What happens when your Florida bar membership lapses and how to restore it

A lapsed Florida bar membership means you have not paid your annual dues or met the continuing legal education (CLE) requirements, and the Florida Supreme Court has removed you from the active roll. You cannot practice law while lapsed. To practice again, you must file a reinstatement petition with the Florida Supreme Court, pay back dues and fees, complete any outstanding CLE hours, and wait for the court to rule on your petition — a process that typically takes four to eight weeks.

The reinstatement path depends on how long you have been lapsed. If you lapsed within the last three years, you can file a simplified reinstatement petition. If you have been lapsed longer than three years, you must file a petition for reinstatement after administrative suspension, which requires more documentation and may include an interview with the Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file a reinstatement petition with the Florida Supreme Court, not the Florida Bar directly, though the Bar processes the paperwork on the court's behalf.
  • Back dues, late fees, and CLE completion are required before your petition can be approved, and you must pay these costs upfront.
  • Reinstatement within three years of lapsing is faster and requires less documentation than reinstatement after longer periods of inactivity.
  • The Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee reviews your petition and may request additional information or conduct an interview before recommending approval to the court.

Determine how long you have been lapsed

Your reinstatement timeline and requirements depend on when your membership lapsed. Contact the Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee at 850-561-5600 or check your Bar account online through the Florida Bar website to confirm your lapse date. This date determines which reinstatement form you file and what additional steps you must complete.

If you lapsed fewer than three years ago, you are may be able to access for simplified reinstatement. If you lapsed three or more years ago, you must follow the longer reinstatement process for administrative suspension. The difference matters because the longer process may require character and fitness review, an interview, and proof that you have maintained professional standing during your lapse.

Gather required documents and calculate fees

Before you file, collect your current identification, your Bar membership number, and documentation of any CLE hours you have completed since your lapse date. You will also need to know the exact amount of back dues owed. The Florida Bar charges annual dues (the amount varies by membership category), plus a reinstatement fee, plus any late fees that accrued during your lapse period.

Contact the Florida Bar's Finance Department at 850-561-5600 to request an itemized statement of what you owe. Do not estimate — the court will not process your petition if the fee amount is incorrect. If you lapsed more than three years ago, also gather any evidence of professional conduct during your lapse: employment records, references from colleagues, or documentation that you did not practice law without a license.

Complete any outstanding CLE requirements

Florida requires attorneys to complete 33 CLE hours every three years, with at least four hours in ethics and four hours in law practice management. If you lapsed before completing your CLE hours for the current reporting period, you must finish them before reinstatement. You can take CLE courses through the Florida Bar's approved providers or through other accredited legal education programs.

Keep certificates of completion for all CLE courses you take. You will need to submit these with your reinstatement petition. If you are unsure which hours you still owe, the Florida Bar's CLE Department can provide a transcript of your completed hours and tell you exactly what remains.

File your reinstatement petition with the correct form

The Florida Supreme Court requires you to file a petition for reinstatement, not a straightforward request. For lapses of fewer than three years, use the simplified reinstatement form available on the Florida Bar website under "Admissions and Compliance." For lapses of three or more years, use the petition for reinstatement after administrative suspension form.

read the correct form, fill it out completely, and include all required attachments: your CLE certificates, proof of payment of back dues and fees, and any character and fitness documentation if your lapse was longer than three years. Mail the completed petition to the Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee at 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-2300. Keep a copy for your records and consider sending it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Pay all outstanding fees before or with your petition

You must pay back dues, the reinstatement fee, and any late fees before the court will approve your petition. The total amount depends on how many years you were lapsed and your membership category. For example, if you lapsed for one year, you owe one year of dues plus the reinstatement fee; if you lapsed for three years, you owe three years of dues plus the reinstatement fee.

You can pay by check, credit card, or electronic transfer through the Florida Bar's website. Include a copy of your payment receipt with your petition. If you cannot pay the full amount upfront, contact the Admissions and Compliance Committee to ask about payment plans — some are available, though approval is not may provide.

Wait for the court's decision and possible interview

After you file your petition, the Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee reviews it. For simplified reinstatement (lapse of fewer than three years), the review is usually straightforward: the Committee checks that you have paid all fees and completed CLE, then recommends approval to the Florida Supreme Court. For longer lapses, the Committee may request additional information, conduct a character and fitness interview, or ask you to appear in person.

The entire process typically takes four to eight weeks from the date you file. You will receive written notice of the court's decision. Once approved, you are reinstated to active status and can resume practicing law. If your petition is denied, the court will explain why and may tell you what steps you can take to reapply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice law while my reinstatement petition is pending?

No. You cannot practice law while your membership is lapsed, even if your petition is under review. Practicing without an active license is unauthorized practice of law and can result in criminal charges and disciplinary action. Wait for written notice that the court has approved your reinstatement before you take on any legal work.

What if I cannot find my CLE certificates?

Contact the CLE providers directly and request replacement certificates. Most providers keep records and can issue duplicates. If you took courses through the Florida Bar's CLE program, the Bar's CLE Department can provide a transcript showing which courses you completed and when. Submit whatever documentation you have and explain in your petition that you are still gathering certificates.

Do I have to appear in person for my reinstatement?

For simplified reinstatement (fewer than three years lapsed), you usually do not need to appear in person. For longer lapses, the Admissions and Compliance Committee may request an interview, either in person in Tallahassee or by phone. The Committee will notify you if an interview is required and will give you at least two weeks' notice.

What if my lapse was due to hardship or illness?

Explain the circumstances in a letter attached to your petition. The Admissions and Compliance Committee considers hardship, medical issues, and other mitigating factors when reviewing reinstatement requests. Include any supporting documentation — medical records, employment letters, or other evidence — that shows the reason for your lapse and that you are now able to resume practice.

Can I reinstate if I was suspended or disciplined by the Bar?

Reinstatement after disciplinary suspension follows a different process. Contact the Florida Bar's Admissions and Compliance Committee directly to understand your specific situation. Disciplinary suspensions may require additional steps, such as a hearing or proof of rehabilitation, before reinstatement is possible.