Updates to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
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Rules Regulating The Florida Bar
Bar Rule Opinions
December 18, 2025
Case No. SC2025-1173. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Rule 4-8.6. In subdivision (a), “not-for-profit authorized business entities” are added as a type of authorized business entity in which lawyers may practice. Additionally, subdivision (c) is retitled and reorganized, and language is added to new subdivisions (c)(1) and (c)(2) to clarify that subject to an exception for nonlawyer board members “as authorized by rule 4 5.4(f),” nonlawyers may not serve in certain positions, have certain titles, or perform policy-making functions. New subdivision (c)(3) clarifies that only a person legally qualified to render legal services in Florida may direct the legal services or professional judgment of a lawyer engaged in the practice of law in Florida. The amendments were adopted December 18, 2025, effective February 16, 2026.
Case No. SC2025-1180. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Ch. 3 Petition (Rules 3-3.2, 3-5.1, 3-7.2, and 3-7.4). The Court adopted amendments to various rules regarding discipline on December 18, 2025, effective February 16, 2026.
November 20, 2025
Case No. SC2025-0017. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Rules 6-3.5 and 6-3.6. Adds that the Board of Legal Specialization and Education authority to extend the application requirements completion time for specified events. The amendments were adopted November 20, 2025, effective January 20, 2026.
August 28, 2025
Case No. SC2025-0019. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Discipline Rules. The court issued an opinion on August 28, 2025, amending Rules Regulating Fla. Bar 3-5.2, 3-5.4, 3-7.7, 3-7.18, 14-4.1, 20-5.4 and Professionalism Code 1.2. The amendments are effective October 27, 2025.
Case No. SC2025-0020. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Chapter 1. The court issued an opinion on August 28, 2025, amending Rules Regulating Fla. Bar 1-3.6, 1-3.10, 1-3.11, and 1-7.3. The amendments are effective October 27, 2025.
June 5, 2025
Case No. SC2025-0727. The Supreme Court of Florida issued an opinion adopting, on its own motion, new rule 3-5.3 and amendments to rules 3-5.2, 3-5.3, and 3-5.4. New Rule Regulating The Florida Bar 3-5.3 (Interim Suspension), addresses the grounds for suspension of a lawyer charged with a felony “that reflects adversely on the lawyer’s fitness to practice law.” Amends rule 3-5.2 (Emergency Suspension and Interim Probation) to remove what is now addressed in new rule 3-5.3, and renumbers former rules 3-5.3 (Diversion of Disciplinary Cases to Practice and Professionalism Enhancement Programs) and 3-5.4 (Publication of Discipline). Amendments are effective December 5, 2025.
May 29, 2025
Case No. SC2025-0157. On May 29, 2025, the Supreme Court of Florida issued an order adopting amendments to Bylaws 2-4.1 and 2-8.1. In Bylaw 2-4.1, clarifies that the bar’s president or designee or person designated by the board is the bar’s only official spokesperson. In Bylaw 2-8.2, Adds that committees can create their own internal operating procedures as long as they are not inconsistent with Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, standing board policies, or Robert’s Rules of Order. The amendments were effective immediately.
May 15, 2025
Case No. SC2025-0018. In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Rules 4-7.19 and 4-7.20. On May 15, 2025, the court adopted amendments to Rules 4-7.19 and 4-7.20. In Rule 4-7.19, deletes the specific dollar amount and adds “set by the bar’s executive director as approved by the Board of Governors.” Also adds that The Florida Bar will provide the Florida Supreme Court with 30 days’ notice prior to the effectiveness of any increase in the amount of a fee or the imposition of any new fee. In Rule 4-7.20, Adds new subdivision (h) creating an exemption for advertisements and other communications regarding legal services made by legal aid organizations. Amendments are effective July 14, 2025.
Bar Rule Petitions Filed (Pending)
In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Rule 20-6.1; filed January 6, 2026, Case No.: SC2026-0024. Adds language to allow for Florida Registered Paralegals to receive lecture credit for approved seminars for up to 3 credit hours for each 50 minutes of lecture at basic seminars or up to 5 credit hours for each 50 minutes of lecture time at intermediate seminars. Adds subdivision (b) on extensions to identify the situations under which extensions may be requested, providing the reason, and that extensions will not be considered from individuals. Allows for the Executive Director or Board of Governors to grant an extension of continuing education reporting cycles in times of national disasters or as they deem necessary and clarifies extensions will not be considered from individual members. Adds that Florida Registered Paralegal continuing education credit does not carry over into a later reporting cycle.
In Re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar - 6-32 Insurance Coverage Law; filed December 8, 2025, Case No.: SC2025-1956. Proposes a new certification area for lawyers to become certified in Insurance Coverage Law.
In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar - Professionalism Expectations; filed September 2, 2025, Case No.: SC2025-1347. Amends several professionalism expectations and adds a new Expectation 1.14.
In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Substance Use Terminology Petition; filed August 6, 2025, Case No. 2025-1172 (Rules 2-3.2, 2-9.11, 3-7.1, 3-7.10, 6-10.3, and 21-3.1). Proposed amendments update terminology regarding substance use to the most current clinical terms.
In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating The Florida Bar – Misc. Petition; filed August 6, 2025, Case No. 2025-1178 (Rules 1-3.7, 1-12.1, 2-3.11, 4-7.20, 6-12.7, 10-2.1, 11-1.8, and 20-5.2). The bar proposes amendments to multiple rules.
Opinions
Florida Supreme Court opinions issued starting in 2023 are available by searching the Florida Appellate Case Information System.
Oral Arguments
Florida Supreme Court Oral Argument Schedule
Filing Comments on Existing Rules Petitions
If you are filing comments with the Supreme Court of Florida in an existing rules case, you must file using the statewide e-portal pursuant to R. Jud. Admin. 2.516.