This guide is your starting point for exploring a career in the paralegal field. In general, the entry-level education required for a paralegal career in Florida is an associate’s degree or certificate. On this page, you’ll find further details about Florida paralegal careers and salaries, professional resources, and more. The easy-to-navigate directory below will help you quickly find the answers to your questions about how to become a paralegal in Florida.
Table of Contents:
- How to Become a Paralegal in Florida
- Paralegal Certification
- Paralegal Career and Salary Outlook
- Paralegal Resources
How to Become a Paralegal in Florida
Florida does not set education or certification requirements for paralegals at the state level, so there are different pathways that you can take to become a paralegal in the state. The first step is typically the completion of an accredited paralegal degree program from one of the many paralegal schools in Florida. Many employers also seek paralegal candidates who have experience, which may be gained through in-school internships or on-the-job training as a legal assistant or entry-level paralegal.
1. Earn a degree or certificate in paralegal studies.
Earning an associate’s degree, certificate, or bachelor’s degree from one of the paralegal schools in Florida can help candidates build their skill sets and become more competitive applicants for paralegal positions. The American Bar Association (ABA) has approved 11 paralegal education programs in Florida. 1
2. Gain experience.
Internships, job-shadowing, and other opportunities to gain real-world experience are often part of a paralegal program’s curriculum. While not all programs will require experience for degree credit, taking advantage of such opportunities is typically recommended. This is because, in addition to learning opportunities, students often find that these experiences help them build a professional network.
3. Seek certification, if desired.
Although the state of Florida does not require licensure or certification for paralegals, earning a voluntary certification credential can help your application stand out when you apply for paralegal jobs.
Paralegal Resources
Paralegal Associations in Florida
These are volunteer organizations, typically with elected boards, that focus on professional development and networking for a specific geography and/or area of law.
- Central Florida Paralegal Association, Inc. (CEPA): Encourages community service with events throughout the year. The association also works to support current and future paralegal students in their studies.
- Northeast Florida Paralegal Association, Inc. (NEFPA): Provides benefits such as professional development, a job bank, scholarships, mentoring, and more.
- Northwest Florida Paralegal Association (NWFPA): Focuses on the ethical and professional development of paralegals, with regular meetings, seminars, and other activities relevant to the interests of area paralegals and other legal professionals.
- Paralegal Association of Florida, Inc. (PAFINC): Statewide association that welcomes members from all areas of Florida, with annual seminars and additional events throughout the year supported by 11 statewide chapters.
- South Florida Paralegal Association (SFPA): Seeks to advance the paralegal profession through member development, paralegal advocacy, and public awareness. Member benefits include membership in affiliate organizations, admission to annual meetings and events, and access to career opportunities.
- Southwest Florida Paralegal Association, Inc. (SWFPA): Supports area paralegals through networking, education, and professional advancement.
- Tampa Bay Paralegal Association, Inc. (TBPA): Provides members with opportunities for scholarships, continuing education, certification, networking, and other career advancement activities, including community service.
Additional Resources
- Florida Bar: Posts paralegal jobs across the state as well as legal news, events, and other items of interest.
- Florida Courts: Provides links to all courts within the system, as well as an overview of the state’s court structure and locations.
- Florida Supreme Court: Access an easy to use docket search, the Supreme Court’s online law library, past Court opinions, and more.
- Paralegal411 Job Board: For paralegal job openings in Florida, visit our jobs board.
- University of Miami School of Law Library: One of the largest law libraries in the Southeast with over 620,000 volumes. The library is open to guests for legal research, although days and times may be restricted to the public during exam periods.
