Florida Bar Board Certification

Maybe you have never needed the services of an attorney before; but now you do. Obviously, you want an attorney who can handle your particular legal situation, and who has experience and expertise in the area of law relating to your legal needs.

To assist you in finding such a lawyer, the Supreme Court of Florida directed The Florida Bar to offer a "Board Certification" program for Florida Bar members. The program is designed to help the public make an informed decision when seeking and selecting a lawyer.

While all lawyers are allowed to advertise, only certified attorneys are allowed to identify themselves as "Florida Bar Board Certified" or as a "specialist." Certification is the highest level of recognition by The Florida Bar of the competency and experience of attorneys in the areas of law approved for certification by the Supreme Court of Florida.

A lawyer who is a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and who meets the standards prescribed by the Supreme Court of Florida, may become a "Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer."

Certified lawyers in real estate law deal with matters relating to real property transactions including, but not limited to real estate conveyances, title searches, property transfers, leases, condominiums and cooperatives, interval ownership, mortgages, zoning and land use planning, real estate development and financing, real estate litigation, and determination of property rights.

Every lawyer certified in real estate law has practiced law on a full-time basis for at least five years. Each certified lawyer has had substantial involvement -- 40 percent or more -- in the practice of real estate law during the three years immediately preceding application.

Each certified lawyer has passed peer review, completed 45 hours of continuing legal education within the three years immediately preceding application and passed a written examination demonstrating knowledge, skills and proficiency in the field of real estate law to justify the representation of special competence.

Board certification is valid for five years, during which time the attorney must continue to practice law and attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses. To be recertified, requirements similar to those for initial certification must be met. Not all qualified lawyers are certified, but those who are board certified have taken the extra step to have their competence and experience recognized.

Real Estate Certification was approved by the Supreme Court of Florida in 1986.