How to Become a Paralegal in Florida

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How to Become a Paralegal in Florida

Florida is a very popular area for law practices, which makes it an ideal place for paralegals to start their careers in the legal field.

There is an increasing demand for qualified paralegals throughout the country and in Florida.

This is the time to learn more about educational options and career potential for this lucrative career field.

Keep reading to learn more about the requirements and schools offering paralegal training programs in the state of Florida.

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Licensing Requirements to Become a Paralegal in Florida

The qualifications needed to become a certified paralegal in Florida differs from many other states in the country.

And potential candidates must take the ACP exam, which NALA offers.

After successfully passing the ACP exam, you can qualify to take the paralegal association of Florida exam.

After completing both exams, you are considered a Florida-certified paralegal.

Before you take the required exams, you will want to take a training course or program to help you learn the essentials of being a paralegal in Florida.

Instead of taking a formal training program, you may study under a licensed attorney for several years to get the training and experience necessary to qualify for the exams.

5 Paralegal Schools in Florida

Individuals considering a career as a paralegal will want to know what their education options are in Florida.

These institutions and programs represent the top five options in the state.

Florida Southwestern State College

Florida Southwestern State College Logo

This ABA-approved paralegal program covers all the information and training skills necessary to become a successful paralegal in Florida.

This program offers an associate of science and provides knowledge of all aspects of criminal law, real estate law, family law, and any other areas or parts of the law.

Once the programs are completed, students can take the NALA examination.

The 64-credit course lasts for two years. An internship is required after completing the coursework.

The in-state tuition for this program is $2436 per year.

The address for the college campus is 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919.

The phone number for the admissions office is 239–489-9300.

Florida State College at Jacksonville

Florida State College at Jacksonville Logo

The paralegal program at Florida State College is ABA-approved and designed to provide students with an AS degree.

This program offers course instruction and an internship program with 180 hours of office internship.

The cost of tuition for this program is $2878 per year.

The location of this school’s campus is 101 W. State St., Jacksonville, FL 32202.

The phone number for the admissions office is 904–633–8100.

Miami-Dade College

Miami-Dade College Logo

The paralegal course at Miami Dade College is an ABA-approved in offers and asked degree for paralegal studies.

This program is 64 credits and takes two years to complete on average—individuals who take the scores on all of the skills and insight necessary to become successful paralegals.

The in-state tuition for the school is $2838 per year.

The location of the college is 300 N. E. 2nd Ave., Miami, FL 33132.

The phone number for the admissions office is 305–237–8888.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University Logo

This university offers a BS program for paralegal studies, which is also ABA-approved.

The program covers all aspects of law and even focuses on criminal law procedures and civil litigation.

This four-year program includes hands-on education for individuals wanting to become paralegals in Florida.

The cost of tuition for full-time courses is $1150 per credit.

The location of the college is 3301 College Ave., Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33314.

The phone number for the admissions office is 800–5 41–6682.

University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida Logo

The University of Central Florida has a BA or BS degree in legal studies.

And it is ideal for individuals wanting to study to become paralegals.

This four-year program focuses on all concepts of law and legal research.

The in-state tuition for this university is $6368 per year.

The location of the campus is 4000 Central Florida Blvd., Orlando, FL 32816.

The phone number for the admissions office is 407–823-2000.

Paralegal Schools in Florida – Summary Table

School Name Address
Florida Southwestern State College 8099 College Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL 33919
Florida State College at Jacksonville 101 W State St, Jacksonville, FL 32202
Miami-Dade College 300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33132
Nova Southeastern University 3301 College Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
University of Central Florida 4000 Central Florida Blvd, Orlando, FL 32816
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Salary of Paralegals in Florida

The average salary for paralegals in Florida is $60,128 per year.

However, this figure can increase significantly depending on the experience of the paralegal, their skill sets, and their job location.

Annual Salary Range:
$50K
$57K
$64K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Jacksonville $57,008
Miami $58,555
Tampa $57,249
St. Petersburg $57,261
Hialeah $58,103
Orlando $57,219
Fort Lauderdale $58,410
Tallahassee $54,554
Hollywood $58,410
Pembroke Pines $58,031

Regional Salary in Florida

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL**$55,160$26.52$75,190$38,050
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL230$50,110$24.09$72,820$31,120
Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL500$49,670$23.88$69,430$33,880
Gainesville, FL320$50,430$24.25$72,190$28,080
Homosassa Springs, FL60$43,050$20.7$60,750$28,000
Jacksonville, FL2,210$57,270$27.54$81,420$38,120
Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL560$50,060$24.07$64,700$35,090
Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL13,240$59,360$28.54$80,710$37,870
Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL530$56,660$27.24$78,400$39,740
North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL760$52,630$25.3$73,290$35,560
Ocala, FL210$46,400$22.31$63,780$29,000
Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL5,990$53,550$25.75$75,540$35,510
Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL620$54,400$26.16$73,840$35,360
Panama City, FL210$47,600$22.89$60,270$31,580
Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL830$51,670$24.84$71,530$34,740
Port St. Lucie, FL540$51,010$24.53$74,610$30,490
Punta Gorda, FL100$51,270$24.65$71,650$30,910
Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL160$50,620$24.34$72,760$32,910
Sebring, FL40$44,340$21.32$60,700$32,180
Tallahassee, FL1,050$50,050$24.06$61,210$35,110
Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL5,550$60,640$29.15$82,730$38,650
The Villages, FL40$48,160$23.15$65,070$28,270
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Paralegals and Legal Assistants, OCC Code 23-2011, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a paralegal in Florida?

The average length of time it takes students to become certified paralegals in Florida is approximately two years.

They may begin practicing as a certified paralegal once they pass the required exams.

Are paralegals required to have a degree to practice in Florida?

Paralegals are not required to have a degree if they want to practice as a paralegal.

However, it is extremely helpful for securing the top paralegal jobs in the state.

The only requirement to be a certified paralegal is passing the appropriate exams for both the state and the national certification.

What are the prerequisites for entering a training program to be a paralegal in the state of Florida?

Each school and training program for paralegal studies has its own prerequisites individuals must fulfill.

However, some basic prerequisites include being 18 or older and having a GED or high school diploma.

USA Paralegal Schools by State


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