Authorized House Counsel (AHC) are lawyers certified by the Supreme Court of Florida to perform limited legal services while working for a business organization.
Authorized House Counsel activity is governed by Chapter 17 (Authorized House Counsel Rule) of the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The chapter authorizes lawyers licensed to practice outside of Florida to perform legal services in Florida while exclusively employed by a Florida business organization without having to take and pass the bar exam. The rule’s purpose is to facilitate the relocation of persons employed by or to be employed by any business organization.
Petitions to Remove Delinquency
The online petition includes options for removing delinquency due to noncompliance with the BSCR Phase I, BSCR Phase II, or the CLER. All forms must be submitted with required documentation and the delinquency removal fee.
PDF PETITIONS
The following forms are for AHC whose status has been deemed delinquent due to failure to comply with the BSCR Phase I, BSCR Phase II, or the CLER.
Mail completed petition, enclosures and payment to:
Authorized House Counsel Rule
The Florida Bar
651 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300
If you have any questions regarding removal of delinquency, email Melanie Woodall or call 850-561-5840 or 800-342-8060, ext. 5840.
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Petitions for Reinstatement
The online petition includes options for removing AHC termination status due to failure to pay annual fees, or failure to comply with the BSCR Phase I, BSCR Phase II or the CLER.
PDF PETITIONS
All of these forms refer to AHC whose certification was terminated due to failure to pay annual fees, or failure to comply with the BSCR Phase I, BSCR Phase II or the CLER. All forms must be submitted with required documentation and the reinstatement fee.
Mail completed petition, enclosures and payment to:
Authorized House Counsel Rule
The Florida Bar
651 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300
If you have any questions regarding reinstatement, email Melanie Woodall or call 850-561-5840 or 800-342-8060, ext. 5840.
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Pro Bono
Authorized House Counsel may now provide pro bono legal services if the AHC is certified as an emeritus attorney under chapter 12 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. Contact the legal aid organization or the Clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida for the necessary forms.
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Annual Renewal
Annual renewal season opens mid to late April. Watch for an email from The Florida Bar advising that we are now accepting fee payments. Paper statements will be mailed in June. The annual renewal fee is separate from the application fee.
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