Florida Attorneys Can Earn CLE Credit for Pro Bono Work

Effective December 30, 2024, Florida attorneys can earn up to five (5) hours of CLE credit for pro bono work during any three-year reporting cycle.

On October 31, 2024, the Florida Supreme Court amended Rule 6-10.3 to authorize the CLE credit, but declined to approve credit for donations to legal aid providers.

The Florida Bar had proposed that attorneys earn one hour of CLE credit per four (4) hours of pro bono work. The Florida Supreme Court modified the proposal to award one hour of credit for each hour of pro bono work, not to exceed five (5) hours in total.

The amendment was proposed by The Florida Bar, which has reported that “Florida lawyers provided more than 1.7 million hours of pro bono service to people in need and contributed more than $11 million to legal aid organizations.”

Law.com quoted Roland Sanchez-Medina Jr., the president of the Florida Bar, as stating, “We expect that this will have a significant effect on the pro bono hours that are provided in the coming years, which will benefit not only the public but also the attorneys” and that “studies have shown that giving back to the community can help mental health as well as an increased sense of purpose.” 

Attorneys, other than newly admitted attorneys, are required to complete 30 total hours during each three-year reporting cycle of credit of which:

  • At least 3 of the 30 hours must be in approved technology courses.
  • At least 5 of the 30 hours must be in approved legal ethics, professionalism, substance abuse or mental health and wellness courses; 2 of the 5 hours must be the mandatory Florida Legal Professionalism course.

Newly admitted attorneys must complete two phases of CLE requirements. First, they must take the Practicing with Professionalism within one year of admission. Second, they must complete 21 Credits of Mandatory Basic Skills Course Requirement (BSCR) Courses within three (3) years of admission.

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