The Florida Bar

Why the Florida Bar Matters

The Florida Bar oversees and upholds common standards across the state of Florida.

History of the Florida Bar

In 1889, the Florida State Bar Association was founded, a voluntary association with no regulatory power. It existed to support legal education and ethics.

On April 15, 1950, the Florida Bar was officially created by order of the Florida Supreme Court, becoming a mandatory (integrated) bar. All attorneys licensed in Florida were now required to be members. This gave the Bar authority to regulate the practice of law, including admission, discipline, professional conduct, and continuing legal education (CLE).

In 1955, the First Florida Bar annual convention was held.

In the 1970's, specialized sections were created, including the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section (RPPTL). This section would go on to shape much of the Florida Estate Planning Law.

In the 1980's-1990's, the Florida Bar expanded Board certification programs, including Wills, Trusts, and Estates certification (est. 1987).

In 2001, the Florida Bar launched its ethics hotline and expanded its public consumer education tools.

In 2020, the Florida Bar celebrated its 70th anniversary as a mandatory Bar.

Structure of the Florida Bar

The Supreme Court of Florida is the highest authority of the legal profession in Florida. The Supreme Court of Florida ordered the creation of both the Florida Bar and the Florida Board of Bar Examiners. The former has the responsibility of disciplining lawyers, and the latter has the responsibility of admitting persons of good faith and character to the Florida Bar.

Role Models and the Legal Profession

Abraham Lincoln learned mathematics on a slate and grammar from an old family Bible, long before he was admitted to his state Bar. His role models were men like Benjamin Franklin and Henry Clay, the former a self-taught founding father and the latter a prominent fellow Kentuckian Senator from humble beginnings.

Louise Rebecca Pinnell quietly opened new paths in Florida’s legal profession through a steadfast commitment to excellence and character. Guided by her father’s mentorship, she pursued the law in an era when few expected women to do so, illustrating that courage and focus can transcend societal expectations. She earned her place before the Florida Supreme Court through her own merit—and became the first woman admitted to the Florida Bar.

Lenore Carrero Nesbitt served her profession with quiet strength and profound integrity. After excelling in law school and early roles—such as research assistant and special counsel—she embraced the bench in both state and federal courts. As the first woman appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, her rulings reflected an unwavering commitment to justice and the dignity of every individual, including her decisive handling of high‑profile, racially sensitive cases. She brought her lifelong sense of service and character from her legal training to the federal bench, following her admission to the Florida Bar.

Chesterfield Smith spent fifteen months helping to revise the Florida Constitution by an invitation from the Florida governor, and brought with him a belief that lawyers are capable of marvelous good. He later spoke of the importance of mentors and role models in the legal profession.

Patrick G. Emmanuel grew up during the Depression, lost his mother at age 9, and lost his father at age 22. A strong faith, hard work and a sense of duty guided him throughout his lifetime. He was a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge and brought honor to the Florida Bar.

The Florida Bar helps make that possible. Its structure exists not only to set boundaries, but to support the formation of lawyers and promote strength for others in ways lawyers have a privileged opportunity to provide.

The Present Hopes