Florida Bar Exam Quick Facts
Administering Body: Florida Board of Bar Examiners
UBE State: No (Own Format)
Passing Score: 136 scaled
Pass Rate (2024): 52% first-time, 18% repeat
Exam Dates: February & July
Results Timeline: 10-12 weeks
Application Fee: $1,000
Reciprocity: Limited (10+ years practice)
Why the Florida Bar Exam Is Unique
Florida is one of the few remaining states that does not use the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). Instead, Florida has developed its own comprehensive examination that tests Florida-specific law alongside multistate subjects. This means your bar prep must include substantial Florida law study that won't transfer to other states.
The Florida bar exam is known for being challenging, with pass rates consistently lower than the national average. The exam tests a broader range of Florida-specific subjects than most state bar exams, requiring extensive preparation beyond standard MBE-focused study.
Important: Florida does not accept UBE score transfers. If you've passed the bar in a UBE state, you must still take the full Florida bar exam to practice in Florida (unless you qualify for reciprocity after 10+ years of practice).
Florida Bar Exam Format
The Florida bar exam is administered over two days and consists of three parts: the Florida Multiple Choice (Part A), Florida Essays (Part B), and the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE).
Day 1: Florida Portion
Morning Session - Part A (3 hours)
- 100 Florida Multiple Choice Questions
- Tests Florida-specific law only
- Covers all Florida essay subjects
Afternoon Session - Part B (3 hours)
- 3 Florida Essay Questions
- 60 minutes per essay
- May combine multiple subjects
Day 2: MBE
200 multiple choice questions over two 3-hour sessions (100 questions each). The MBE tests the seven standard multistate subjects: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law & Procedure, Evidence, Real Property, Torts, and Civil Procedure.
Florida Bar Exam Subjects
The Florida portion tests 17 main subjects. You must know both Florida law and federal/general law for maximum scoring potential.
Core Florida Subjects
- Florida Constitutional Law
- Florida Civil Procedure
- Florida Criminal Law & Procedure
- Florida Evidence (FL Evidence Code)
- Real Property (including FL Homestead)
- Wills & Trusts (FL Probate Code)
- Business Entities (FL Business Corp Act)
- Family Law (FL Family Code)
Additional Subjects
- Contracts (general + FL UCC)
- Torts (general + FL distinctions)
- Federal Constitutional Law
- Articles 3 & 9 of the UCC
- Professionalism & Ethics
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
Key Florida-Specific Topics
Florida Homestead Law
Florida's homestead provisions are among the most complex and heavily tested topics on the Florida bar. You must understand:
- Constitutional Protection: Article X, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution
- Creditor Protection: Unlimited value protection (with acreage limits)
- Tax Benefits: Save Our Homes cap, portability
- Devise Restrictions: Cannot devise away from spouse/minor children
- Forced Sale Exemption: Protection from most creditors except mortgages, taxes, mechanics liens
Florida Family Law
Florida family law differs significantly from common law and other states:
- Equitable Distribution: Presumption of equal division
- Alimony Reform: 2023 changes eliminated permanent alimony
- Time-Sharing: Florida uses "time-sharing" not "custody"
- Parenting Plans: Required for all cases with minor children
Florida Bar Exam Pass Rates
Florida's bar exam pass rates are below the national average, making thorough preparation essential.
| Exam | First-Time Takers | Repeat Takers | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | 52% | 18% | 44% |
| February 2024 | 50% | 16% | 38% |
| July 2023 | 54% | 20% | 46% |
Source: Florida Board of Bar Examiners statistics
How the Florida Bar Exam Is Scored
Your Florida bar exam score is a combination of three components:
Part A: Florida Multiple Choice (33.3%)
100 questions testing Florida-specific law
Part B: Florida Essays (33.3%)
3 essays graded on a 0-10 scale by Florida attorneys
MBE (33.3%)
200 multistate multiple choice questions
Passing Score: You need a combined scaled score of 136 out of 200. Each component is weighted equally at 33.3%.
Florida Bar Exam Study Strategies
1. Start Florida Law Early
Unlike UBE states where you can focus primarily on MBE subjects, Florida requires substantial Florida-specific preparation. Begin studying Florida distinctions from day one, not as an afterthought.
2. Master Florida Homestead
Homestead appears on nearly every exam. Create detailed flashcards covering creditor protection, devise restrictions, tax benefits, and homestead requirements. This is the most heavily tested Florida-specific topic.
3. Practice Florida Essays
The Florida Board of Bar Examiners publishes past essay questions and sample answers. Practice at least 15-20 past Florida essays under timed conditions. Pay attention to Florida-specific rules in your answers.
4. Don't Neglect the MBE
The MBE counts for one-third of your score. Many students over-focus on Florida law and underperform on the MBE. Complete at least 2,000 MBE practice questions during your preparation.
5. Use Florida-Specific Resources
Choose a bar prep course that includes comprehensive Florida materials. Barbri, Themis, and Kaplan all offer Florida-specific programs. Consider supplementing with Florida Bar Review or local courses.
Florida Bar Exam Timeline
Why Practice Law in Florida
Growing Legal Market
Florida has the third-largest legal market in the U.S. with strong growth in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville. Major firms continue expanding their Florida presence.
No State Income Tax
Florida is one of nine states with no state income tax. This means higher take-home pay compared to states like New York or California with similar salary levels.
Diverse Practice Areas
Strong markets in real estate, international trade, immigration, elder law, personal injury, and admiralty/maritime law. Miami serves as a gateway to Latin America.
Quality of Life
Year-round warm weather, no state income tax, and lower cost of living (outside Miami) make Florida attractive for attorneys seeking work-life balance.
Get Expert Guidance for the Florida Bar
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