or resignation or such other time as is set forth by any Florida rules of discipline and except on proof of payment of any restitution (by a court in its order of disbarment, resignation, or suspension; by a criminal court related to any underlying conduct that resulted in the disbarment, resignation, or suspension; and/or owed for the payment of any claims by the Clients' Security Fund) and disciplinary costs imposed. See
rule 2-13.1 and
rule 2-13.25.
If you have been disbarred or resigned in lieu of disciplinary proceedings, you should write the board with any specific questions regarding eligibility to reapply for admission to The Florida Bar and to obtain further specific information regarding how to reapply for admission. A copy of the order of disbarment or resignation from Florida and proof of payment of all disciplinary costs under rule 2-13.25 should be included with the letter. Send your inquiry to support@floridabarexam.org or by mail to the board's office at one of the following mailing addresses:
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537 |
May I apply now if I have been disbarred in another jurisdiction?
If your disbarment or disciplinary resignation is based on conduct that occurred in a foreign jurisdiction, then you will not be eligible to apply for admission or readmission to The Florida Bar until you are readmitted in the foreign jurisdiction where the conduct that resulted in discipline occurred. Readmission must occur in the foreign jurisdiction in which the conduct occurred, even if Florida imposed discipline prior to the imposition of discipline in the other jurisdiction, and proof of payment of any restitution (by a court in its order of disbarment, resignation, or suspension; by a criminal court related to any underlying conduct that resulted in the disbarment, resignation, or suspension; and/or owed for the payment of any claims by the Clients' Security Fund) and disciplinary costs imposed is required
.
See
rule 2-13.1 and
rule 2-13.25.
Specific questions regarding eligibility and information on how to apply for admission should be sent to the board at support@floridabarexam.org or can be sent to the board's office at one of the following mailing addresses:
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537 |
May I apply now if I am suspended for disciplinary reasons in another jurisdiction?
Persons who have been suspended for disciplinary reasons from the practice of law in a foreign jurisdiction will not be eligible to apply in Florida until reinstated to the practice of law in the person's home state and except on proof of payment of any restitution (by a court in its order of disbarment, resignation, or suspension; by a criminal court related to any underlying conduct that resulted in the disbarment, resignation, or suspension; and/or owed for the payment of any claims by the Clients' Security Fund) and disciplinary costs imposed. See
rule 2-13.2 and
rule 2-13.25.
Specific questions regarding eligibility should be sent to the board.
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537 |
May I apply now if I am a convicted felon or serving felony probation?
Persons who have been convicted of a felony will not be eligible to apply in Florida until the person's civil rights have been restored. See
rule 2-13.3.
A person who is serving a sentence of felony probation, regardless of adjudication of guilt, will not be eligible to apply until termination of the period of probation. See rule 2-13.4.
Specific questions regarding eligibility should be sent to the board.
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537 |
May I apply now if I have previously been denied admission to The Florida Bar?
Applicants who have been refused a favorable recommendation through the filing of Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that have not been reversed by the Supreme Court of Florida will not be eligible to seek admission to The Florida Bar until 2 years after the date that the board delivered its adverse findings, or such other period as may be set in the Findings. See
rule 2-13.5.
Specific questions regarding eligibility should be sent to the board.
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308-4537 |
What recent changes have been made to the rules?
On February 10, 2022, the Supreme Court of Florida issued an
order
updating
rule
4-13.4 to revise the requirements for applicants who do not receive a JD degree from an accredited law school. The alternative method of educational qualification has been updated in rule 4-13.4(a) and 4-13.4(b). The amendment to the rules is effective immediately upon release of the Court's opinion.
Does Florida allow spouses of the military to apply for a temporary admission to The Florida Bar?
Effective September 17, 2018, under Chapter 21, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar (“Chapter 21”), the Supreme Court of Florida may certify a lawyer who is the spouse of a full-time active duty member of the United States Armed Forces to practice law in Florida while the lawyer’s spouse is stationed within Florida. A lawyer certified under this chapter is considered a member of The Florida Bar during the period of certification.
Applicants under Chapter 21 must file an application for admission with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners and receive board clearance after a character and fitness investigation, to complete the first step of the certification process. Please review Chapter 21 for more details about other eligibility requirements, continuing legal education requirements, permissible activities, annual renewal requirements, and termination of certification.
