10 Best Law Schools in Florida

Are you aspiring to become a renowned lawyer in the legal system but are indecisive about the school to enroll in to achieve that? Put your mind at rest, because at the best Law Schools in Florida, you will get all you need to achieve that dream!

The legal system of any country is held in high esteem, as it is the system that helps to bring justice, tranquility, and stability to any country. A country without a legal system will be in chaos, and the rate of crimes committed will be on the increase every day.

This is why every year, students interested in getting a degree at any known law school in any country enroll to be qualified to enter the legal system of that country and join in the interpretation of the laws of the country, to curtail the rate of crimes to the barest minimum and also put the country in the state of stability and peace.

Florida is a state in the US with the laws of the state that citizens abide by to maintain law and order, and as such has a legal system that ensures that. Their legal system is made of attorneys, prosecutors, lawyers, public defenders, judges, paralegals, and more professionals to mention but a few.

The Florida court system is currently comprised of the Supreme Court, five district courts of appeal, 20 circuit courts, and 67 county courts. Beginning January 1, 2023, a sixth district court of appeal will be added to the system.  Each layer of the Florida judicial system has a distinct role in providing justice across the state.

The State of Florida is also home to numerous law schools that offer the best knowledge of the law to its students, that is why this article is coming your way, to let you in on what these law schools can offer their students, to prepare them for their professional careers.

There are opportunities in Florida for students who do not have all the time to enroll in a law school in the state, to enroll in an online law school in Florida, to get the required degree, and at the same time to juggle other life priorities.

Without further ado, let’s find out the requirements that are needed to enter a law school in  Florida.

Requirements to Enter a Law School in Florida

To seek admission to The Florida Bar, a person must meet the eligibility qualifications summarized below and file the appropriate applications and fees.

Educational Qualification. All applicants seeking admission to The Florida Bar must be enrolled in an ABA-accredited law school that will ultimately result in the awarding of a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

Technical Competence. All applicants shall produce satisfactory evidence of technical competence through successful completion of the Florida Bar Examination.

Proof of Character and Fitness. All applicants shall produce satisfactory evidence of good moral character, an adequate knowledge of the standards and ideals of the profession, and proof that the applicant is otherwise fit to take the oath and perform the obligations and responsibilities of an attorney.

To find out more about the admission requirements, Click Here.

Now that we’ve talked about these requirements needed to enroll in a law school in Florida, let’s delve properly into the article.

Law Schools in Florida

Law Schools in Florida

There are up to eleven law schools in Florida State, and in the course of this article, I will be enlightening you on the best ten out of them. Stay with me as I list and explain them one after another. The law Schools are as follows;

  • University of Florida (Levin)
  • Florida State University
  • University of Miami
  • Florida International University
  • Stetson University
  • Ave Maria School of Law
  • Barry University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Florida Coastal School of Law
  • Nova Southeastern University (Broad)
  • St. Thomas University

1. University of Florida (Levin)

This is the first on our list of Law Schools found in Florida. It is known as the top law school in the state, according to the rankings.

At UF Law, they are committed to preparing their students to become future lawyers, leaders, and public servants. As a top 25 law school, they foster a dynamic, diverse, and professional learning environment led by internationally recognized full-time faculty and bolstered by robust academic programs. Their global alumni network stands ready to mentor, hire, and collaborate with future UF Law graduates.

Tuition: $21,803 (in-state)

Average GPA: 3.84

Average LSAT Score: 165

Acceptance Rate: 19.8%

Bar Passage Rate: 87.7%

2. Florida State University

This is the next on our list of Law Schools in Florida. The school preserves expand and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts.

Florida State offers leading undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Many units have programs that consistently rank among the nation’s top twenty-five public universities, including those in Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Meteorology, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Criminology, Information, Creative Writing, Public Policy, Business, and Law. Their College of Law is located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee

Tuition: $20,693 (in-state)

Average GPA: 3.73

Average LSAT Score: 161

Acceptance Rate: 29.7%

Bar Passage Rate: 88.4%

3. University of Miami

As one of the top research universities in the country, and the next on our list of law schools in Florida, the University of Miami brings together esteemed faculty and talented students from throughout the United States and the world.

The university’s 12 schools and colleges offer a wide variety of experiences to students. There are more than 180 undergraduate majors and programs; graduate students have access to a wide range of fields with an emphasis on research. Their School of law offers a full-time Juris Doctor 88-credit degree program, combined with a rigorous academic curriculum with professional training in critical lawyering skills. They also offer Law post-graduate Programs (LLM) and (SJD) Programs

Tuition: $55,936

Average GPA: 3.53

Average LSAT Score: 159

Acceptance Rate: 51.4%

Bar Passage Rate: 80.1%

4. Florida International University

This is the next on our list of law schools in Florida. The school is Miami’s public research university. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, both on campus and fully online, FIU is worlds ahead in its service to the academic and local community.

