Proposed board action
Pursuant to Standing Board Policy 1.60, the Board of Governors of The Florida Bar publishes this notice of intent to consider the following items at its March 13, 2026, Board of Governors meeting. This is governed by Rule 1-12.1, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. If approved by the board, most rules amendments must still be formally filed with the Supreme Court of Florida, with further notice and opportunity to be heard, before they are officially approved and become effective. Amendments to section bylaws and standing board policies are final on board of governors action. Additionally, non-substantive edits to conform to the Florida Supreme Court style guide are not noted in the summary. To receive a full copy of the text of proposed amendments, email Kelly Smith at [email protected]. Reference any requested proposal by its title and date of this publication.
FINAL ACTION
Chapter 1 General
RULE 1-3.7 REINSTATEMENT TO MEMBERSHIP
In subdivision (g), adds that a member who has been inactive for more than 5 years must take the 2-credit hour Florida Legal Professionalism course produced by The Florida Bar and approved by the Supreme Court of Florida and must complete the basic skills course requirement.
Chapter 2 Bylaws of The Florida Bar
BYLAW 2-3.6 ELECTION
Within subdivisions (b) and (d), removes voting by paper ballot.
BYLAW 2-4.6 ELECTION OF PRESIDENT-ELECT
Within subdivisions (c) and (e), removes voting by paper ballot.
RULE 3-7.2 PROCEDURES ON CRIMINAL OR PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT; DISCIPLINE ON DETERMINATION OR JUDGMENT OF GUILT OF CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT; DISCIPLINE ON REMOVAL FROM JUDICIAL OFFICE
Within subdivision (a)(2), adds an “Alford plea.”
RULE 3-7.4 GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE PROCEDURES
Deletes subdivision (b) on complaints to the grievance committee and re-letters subsequent paragraphs.
RULE 3-7.7 PROCEDURES BEFORE SUPREME COURT OF FLORIDA
Within subdivision (d), deletes “other” before “civil.”
RULE 3-7.11 GENERAL RULE OF PROCEDURE
Within subdivisions (h)(1) and (2), changes “party” to “person or entity.”
RULE 20-6.1 GENERALLY
Adds a new subdivision (c) for continuing education credit for Florida Registered Paralegals participating in community involvement.
Standing Board Policies
Standing Board Policy 6.31 Distribution of Proceeds
Within subdivisions (c) and (d), remove YLD ‘s unique proceeds distribution resulting in the proceeds for their CLE courses being handled in the same manner as other TFB programs.
Standing Board Policy 9.40 Procedure for Retaining Legislative Advisors and Consultants for The Bar
In the title, adds “and political” before “advisors.” Within subdivision (a), adds “and political” before “advisor” and adds “s” to “advisor.” Within subdivision (a), adds that contracts should comply with policy 9.51. Within subdivision (b), replaces “person” with “advisors” and adds that advisors may be retained for new 2-year periods.
Standing Board Policy 15.10 Waiver of Disqualification
Throughout the standing board policy, changes “respondent” to “person or entity other than The Florida Bar.”
Standing Board Policy 15.40 GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
Adds that current Florida Bar employees and their family members cannot serve as grievance committee members and that former Florida Bar employees may not be appointed to serve on a grievance committee for 1 year after separation from employment.
Standing Board Policy 15.75 Review of Closed Inquiries and Disciplinary Cases
Within subdivisions (e) and (f), adds that the request to review the closure must be within 60 days of the notice of closure. Within subdivision (f), adds new subdivision (2) that the grievance committee chair may reopen the matter for further investigation and re-letters the subsequent subdivision.
Within subdivision (f), adds that a grievance committee chair’s decision to agree with a closure precludes further action in the matter. Within subdivision (g), adds that grievance committee review is at the direction of the grievance committee chair and replaces current options with any actions permitted by subchapter 3-7 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar.
Board of Legal Specialization and Education Policies
BLSE Policy 1.02 Administrative Procedure
In subdivision (e), adds the composition of the executive committee, the methods which meetings can be held, notice to the BLSE of executive committee action through distribution of summary minutes prior to the next BLSE meeting, and adoption of executive committee meeting actions by the BLSE unless modified at the BLSE meeting.
BLSE Policy 2.09 Professional Ethics and Competence
In subdivision (a)(1), adds diversion. In subdivision (a)(2), deletes “initiated or.”
BLSE Policy 2.13 Grading, Review, and Petition Process
In subdivision (d)(1), adds that no extensions will be granted for the commencement of a petition for grade review. In subdivision (d)(2), adds that petitioners will not be allowed to supplement or correct submission once received by the LSE Director.
BLSE Policies 700 series
BLSE Policy 5.08
Adds new subdivision (j) to prohibit credit award for destination courses tailored for general public education or self-guided tours.
BLSE Policies 700 series. Within 7.03(a), deletes “until the member is no longer eligible” and adds “for the remainder of the member’s current reporting cycle. Within 7.03(a)(3), changes “applicable period” to “no more than 1 reporting cycle” and adds that no additional deferments will be granted. Within 7.04, corrects the rule title for Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration and deletes that a lawyer is not required to complete BSCR more than once.
FIRST READING
Chapter 2 Bylaws of The Florida Bar
BYLAW 2-3.5 NOMINATION OF MEMBERS
Within subdivision (b), deletes the requirement that the nominee must endorse the nominating petition.
BYLAW 2-4.5 NOMINATIONS FOR PRESIDENT-ELECT
Within subdivision (b), deletes the requirement that nominees for president-elect sign the nomination petition.
Chapter 4 Rules of Professional Conduct
RULE 4-7.19 EVALUATION OF ADVERTISEMENTS
Within subdivision (i), deletes the specified $100 filing fee differential for changed circumstances.
CHAPTER 21 MILITARY SPOUSE AUTHORIZATION TO ENGAGE IN THE PRACTICE OF LAW IN FLORIDA
Throughout the chapter, deletes that the military spouse becomes a member of The Florida Bar and replaces it with certification to practice law as a military spouse. Within rule 21-2.1, delete subdivisions (b), (c), and (g) requiring a degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, passing a written bar examination, and not have failed the Florida Bar examination within 5 years. Within rule 21-2.1, changes the entity to which applications are submitted from Florida Board of Bar Examiners to The Florida Bar. Within rule 21-3.1, changes the CLE requirements to be consistent with requirements for Florida Bar members. Within 21-4.1, deletes subdivision (b) requiring employment or mentorship by a Florida Bar member who is eligible to practice law in Florida. Within rule 21-4.1, amends subdivision (c) to allow for temporary certification pending Florida Board of Bar Examiners admission. Within rule 21-6.1, deletes subdivision (a)(1)(F), automatic termination after 5 years. Within rule 21-6.1, changes subdivision (b)(2) from a notice to a motion to withdraw.
CHAPTER 18. MILITARY LEGAL ASSISTANCE COUNSEL RULE
Deletes entire existing rule and creates a set of rules for active military stationed in Florida with membership in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction to be certified to practice law in Florida as active military lawyers. The rules would require application, proof of membership in good standing, proof of active military service stationed in Florida, compliance with Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, payment of an application and annual renewal fees, termination based on change in status and cause.
Board of Legal Specialization and Education Policies
BLSE Policies 400 Series
Rewrites for style throughout. In Policy 4.02, deletes the explanation of specific time requirements for staggered terms of office. In Policy 4.04, adds that the notice of appeal can also be delivered by electronic mail or commercial service. In Policies 4.05 and 4.06, changes mail to electronic mail. In Policy 4.10, adds additional rule references.