Under rule 2-23.7, Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to The Bar, the application fee for military spouses is $1,000. Along with the application, the applicant must provide the following documentation before processing of the application may begin:
- Copy of spouse’s military orders to a duty station within Florida; and,
- Proof that the member of the military is your spouse.
Applicants under Chapter 21 receive the same thorough background investigation that all applicants receive, regardless of previous bar admission in other states or number of years as a practicing attorney. The average time for completing a background investigation is less than five months. Some investigations take longer because they are more complex or involve delays in receiving responses from applicants and third parties. You may write to ask for a detailed status of your application if your application has been processing for more than six months. Staff will not advise you about your application status over the phone.
Both you and The Florida Bar will be notified when you have received character and fitness clearance from the board. At that time, you should contact The Florida Bar to commence the second step of the certification process. According to their Frequently Asked Questions, The Florida Bar's process can take 4-6 weeks once the Bar receives notice of your clearance from the board and you have provided all other documentation required by The Florida Bar.
Does Florida have a program to assist lawyers or law students with substance misuse or mental health?
Yes. Florida Lawyers Assistance, Inc. ("FLA") provides services relating to substance use or mental health to assist attorneys, law students, and other legal professionals. For more information on FLA, see
https://www.fla-lap.org/ or call 1-800-282-8981.
What does the Florida Bar Application ask about an applicant’s mental health?
Item 25 on the Florida Bar Application asks applicants to disclose any treatment for, or recurrence of, certain thought disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders) and mood disorders (Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder) that could impair an applicant’s ability to practice law. When applying, you should read Item 25 carefully. If you are unsure of how to answer it, consider consulting with your mental health provider.
The Board supports applicants seeking mental health treatment, and views effective treatment from a licensed professional as enhancing the applicant’s ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements to practice law.
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I sought counseling for stress or anxiety while I was in law school or as a practicing lawyer in another state. Do I need to report my treatment for stress or anxiety on my Florida Bar Application?
No. The Florida Bar Application asks applicants to disclose only certain thought disorders (Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders) and mood disorders (Bipolar Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder) that could impair an applicant’s ability to practice law. You do not need to disclose any other mental health conditions or treatment, including any counseling for stress or anxiety.
The Board supports applicants seeking mental health treatment, and views effective treatment as enhancing the applicant’s ability to meet the essential eligibility requirements to practice law.
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Will my mental health information be kept confidential?
Yes. Like all matters before the board, any information about an applicant’s mental health is confidential.
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What does the Florida Bar Application ask about substance use?
Item 26 on the Florida Bar Application asks you to disclose any treatment for, or recurrence of, a substance-related disorder that could impair your ability to practice law. “Substance-related” includes, without limitation, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and misuse of prescription drugs.
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What is conditional admission?
In some cases involving substance misuse, certain mental health conditions, or both, the board may recommend a conditional admission. A conditional admission allows a person to practice law in Florida so long as he or she complies with treatment-related conditions for a defined time period. If the person complies with the conditions during the period for conditional admission, then the person may continue practicing law without conditions going forward.
The specific terms of the conditional admission, such as the length of time, depend on the applicant’s particular circumstances. For example, in cases involving drug or alcohol misuse, conditional admission involves a period of documented sobriety and participation in an abstinence-based support program. A conditional admission relating to mental health involves the applicant continuing regular treatment with the applicant’s mental health provider. If you have questions or would like more information about conditional admission, please write to the board.
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Is conditional admission confidential?
Yes. Like all matters before the board, conditional admission is confidential.
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I am an out-of-state lawyer who is interested in conditional admission in Florida. Will the board accept monitoring by another state’s lawyer assistance program as documentation of sobriety?
Yes. Generally speaking, monitoring in connection with another state’s lawyer assistance program will count toward documentation of sobriety provided the program includes a random drug and alcohol testing program. Please write to the board if you have a question about whether a specific program will qualify.
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Is there case law regarding the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to the Bar?
Yes. A
list of citations for opinions regarding character and fitness is available for review. The Court also has published opinions on amendments to the Rules Relating to Admissions to the Bar, petitions, and other matters under the Rules. Opinions since 1999 are available on the
Court’s website.
Can transcripts be submitted electronically?
The board will accept official transcripts transmitted electronically to the board directly by the school or the school's transcript clearinghouse. To be transmitted in this fashion, the transcripts must be sent to transcripts@floridabarexam.org.
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What are the questions on the bar application?