Designated as a top-tier research institution, FIU emphasizes research as a major component of the university’s mission. With a student body of more than 56,000, they are among the top 10 largest universities in the nation and have collectively graduated more than 275,000 alumni, 165,000 of whom live and work in South Florida. Their law school offers J.D. Program, LL.M. Program, and J.M. Program.

Tuition: $21,820 (in-state)

Average GPA: 3.65

Average LSAT Score: 158

Acceptance Rate: 29.1%

Bar Passage Rate: 94.4%

5. Stetson University

Stetson University is a nationally ranked university founded in 1883, with four colleges and schools located across central Florida in DeLand, Tampa, and Gulfport.

Stetson University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Their College of Law is Florida’s first law school, the ABA-accredited College of Law has educated lawyers, judges, and community leaders for over a century.

Tuition: $45,802

Average GPA: 3.44

Average LSAT Score: 155

Acceptance Rate: 52.1%

Bar Passage Rate: 77.5%

6. Ave Maria School of Law

Ave Maria School of Law offers students a distinctive legal education that focuses on professional excellence, the moral foundations of the law, and the harmony of faith and reason.

As a national Catholic law school, Ave Maria Law is committed to producing highly competent graduates who can reflect critically on the law, the principles that support it, and their role within the legal system.

Tuition fees; $44,000

25-75% UGPA Range at Ave Maria: 2.84 to 3.57

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Ave Maria: 148 to 155

7. Barry University

This is the next on our list of law schools in Florida, and at Barry University, their top priority is providing you with a high-quality education in an environment conducive to your growth as a student and future professional.

Their school of law located in Orlan offers the Juris Doctor (JD) degree, which combines traditional and innovative teaching methods to provide a dynamic, professional program. Their programs are designed to give you a solid foundation in the major of your choice.

Location: Orlando, FL

Tuition rate (2018-19): $37,280 for the academic year

Program Duration: August to May

Required Credits: 24 credits

8. Florida A&M University

This is the next on our list of law schools in Florida. Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida.

 What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. The school is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

At their College of Law, they are dedicated to developing legal professionals and community leaders committed to equitable justice and the rule of law.

  • Enrolls nearly 10,000 students from across the United States and more than 70 countries.
  • 2020-2021 Academic Profile (Admitted First Time in College Students) – 3.67 GPA / 23 ACT
  • Retention Rate 82% / Acceptance Rate 30%
  • One-third of summer and fall 2020 incoming students majored in S.T.E.A.M.

9. Nova Southeastern University (Broad)

This is the next on our list of law schools in Florida. At their College of Law, innovative teaching and a 21st-century curriculum set the Shepard Broad College of Law apart from other law schools. Graduates here don’t just earn a degree—they encounter the real spirit and practice of law.

 Their pioneering combination of academics and clinical experiences gives our students the knowledge and skills they need to hit the ground running and launch a successful career in the highly competitive legal marketplace upon graduation. Courses are taught by a highly visible and accomplished faculty made up of teacher practitioners.

They offer full-time and part-time J.D. Programs, LL.M. Programs, M.S. in Law, Bachelor’s Degrees, and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

10. St. Thomas University

This is the next on our list of law schools in Florida and is a private, nonprofit, Catholic university in Miami Gardens, Florida.

The school strives to prepare its students to be a leader in every area of their life—professionally, personally, and spiritually. The University has a long Catholic tradition of academic excellence and it is distinctly progressive in its outlook; embracing new concepts and technologies, and carrying out impressive programs of research over a wide variety of disciplines.

At their College of Law, they offer the following Programs;  Juris Doctor (J.D.) Clinical Program, Legal Writing Program, Certificate Programs, Joint Degrees, Human Rights LL.M., Human Rights J.S.D., and Cybersecurity LL.M.

Conclusion

These schools are so far, the best law schools in Florida that one can enroll in and get a legal degree. Feel free to enroll in any one of them and give that career a head start!

Now that we have talked about these Law schools in Florida and what they offer their students, let’s move on and end this article with some frequently asked questions about Law Schools in Florida.

Law Schools in Florida – FAQs

Do Law Schools In Florida Accept International Students?

Yes, Law Schools in Florida accept International Students.

What Is The Cheapest Law School In Florida?

St. Thomas University School of Law (Miami) has the lowest tuition & fees of $21,095.

What Is The Number 1 Law School In Florida?

The top law school in the state, according to the rankings, is the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida in Gainesville

How Much Is A Law School In Florida?

The average tuition and fees for law schools in Florida are $32,556 for in-state students and $38,505 for out-of-state students.

How Long Is A Law School In Florida?

Most full-time law students take about three years to earn their J.D. degree, while part-time students generally take four to five years.

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