![\"Certification](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/certification-150x150.png\")
Initially heralded by the Supreme Court as a \u201cstep forward in improving the justice system of this state,\u201d Florida\u2019s 44-year-old board certification program<\/a> now claims 5,032 lawyers.<\/p>\nThe latest Board of Legal Specialization and Education report shows that 4.9% of Florida attorneys qualify for the program\u2019s slogan, \u201cEvaluated for Professionalism and Tested for Expertise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBoard-certified lawyers have dedicated themselves to achieving a heightened level of excellence through character, professionalism, ethics, and credibility in the practice of law,\u201d program sponsors note.<\/p>\n
Covering 27 practice areas, Florida\u2019s voluntary board certification program is one of the most robust in the nation.<\/p>\n
The percentage of board-certified Florida lawyers rises to nearly 6% when only considering attorneys with five or more years of experience, a minimum requirement.<\/p>\n
Reaching the five-year milestone is just the beginning for lawyers who want to earn the designation.<\/p>\n
Applicants must demonstrate substantial involvement in their practice area and pass a comprehensive examination that evaluates a high level of knowledge, skills, and expertise.<\/p>\n
Candidates also undergo a rigorous peer review process that assesses competency in a specialty field, and professionalism and ethics in the practice of law.<\/p>\n
Board certification lasts for five years. During that time, lawyers must continue to practice law, attend Florida Bar-approved continuing legal education courses, and meet the certification area\u2019s more robust CLE requirements.<\/p>\n
Recertification means meeting most of the same requirements for certification.<\/p>\n
The public clearly benefits when Florida lawyers set themselves apart through board certification, the Supreme Court noted when it approved the Certification Plan in 1982.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe that the public is entitled to know which lawyers have demonstrated special skills and possess technical competency in specific legal areas\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Board-certified lawyers are easier for clients to identify because only lawyers who earn the distinction are permitted to refer to themselves as \u201cboard-certified specialists\u201d or to use the letters \u201cB.C.S.\u201d In addition to raising the level of practice, board certified lawyers have been giving back to their communities.<\/p>\n
Since 2019, board-certified attorneys have been volunteering for \u201cCLOC,\u201d \u2013 Certified Lawyers on Call. Sponsored by the BLSE and FFLA, (Funding Florida Legal Aid,) the program gives pro bono attorneys telephone access to a board-certified lawyer\u2019s expertise.<\/p>\n
For lawyers who earn it, the benefits of board certification extend beyond enhanced credentials.<\/p>\n
Research shows that lawyers who list themselves as \u201cboard-certified\u201d in a practice area are 25% to 40% more likely to be hired than a non-board-certified lawyer with similar credentials.<\/p>\n
Every summer, at the Board Certified Lawyers Reception, a deserving lawyer is named \u201cThe Justice Harry Lee Anstead Board Certified Lawyer of the Year.\u201d Another receives \u201cThe Award for Excellence in the Promotion of Board Certification.\u201d<\/p>\n
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