The questions currently posed to applicants for admission to The Florida Bar can be found on the reference copy of the
Florida Bar Application. This document is not to be completed or submitted to the board's office. To file a student registration or bar application with the board, follow the applicable checklist on the
Application and Conversion Checklists and Supporting Forms page of the website for creating an account and filing and online bar application.
What does it mean that a bar applicant must possess "good moral character?"
In the case of
Florida Board of Bar Examiners re G.W.L., 364 So. 2d 454 (Fla. 1978), the Supreme Court of Florida concluded that good moral character should not be restricted to acts involving moral turpitude. Such a restricted definition "would not sufficiently protect the public interest." After observing that "the unscrupulous attorney... [has] frequent opportunities to defraud the client or obstruct the judicial process," the Supreme Court of Florida held that the appropriate standard of inquiry into good moral character should emphasize "honesty, fairness, and respect for the rights of others." The Court also recognized "that the standard of conduct required of an applicant for admission to the bar must have a rational connection to the applicant's fitness to practice law."
To further assist bar applicants and to provide guidance to the current and future members of the board, the Rules of the Supreme Court Relating to Admissions to the Bar contain provisions addressing the following subjects:
Rule 3-10, Standards of an Attorney and Essential Eligibility Requirements
Rule 3-11, Disqualifying Conduct
Rule 3-12, Determination of Present Character
These rules were taken from the Code of Recommended Standards for Bar Examiners adopted by the policy-making bodies of the American Bar Association, the National Conference of Bar Examiners, and the Association of American Law Schools.
To obtain information regarding specific character problems, you can review published decisions of the Supreme Court of Florida. These cases are titled "Florida Board of Bar Examiners re" followed by a bar applicant's name or initials. For example,
Florida Board of Bar Examiners re R.L.W., 793 So.2d 918 (Fla. 2001);
Florida Board of Bar Examiners re J.H.K., 581 So.2d 37 (Fla. 1991);
Florida Board of Bar Examiners re Kwasnik, 508 So.2d 338 (Fla. 1987). These cases are easily accessed by any computerized legal research service.
What is disqualifying conduct?
Pursuant to
rule 3-11, a record manifesting a lack of honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, or reliability may constitute a basis for denial of admission. Any of the following may be considered by the board to be a basis for further inquiry before recommending admission:
- Unlawful conduct
- Academic misconduct
- Making or procuring any false or misleading statement or omission of relevant information, including any false or misleading statement or omission on the Bar Application, or any amendment, or in any testimony or sworn statement submitted to the board
- Misconduct in employment
- Acts involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation
- Abuse of legal process
- Financial irresponsibility
- Neglect of professional obligations
- Violation of an order of a court
- Evidence of mental or emotional instability
- Evidence of drug or alcohol dependency
- Denial of admission to the bar in another jurisdiction on character and fitness grounds
- Disciplinary action by a lawyer disciplinary agency or other professional disciplinary agency of any jurisdiction
- Any other conduct which reflects adversely upon the character and fitness of the applicant
How does the board determine the appropriate weight and significance to be given the prior conduct?
As required by
rule 3-12, the board will use the following factors in assigning weight and significance to prior conduct:
- Applicant’s age at the time of the conduct
- Recency of the conduct
- Reliability of the information concerning the conduct
- Seriousness of the conduct
- Factors underlying the conduct
- Cumulative effect of conduct or information
- Evidence of rehabilitation (rule 3-13)
- Applicant’s positive social contributions since the conduct
- Applicant’s candor in the admissions process
- Materiality of any omissions or misrepresentations
What rights does a bar applicant have when appearing before the board for a formal hearing?
After completing its background investigation of a bar applicant, which may include the applicant's appearance at an investigative hearing, the Florida Board of Bar Examiners can do one of the following:
- Recommend the applicant's admission to the Supreme Court of Florida
- Enter into a consent agreement with the applicant providing for the applicant's conditional admission
- Conduct further investigation into the applicant’s character and fitness
- File Specifications (a document that contains formal allegations of misconduct that, if proven, could result in an unfavorable recommendation by the board)
The filing of Specifications triggers certain procedural rights designed to provide the applicant with due process and to ensure the fairness of the process. Applicants are entitled to the following:
- A formal hearing (adversary proceeding) before a panel of the board consisting of no less than five members
- The hearing panel cannot include any member who previously participated in an investigative hearing for such applicant, except with the applicant’s consent
- Representation by legal counsel
- Timely release of witness and exhibit lists by the parties
- Access to the board's subpoena powers
- Cross-examination of witnesses who are called to testify against the applicant
- Presentation of witnesses and exhibits on the applicant's behalf (technical rules of evidence are not applicable during a formal hearing)
Following the formal hearing, the panel renders its decision based solely on the evidence introduced into the record at the formal hearing. If the panel recommends that the applicant not be admitted, then written Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law are prepared and filed. A bar applicant who has received an unfavorable recommendation from the board may seek review of such recommendation before the Florida Supreme Court. See
rules 3-23 through 3-40.1.
