What Legal Services Can a Paralegal Do in Florida?

If you’re wondering “What legal services can a paralegal do in Florida?”, read on. The paralegal profession in Florida is among the most vibrant in the US.

Paralegals in Florida have crucial roles in the legal system. These include assisting with legal research, managing case files, and more. In doing so, they enable lawyers to make informed decisions.

Now, if you’re an aspiring paralegal, you must understand Florida’s specific laws and rules on the matter. This is crucial because it:

Ensures your compliance with the legal boundaries for paralegals
Prevents your unauthorized practice of law (UPL)
Protects your supervising lawyer and clients from legal and ethical complications

In Florida, the Florida Bar and relevant state laws govern what paralegals can and cannot do.

Related:

Overview of the Paralegal Role in Florida

Under Florida laws, a Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) is a person who is:

Qualified through education, training, or work experience to perform their duties
Under the direct supervision of a licensed attorney in the performance of their work
Bound by ethical rules, as stated in the Florida Bar’s Code of Ethics and Responsibility

Emphasis must be made that FRP registration is voluntary (i.e., not mandatory). As such, non-registered paralegals can still perform substantive legal work. Like FRPs, they must also work under the supervision of a licensed Florida lawyer.

The terms “paralegal” and “legal assistant” are used interchangeably. In fact, the Florida Bar recognizes these terms as referring to the same role. There’s no legal distinction in required qualifications and scope of work.

Regardless of registration, paralegals must work under attorney supervision. This way, they won’t engage in UPL or commit ethical violations. The supervising attorney retains the ultimate responsibility for a paralegal’s legal work.

Florida Paralegal Duties – What They Can Legally Do

Here’s an in-depth look at the answer to the question, “What legal services can a paralegal do in Florida?”

Administrative Legal Support

Paralegals provide vital administrative support that enables their employers to operate efficiently.

Draft legal documents under attorney review. These legal documents include pleadings, motions, and contracts, which usually contain legalese. But every legal document is subject to attorney review and approval.
Organizing evidence, files, and case notes. These legal documents are vital for the success of lawsuits and other legal actions. By keeping them organized, paralegals contribute to the success of their supervising lawyers.

Client Interaction

Being in contact with clients is among the foremost Florida paralegal duties, too. Effective client interaction streamlines communication between lawyers and clients. Paralegals also tap into client interactions to gather crucial information.

Conduct client interviews. Paralegals meet with clients to gather information relevant to a legal action. In doing so, they help lawyers prepare for legal proceedings.
Provide case updates (without giving legal advice). Paralegals can only provide relevant updates about the status of their legal actions.

Legal Research

This is among the primary legal tasks paralegals can perform in Florida. Paralegals save time and money for lawyers through reliable legal research.

Statutory and case law research. Paralegals perform extensive research on relevant laws, rules and regulations, and case precedents.
Summarize findings for attorneys. This way, lawyers can quickly understand the key legal points and case facts. In turn, it enables them to make informed decisions faster.

Court Preparation

Paralegals aid lawyers in preparing for effective courtroom presentations, too.

File legal documents with the court. Paralegals are authorized to file pleadings, briefs, and motions with courts. But they can only do so with their supervising lawyers’ instructions.
Manage deadlines and trial exhibits. A legal team must meet deadlines and come fully prepared for trials. Paralegals have a crucial role to play in it.

Legal Tasks Paralegals Cannot Perform in Florida

Paralegals may perform substantive legal work, but they have limitations, too. These are the legal tasks that they cannot perform in the Sunshine State.

Give legal advice or represent clients in court.

Only licensed lawyers can perform these tasks. As such, every paralegal job description in Florida prohibits paralegals from:

Giving legal advice
Advising clients on their legal rights and obligations
Interpreting laws and statutes
Representing lawyers and clients in negotiations, court proceedings, and depositions.

Set legal fees or accept clients.

Paralegals can neither set nor negotiate legal fees with clients. Also, they can neither accept nor decline representation on behalf of a law firm or an attorney.

Sign pleadings or court documents.

Yes, paralegals can draft legal documents. But they cannot sign them because only their supervising lawyers can do so.

