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Frequently Asked Questions About CLE Requirements

On This Page
What is the Continuing Legal Education Requirement (CLER)?
What is the requirement?
Where may I find information on CLER?
How do I receive CLE credit for a program not previously approved for credit?
Will I receive notice advising me that my reporting period is ending?
How do I post CLE credit for an approved CLE program?
What happens if I do not complete the required hours?
How may I find information on CLE programs sponsored by The Florida Bar?
Will out-of-state CLE hours count towards CLER?
Other than attending approved CLE courses, how may I earn credit hours?
Are there any exemptions from CLER?


Q. What is the Continuing Legal Education Requirement, or CLER?
A. CLER was adopted by the Supreme Court of Florida in 1988 and requires all members of The Florida Bar to continue their legal education.

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QWhat is the requirement?
A. Every member must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours every three years. At least three of 30 credit hours must be in approved technology programs. At least five of the 30 credit hours must be in approved legal ethics, professionalism, substance abuse or mental health and wellness; as part of the five credit hours, each member must complete, during each reporting cycle, the two-credit hour Florida Legal Professionalism course produced by The Florida Bar and approved by the Supreme Court of Florida. Excess credits cannot be carried over to the next reporting cycle.

Please note: It is the responsibility of the member to report CLE credit and to complete the CLER requirement. Each member should be aware of all deadlines and obligations to The Florida Bar.

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Q. Where may I find information on CLER?
A. Rule 6-10 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar sets out the requirement. Read all rules and policies.

Q. How do I receive CLE credit for a program not previously approved for credit?
A. Members may request CLE credit for attending or completing a program by submitting an application for course attendance credit. 

CLE Applications

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Q. Will I receive notice advising me that my reporting period is ending?
A. At least three months prior to the end of your reporting cycle, you will receive an email notifying you of your reporting requirements and the impending due date.

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Q. How do I post CLE credit for an approved CLE program?
A. You must report your completed courses online using the reference number received at the completion of the course.

Post CLE Credits

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Q. What happens if I do not complete the required hours?
A. You run the risk of being deemed a delinquent member which prohibits you from engaging in the practice of Florida law.

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Q. How may I find information on CLE programs sponsored by The Florida Bar?
A. A list of the programs by The Florida Bar is available on the website.

CLE Course and Product Search

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Q. Will out-of-state CLE hours count towards CLER?
A. Courses approved by other state bars are generally acceptable for use toward satisfying CLER. 

Applications for Credit

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Q. Other than attending approved CLE courses, how may I earn credit hours?
A. Credit may be earned by:

  1. Lecturing at an approved CLE program
  2. Serving as a workshop leader or panel member
  3. Writing and publishing in a professional publication or journal
  4. Teaching (graduate law or law school courses)
  5. University attendance (graduate law or law school courses)

Applications for Credit

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Q. Are there any exemptions from CLER?
A. Rule 6-10.3(c) lists all valid exemptions. They are:

  1. Active Military Service
  2. Undue Hardship (upon approval by the BLSE)
  3. Nonresident membership (see rule for details)
  4. Full-time federal judiciary
  5. Justices of the Supreme Court of Florida and judges of district, circuit and county courts
  6. Inactive members of The Florida Bar

CLER Exemption Forms

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Contact Information

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 850-561-5842
Fax: 850-561-9421