When should I amend my Bar Application?
Applicants have an obligation to keep all responses to the Bar Application current and complete (including but not limited to new employment,
change of address, arrests, or traffic citations) until execution of the Oath of Attorney. For Bar Applications filed before June 26, 2017, changes should be reported to the board by notarized
amendment form. For Bar Applications filed on or after June 26, 2017, amendments may be filed online through the applicant portal, or by notarized amendment form. To file an amendment through the portal, click on the Review Finalized Bar Application link, then on the Item that needs to be amended. An amendment is considered timely if made as soon as possible but not later than 30 days after any occurrence that changes or renders incomplete any answer to any question on the Bar Application.
How do I get a copy of my previously filed Bar Application?
A copy of the Bar Application is available if your application is pending or you have been admitted for less than five years.
If your application is pending, a free PDF version of the application is available via your applicant portal.
If you have been admitted to The Florida Bar for less than five years, submit your written request including your name, any other name(s) by which you have been known, address to which it should be mailed, your date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and the $50 fee to: |
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FedEx, Priority USPS, or other delivery service :
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308 |
When will my investigation be completed?
When the board receives your complete Bar Application, including all supporting documents, that date is assigned as your file date and processing of your background investigation begins. Your file date appears in the upper right corner of the board’s correspondence to you, along with your file number.
The average time for completing a background investigation is less than five months. Some investigations take longer because they are more complex or involve delays in receiving responses from applicants and third parties. You may write to ask for a detailed status of your application if your application has been processing for more than six months. Staff will not advise you about your application status over the phone.
You will receive routine status letters that request clarification, information, or supporting documentation, and acknowledge items received from you. These letters will specify “no outstanding requests at this time” if there are none, or when you have satisfied all previous requests. Information you provide must often be confirmed with outside sources, which consumes additional time.
Applicants can assist in completing the investigative process by registering as a student, filing as early as possible, submitting a complete application, and responding to the board’s requests in a timely manner.
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Can I confirm receipt of application materials by telephone?
No. All amendments, faxes, and documents you submit are acknowledged in writing by regular mail. The board’s goal is to communicate accurately and completely as soon as possible after receipt of materials. In acknowledging receipt of your application materials, you will also be advised of items that remain outstanding. Staff will not confirm receipt of materials by telephone as this can compromise the confidentiality of the application process. Additionally, telephone calls seeking confirmation of materials do not accelerate processing of your application and can lead to delays in responding to both receipt of the materials and receipt of a telephone inquiry.
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Can a screen reader be used to complete the Florida Bar Application and the Florida Bar Examination Application?
Yes. Each application can be completed using a screen reader. Although most screen readers allow users to navigate directly to and between form fields, it is highly suggested that you read each form prior to and after completion.
After completion, you will be required to finalize each application. Once finalized you are required to print the final documents, have each notarized, and mail the notarized applications to the board’s office with the applicable fee.
When is the bar examination given?
The Florida Bar Examination consists of the General Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
- The General Bar Examination is administered on the last Tuesday and Wednesday during the months of February and July.
- The MPRE is typically administered in March, August, and November by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.
See
Florida Bar Examination Information and
rule 4-14.
What are the eligibility requirements for taking the bar examination?
Educational Requirements
The Florida Bar Examination consists of the General Bar Examination (Parts A and B) and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE). The educational requirements for the General Bar Examination are different from those required of the MPRE.
- To take the General Bar Examination (Parts A and B) pursuant to rule 4-13.1, a person must have graduated or completed the requirements for graduation at an ABA-accredited law school within the United States in order to meet the educational requirements.
- Alternative methods of educational qualification for those who did not graduate from an ABA-accredited law school are set out in rule 4-13.4:
- A person may take the MPRE prior to law school graduation pursuant to rule 4-13.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Prospective applicants with any one or more of the issues listed below may not be eligible.