All these fall under unauthorized practice of law (UPL) under Florida’s laws. Both the paralegal and their supervising lawyer are subject to penalties and fines, among others.

The Florida Bar is in charge of UPL investigations. Anyone can file a UPL complaint to start the process.

Florida Paralegal Requirements and Certification

Start early to meet the Florida paralegal requirements.

Education Pathways

You can choose from one of many education pathways.

Earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies for foundational legal skills.
Go for a bachelor’s degree in legal studies or a related field for more in-depth training.
Complete an American Bar Association-approved program. The Florida Bar recognizes these programs, too.
Earn a post-baccalaureate paralegal certificate.

Florida Registered Paralegal Program (FRP)

While optional, aspiring paralegals are well-advised to earn the FRP credential. Candidates must meet one of these combos of education and work experience.

An associate degree in paralegal studies and two years of experience.
A bachelor’s degree and one year of paralegal work experience.
A Juris Doctor degree and one year of experience.
National certification and relevant work experience.

Candidates must agree to abide by The Florida Bar’s Code of Ethics and Responsibilities, too.

Being an FRP leads the way toward many benefits, including:

Boost in credibility and professional standing
Effective access to continuing education and networking opportunities
Provide valuable legal experience, a stepping stone toward becoming a lawyer

Maintaining the FRP certification requires completion of 30 CLE hours every three years. FRPs must also renew their registration with The Florida Bar.

Florida Paralegal Regulations and Ethical Rules

The legal regulations and ethical rules to which Florida paralegals must adhere are set by:

The Florida Bar itself, which sets the guidelines and rules for FRPs.
The Florida Bar’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct.

The consequences for violating these rules and regulations include:

Revocation of FRP status
Civil or criminal penalties for UPL
Disciplinary actions against the supervising lawyer

Erring paralegals can also lose their professional reputation and employment.

Florida Paralegal Career Outlook

Florida is among the best states for paralegals to find employment. The job growth projection for paralegals is 13.5% (2022-2032). This is higher than the national average (4.2%).

The growth of the healthcare, finance, and real estate industries fuels this growth. Many law firms and other employers also want to save on costs. Paralegals can do substantive legal work at more affordable rates than lawyers.

Paralegal salaries in Florida vary depending on the region and area of law. But the statewide median salary is $60,000-$65,000 per year. The median national average is $61,010 per year (BLS, May 2024).

Paralegals in urban areas and working in specialized fields often earn higher salaries. Top employers include:

Private law firms
Corporate legal departments
Healthcare and insurance companies
Real estate and estate planning firms
Government Agencies

Indeed, Florida is where the jobs are for paralegals.

Pathways to Becoming a Paralegal in Florida

Here’s a basic Florida paralegal career guide for aspiring paralegals.

Assess your interests, goals, and eligibility.
Determine how much time and money you’re willing to spend.
Choose and complete the required formal education.
Gain the required relevant work experience.
Earn a voluntary Florida paralegal certification.
Use your certification to find a rewarding job.

If you want flexibility and accessibility, consider online paralegal programs. Check them out at Florida National University and Florida Atlantic University, among others. Most of these programs provide internship opportunities for real-world experience, too.

Also, consider joining professional organizations, such as NALA and NFPA. Attend legal clinics and other networking events, too.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Paralegal Duties

Can a paralegal sign legal documents in Florida?

Under Florida paralegal regulations, no. But they can assist in drafting legal documents.

Do paralegals need a license in Florida?

No. But being a Florida Registered Paralegal has its merits.

Can a paralegal work independently in Florida?

Under paralegal laws in Florida, no.

How much do paralegals make in Florida?

It varies. Entry-level paralegals earn $38,000–$45,000/year. Experienced paralegals can earn upwards of $75,000/year.

Is the Florida Registered Paralegal program mandatory?

No – it’s voluntary.

Final Thoughts

If you’re an aspiring paralegal, understand Florida’s legal limits and opportunities. You’ll have a more solid foundation in planning your career.

Then, comply with the education and work experience requirements. Even if registration is optional, you may want to consider being an FRP. You’ll likely enjoy better career opportunities as one.