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The new Florida Registered Paralegal Program becomes effective from this point forward. Applications have already been requested by approximately 300 people, and it is anticipated that many more will download the application today, from the Florida Bar’s Web site.
Applicants will also have to pay $150 to apply. After about two weeks, those applicants who have been approved will receive certificates and welcome packets by mail, notifying them of their acceptance. The program establishes a two-tier system for paralegals, as well as a disciplinary system and Code of Ethics and Responsibility.

First tier paralegals perform delegated, substantive work for lawyers under the lawyer’s supervision.

Education and work experience requirements - or, alternately, a certification from the National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) or the National Federation of Paralegal Associates (NFPA) - must be met in order to obtain a tier two paralegal classification.

Within the first three years, paralegals may become Florida Registered Paralegals under a grandfather law, that may not fulfill major requirements.

The Florida Bar Web site includes a list of all of the people that hold the designation.

Thirty hours of continuing education courses over a three-year period, including five hours in either professionalism or ethics courses, are required to remain a Florida Registered Paralegal.
Currently, the lawyer employing or supervising the paralegal–regardless of whether he is a Florida Registered Paralegal or not–is primarily responsible for keeping track of their work.