- Persons who have been disbarred from the practice of law or who have resigned pending disciplinary proceedings due to conduct which occurred in Florida will not be eligible to apply in Florida until a period of 5 years from the date of disbarment or 3 years from the date of resignation or such other time as is set forth by any Florida rules of discipline and except on payment of any restitution (by a court in its order of disbarment, resignation, or suspension; by a criminal court related to any underlying conduct that resulted in the disbarment, resignation, or suspension; and/or owed for the payment of any claims by the Clients' Security Fund) and disciplinary costs imposed. See rule 2-13.1 and rule 2-13.25.
- Persons who have been disbarred from the practice of law or who have resigned pending disciplinary proceedings due to conduct which occurred in a foreign jurisdiction will not be eligible to apply in Florida until the person is readmitted in the foreign jurisdiction where the conduct, that resulted in discipline, occurred. Readmission must occur in the foreign jurisdiction in which the conduct occurred even if Florida imposed discipline prior to the imposition of discipline in the other jurisdiction and proof of payment of any restitution (by a court in its order of disbarment, resignation, or suspension; by a criminal court related to any underlying conduct that resulted in the disbarment, resignation, or suspension; and/or owed for the payment of any claims by the Clients' Security Fund) and disciplinary costs imposed is required. See rule 2-13.1 and rule 2-13.25.
- Persons who have been suspended for disciplinary reasons from the practice of law in a foreign jurisdiction will not be eligible to apply in Florida until reinstated to the practice of law in the person's home state and except on payment of any restitution and disciplinary costs imposed by a court in its order of suspension pursuant to rule 2-13.2 and rule 2-13.25.
- Persons who have been convicted of a felony will not be eligible to apply in Florida until the person's civil rights have been restored pursuant to rule 2-13.3
- Persons who are serving a sentence of felony probation, regardless of adjudication of guilt, will not be eligible to file a Bar Application in Florida until termination of the period of probation pursuant to rule 2-13.4.
Specific questions regarding eligibility should be sent to the board.
U.S. Postal Service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1750 |
FED EX or other delivery service:
1891 Eider Court
Tallahassee, FL 32308 |
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What must be filed for the bar examination and when?
Pursuant to
rule 4-40 through 4-47, each applicant desiring to take the General Bar Examination for the first time must submit to the board either the complete Bar Application or, in the case of law student registrants and repeat takers, the Re-Examination/Conversion Application, the appropriate applicant filing fee, a current 2” x 2” photograph, and proof that
fingerprints have been taken by, or mailed to, IdentoGo by MorphoTrust USA.
Florida Bar Examination Filing Deadlines - Bar Application Section D (filed by first-time takers) and Re-Examination/Conversion Applications not filed timely will be accepted; however, the appropriate late filing fee must be submitted with the application. The following table shows the filing deadlines and late filing fees for each examination.
SCHEDULE OF FILING DEADLINES & LATE FEES
|
Late Fee
|
Determined by
|
February Exam
|
July Exam
|
|
Timely
|
Postmarked on or before
|
November 15
|
May 1
|
|
$325
|
Postmarked on or before
|
December 15
|
June 1
|
|
$625
|
Received by
|
January 15
|
June 15
|
Initial applications received after January 15 for the February examination or after June 15 for the July examination will not be accepted. Any application filing requirements completed subsequent to those dates, regardless of the date the initial application was filed, will not be considered to have met the late filing deadline and will not be accepted.
What is the NCBE number and why must I provide it?
Your unique NCBE Number will be used for identification purposes when you take the Multistate Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination and may be used as an identifier for other bar-admission-related purposes. You can go to
www.ncbex.org/ncbe-number to either retrieve your NCBE number or request an NCBE Number.
Can I use my laptop to take the bar examination?
- Applicants are allowed to use their own laptop computers to type the essay portion of the General Bar Examination by selecting that option on their Bar Application or Bar Re-Examination/Conversion Application, paying the $125 laptop fee, then registering and qualifying their laptops through ExamSoft prior to the specified deadline in advance of the examination.
- The Florida Board of Bar Examiners uses a program called Examplify from ExamSoft that enables candidates to securely take examinations downloaded to their own laptop computers by blocking access to files, programs, and the Internet during an examination. Spell check is not enabled on Examplify for applicants taking the Florida Bar Examination.
- System requirements for use of a laptop computer on the examination can be found on ExamSoft's website.
- Applicants are required to access the Internet following the examination to upload their essay answers prior to the 10:00 p.m. deadline on Tuesday evening.
- Information concerning "Laptop Use" is included on your Ticket of Admission providing information about registering and qualifying your computer through ExamSoft. This process must be completed each time you take the bar examination, regardless of any previous ExamSoft registrations you may have completed for this bar examination or any other examination.
- The registration period will begin in early January for the February examination and early June for the July examination; specific dates will be set and announced by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners.
- Important deadline dates relating to use of your laptop on the examination follow:
Laptop Deadlines
|
Examination Date
|
Apply With The Board By
|
Deadline to Complete Registration Process
|
|
February
|
January 15
|
February 1*
|
|
July
|
June 15
|
July 1*
|
*If either date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will be extended to the next business day.
What is permitted in the examination room?
Examinees are required to have an official photo badge, which is given to you at the examination site. Black pens, pencils, and scratch paper (when permitted) will be provided at your desk position. Only a jacket, money, keys, and a picture ID are authorized to be taken into the examination room. Laptop computers are permitted only if the examinee has registered and qualified through the board's vendor prior to the examination.
Video surveillance and metal detectors are employed to support these restrictions. The following items are not permitted in the examination room:
- Purses, book bags, or backpacks
- Notes, books, paper, or any study materials
- Food or liquids (including bottled water or soft drinks) except a clear bottle of water with no labels
- Cellular telephones or any wireless communication device
- Wristwatches or other similar timekeeping devices and clocks of any type
- Any other electronic devices
If I bring a backpack, purse, cell phone, or other items to the examination site that are not permitted in the examination room, where can I store them?
To be admitted to the examination without delay, do not bring any prohibited items to the Convention Center including cellular telephones, pagers, etc. If you do bring prohibited items to the Convention Center, you must store the item in a designated area of the Tampa Convention Center and will not be able to retrieve the item until the end of the day. Additionally, to avoid delays we suggest that you also refrain from wearing jewelry, belts, and other items that may set off the metal detectors. Your best solution is to leave items not permitted in the examination room at home, in your hotel room safe, or locked in your car.
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Will I be permitted to leave the examination room during the examination to get water or use the restroom?
No, once you enter the examination room, you will not be permitted to leave until you complete that session of the examination and turn in your papers. Water fountains and restrooms are located inside the examination room to provide examinees easy access during the examination.
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What if I have a medical condition or other circumstance that requires me to have items not normally permitted in the examination room or to have special seating arrangements?
If you have a medical condition or other circumstance that is not covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act that requires you to have items at the examination site not normally permitted, such as diabetic supplies, lumbar support, or a lactation pump, or to have special seating arrangements such as a wheelchair accessible table, you should submit a
Notice of Medical Alert or Condition Requiring Special Seating or Assistive Devices.
The document must be completed and submitted to the board's office 2 weeks in advance of the examination. If your request is approved, a letter will be provided giving you permission to bring the requested items or confirming your seating arrangements. A new notice is required for each administration of the examination that you attend.
What if I am a nursing individual who needs to pump during the examination?
A room with semi-private pipe and drape carrels is provided at the Tampa Convention Center to store and use lactation equipment. Additionally, a refrigerator is provided for storage of expressed milk, and food and water may be stored in the room with the lactation equipment. If you are a nursing individual who needs to have lactation equipment at the examination site and a location in which to pump, you should submit a
Notice of Medical Alert or Condition Requiring Special Seating or Assistive Devices.
The document must be completed and submitted to the board's office 2 weeks in advance of the examination. If your request is approved, a letter will be provided giving you permission to bring the requested items. A new notice is required for each administration of the examination that you attend.
Prior to the examination, nursing individuals are able to access the room between 7:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m., and at the lunch break from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The room is also available after 5:15 p.m. after the afternoon session has concluded. Any individual using the room has the option to be personally escorted to the examination room close to the start time of the session to minimize waiting time in the security line.
How do I find information about the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination?
The Florida Bar Examination consists of the General Bar Examination and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
All applicants for admission in Florida must submit to the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination. The MPRE is typically administered in March, August, and November at various locations around the country; the dates are set at the discretion of the National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE). You may take the MPRE in Florida or any other state and must request that the results be forwarded to Florida directly from the NCBE.
MPRE scores are acceptable under the following conditions:
- Scaled score of 80 or better, or such scaled score as fixed by the Supreme Court (rule 4-33.2), and
- Score is attained within 25 months of passing other parts of the Florida Bar Examination (rule 4-18.1)
The MPRE may be taken prior to graduation from law school. For information about examination dates, deadlines, examination sites, online registration for the MPRE and MPRE score transfer, visit the
NCBE website.
How do I find information about hotels in Tampa?
Refer to the
map of hotels within 10 miles of the Tampa Convention Center that have requested to be listed on this site.
For availability, rate information and reservations, contact the hotels directly and indicate you are taking the Florida Bar Examination.
What law school courses will help me pass the Florida Bar Examination?
Enroll in courses that will assist you in preparing for the examination. The bar examination covers subjects selected from the following: Florida Constitutional Law, Florida Rules of Civil and Criminal Procedure, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration (Rules 2.051, 2.060, and 2.160), Federal Constitutional Law, Chapters 4&5 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Business Entities including Corporations & Partnerships, Wills & Administration of Estates, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Family Law, Real Property, Torts, and Trusts. To the extent these courses are not required by your law school, consult this list when registering for elective credit hours.
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Does the board offer any study materials?
Study guides are published for the Florida-prepared portion (Part A), the Multistate Bar Examination (Part B) of the General Bar Examination, and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE).
The study guide for Part A includes essay questions from two previous administrations, sample answers to the essay questions, and sample multiple-choice questions. The Study Guide is available in PDF format at no cost on this website.
An MBE (Part B) Information Booklet is available on the NCBE website.
An MPRE Information Booklet is available at no cost on the NCBE website.
What bar review courses are available?
The board does not maintain or disseminate any information regarding bar review courses.
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How are General Bar Examination grades released?
When the Supreme Court of Florida releases the General Bar Examination results, the Supreme Court posts the results on the
Supreme Court’s website for 30 days.
- To find your pass/fail results, you must know your applicant file number. This number is found at the top right corner of all board correspondence.
- General Bar Examination results cannot be obtained by phone.
- Individual score reports are available to portal applicants on their portal page under correspondence once the Supreme Court has released results.
- Individual score reports are mailed to examinees without a portal account the same day pass/fail results are released by the Supreme Court. This individual mailing of scores goes to your current mailing address listed with the board.
- Neither the Florida Supreme Court nor the Bar Examiners publicly release how applicants rank on their exam scores compared to other applicants.
Can I postpone from taking the General Bar Examination?
Yes. Pursuant to
rule 4-45 and
rule 4-46, you may postpone for any reason from any General Bar Examination for which you have been issued a ticket. To do so, you must complete the Notice of Postponement, located in the Examination Status section of the landing page of your applicant portal, prior to the commencement of the administration of the bar examination. Your previously paid application fee will be applied to the next bar examination for which you apply; however, you will incur a postponement fee. Please be reminded that any laptop fee paid for the current examination is not transferable to a future examination.
The fee to postpone from the General Bar Examination is determined by the date of receipt in the board’s office of your Notice of Postponement ($100 if received at least 7 days before the commencement of the administration of the examination, or $200 if received prior to but less than 7 days before the commencement of the administration of the examination). If written notification is not received prior to the commencement of the examination, or not provided at all, the fee to take a subsequent examination will be $450 pursuant to
rule 4-47.
Note: If you applied to take both Part A and Part B, but have decided to take one part only, do not submit the Notice of Postponement (so that you retain a seat for the part you do take). Instead, send notification through the Correspondence page of the applicant portal advising which part you will not take. Understand that you will be required to pay the $450 re-examination fee to apply to take any part of the examination at a future date.
Do I meet the requirements of Rule 4-13.4?
I am admitted to practice in another U.S. jurisdiction, but I do not live in that jurisdiction. If I am legally practicing law (e.g., practicing in federal courts or another state’s courts) while physically present elsewhere, does that count toward the years-in-practice requirement for Rule 4-13.4(a) or (b)?
Yes. The years-in-practice component of Rule 4-13.4 does not require that you be physically present in the U.S. jurisdiction where you are admitted to practice.
I live in Florida and am admitted to practice in another U.S. jurisdiction. I practice law as an authorized house counsel under Chapter 17 of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. Does my practice as an authorized house counsel count toward the years-in-practice requirement for Rule 4-13.4(a) or (b)?
Yes.
I do not have an ABA-accredited J.D., but I do have an LL.M. that meets the board’s curricular criteria. Rule 4-13.4(b) requires two years of practice in another U.S. jurisdiction. Do those two years have to be the most recent two years or two consecutive years?
No. The years-in-practice requirement for Rule 4-13.4(b) can be satisfied by any two years of practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
I do not have an ABA-accredited J.D. or an LL.M. that meets the board’s curricular criteria. Rule 4-13.4(a) requires five years of practice in another U.S. jurisdiction. Do those five years have to be the most recent five years or five consecutive years?
No. The years-in-practice requirement for Rule 4-13.4(a) can be satisfied by any five years of practice in a U.S. jurisdiction.
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How do I create an online account with the Florida Board of Bar Examiners?
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What is Two Factor Authentication?
Two Factor Authentication provides stronger security for your account by requiring a second step of verification when you sign in. In addition to your password, you will need a code generated by the app downloaded on your smart device.
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What Two Factor Authentication app should I use?
The board strongly recommends Authy as the preferred application for Two Factor Authentication due to their established security and backup features. However, other Two Factor Authentication apps, such as Google Authenticator, may be used as an alternative.
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What if I do not have a smart device?
Using a secure, personal computer (not a shared, public computer), download Authy for PCs from the Chrome Web Store (it is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux). You must use the Google Chrome browser to run this app on your personal computer. Click
here for step-by-step instructions of the process necessary to create your account.
What are scratch codes and why might I need them?
Once you have completed the registration process, it is highly recommended that you write down a series of scratch codes that will each allow you one-time access to your account in the event that all of your other methods of authentication are unavailable. Maintaining your scratch codes will allow you to easily access your account without your registered smart device so that you can set up a new device, reset your 2FA, or reset your password.
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Where do I find scratch codes for my profile?
You may access your scratch codes by logging into the Applicant Portal, clicking on “Profile” at the top of the home page, and then “Show Scratch Codes.” You must enter a token from your smart device and you will be given five, 8-digit scratch codes. It is highly recommended that you write down the scratch codes and keep them in a secure location to be referenced if necessary in the future.
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What if I get a new smart device?
- The easiest way to set up a new device for use in accessing your online account is to log into the Applicant Portal, then go to the Profile section and click "Setup Additional Device." This will generate a new QR code for you to scan using your new device (first you must download Authy or another 2FA app on the new device and click "Add Account" within the app).
- If you no longer have access to your old device for use in accessing the portal and your Profile, you can use one of the scratch codes you recorded when you created your registration. At the login screen, when prompted for a token, enter one of the scratch codes. Then go to the profile section and setup your new device using the instructions above.
- If you no longer have access to your old device and did not record scratch codes, but used Authy and enabled backups, you should download Authy onto your new device and restore your Authy keys.
- If you need more information about your Two Factor Authentication app, such as adding it to a new device, updating your phone numbers, accessing backups, or turning off two-step verification, visit the Authy or Google Authenticator website. If you have a new device and no longer have access to the tokens for your FBBE account through any of the methods listed above, visit the Request to Reset Portal Access page for instructions explaining the process to restore portal access. Note that this process is only available to applicants who have finalized and submitted an application to the board and that the board will only respond in writing to the email address on file.
What if I lose my smart device?
If you are unable access your smart device, you may use the scratch codes supplied on the profile page of the Applicant Portal.
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What if I need to change my profile name?
If you need to change your name as it appears on your online profile, go to your Profile page, then click on Edit. You must also submit an amendment to Items 1a, 1b, and 4 (if applicable) of your Bar Application when a name change occurs.
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Should I check the “Remember this device” option?
When you are prompted for your Two Factor Authentication code while logging in, you can select the option to “Remember this device.” Doing so will allow you to use those secure services using that browser for 30 days without having to enter a second method of authentication (token). After 30 days, the code will expire and you will need to generate a new code to log in to the Applicant Portal. You should only "Remember this device" on personally-owned devices or secure devices to which you alone have access.
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What if I do not have a smart device or a secure, personal computer?
You must notify the board in writing of your circumstances. Your notification must include your name, mailing address, and email address, along with a statement explaining that you cannot participate in the Two Factor Authentication process required for registration as you do not own a smart device or a secure, personal computer. Please allow five to ten business days for a response from the Board. Be sure to account for this extra time when considering filing deadlines.
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What if I need to change my email address?
If you need to update your email address, go to your Profile page, then click on “Edit,” provide a new email username, and click “Save” to confirm the change.
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What if I have deleted my Two Factor Authenticator app?
Download the app onto your device. For assistance restoring your Authy app from Authy backups, visit the
Authy website for instructions. Also see the FAQ above, "What if I get a new smart device?" for other methods of access.