The Florida Bar's Public Records Search Is Your First Stop
The Florida Bar maintains a searchable database of every licensed attorney in the state. You can look up a lawyer's license status, disciplinary history, and basic practice information in minutes without paying a fee. Go to floridabar.org, click "Find a Lawyer," and use their search tool. You can search by name, bar number, or city.
The search results show whether the attorney is currently active, inactive, or suspended. You will also see the date they were admitted to practice in Florida and their primary practice areas. If there is a disciplinary record, it appears here too — this is public information that the Bar publishes.
This database is the official source. If an attorney does not appear in it as active, they are not licensed to practice law in Florida, regardless of what their website or business card says.
Key Takeaways
- The Florida Bar's website at floridabar.org has a free public search tool where you can look up any attorney by name or bar number.
- The search results show current license status, admission date, practice areas, and any disciplinary action taken against the attorney.
- If an attorney does not appear as active in the Florida Bar database, they are not licensed to practice in Florida.
- You can also call the Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service at 800-342-8060 if you need help finding a licensed attorney in your area.
- Disciplinary records are public, and the Bar publishes summaries of complaints, investigations, and sanctions on their website.
What the Search Results Actually Tell You
When you find an attorney in the Florida Bar database, the listing includes their license status — active, inactive, or suspended. An active license means the attorney is currently authorized to practice. An inactive license means the attorney is not practicing but has not surrendered their license; they may be retired or temporarily out of practice. A suspended license means the Bar has restricted their right to practice, usually as a disciplinary measure.
The listing also shows the attorney's bar number (a unique identifier), the year they were admitted to practice in Florida, and their stated practice areas. Some listings include office location and contact information, though not all attorneys keep this current in the Bar's database.
If there is a disciplinary history, the search result will note it. You can click through to read the details of any complaint, investigation, or sanction. This information is public record and is meant to help you make an informed decision about hiring that attorney.
How to Read a Disciplinary Record
The Florida Bar publishes summaries of disciplinary actions on its website. These records show the nature of the complaint, the Bar's investigation findings, and any penalty imposed. Penalties range from a private reprimand (the least serious) to disbarment (permanent removal from practice).
Common disciplinary issues include failure to communicate with clients, mishandling client funds, missing court important date, and dishonesty. A single old complaint that was dismissed does not necessarily mean the attorney is unreliable — context matters. But a pattern of complaints or a recent suspension is a red flag worth taking seriously.
You can also contact the Florida Bar's Consumer information Program at 850-561-5600 if you want to discuss what a particular disciplinary record means or if you have a complaint about an attorney's conduct.
Checking Out-of-State Attorneys Practicing in Florida
Some attorneys licensed in other states are permitted to practice in Florida under limited circumstances. They may be admitted pro hac vice (for a single case) or may hold a Florida license in addition to their home state license. The Florida Bar database will show Florida licenses only.
If an attorney tells you they are licensed in another state but not Florida, you can verify their home state license through that state's bar association. Most state bars have online search tools similar to Florida's. Do not assume an out-of-state license means they can represent you in Florida — they need either a Florida license or specific court permission for that case.
What to Do If You Cannot Find an Attorney in the Database
If you search for an attorney and they do not appear in the Florida Bar's active, inactive, or suspended lists, they are not licensed in Florida. This is a serious problem. Do not hire them to represent you in a Florida matter. They may be licensed elsewhere, or they may not be licensed at all.
If someone has been representing themselves as a Florida attorney without a license, you can report this to the Florida Bar's Office of General Counsel at 850-561-5600. The Bar investigates unlicensed practice and can take legal action.
If you need an attorney and are not sure where to start, the Florida Bar's Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with a licensed attorney in your area who handles your type of case. Call 800-342-8060 or visit floridabar.org.
Verifying Specialty Certifications
Some Florida attorneys hold board certifications in specific practice areas — family law, criminal defense, real estate, and others. The Florida Bar certifies these specialties and lists certified attorneys separately. If an attorney claims to be certified in a specialty, you can verify this through the Bar's website.
A board certification means the attorney has met education and experience requirements and passed an exam in that field. It is not required to practice law, but it is a credential worth checking if the attorney claims to have it. Do not assume an attorney is certified just because they say they specialize in an area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see why an attorney was disciplined?
Yes. The Florida Bar publishes summaries of all disciplinary actions, including the complaint, findings, and penalty. You can read these on the Bar's website or request more detailed information by contacting the Bar directly. Disciplinary records are public.
What if an attorney has an inactive license?
An inactive license means the attorney is not currently practicing law in Florida. They may be retired, working in another state, or temporarily out of practice. You should not hire an attorney with an inactive license to represent you in Florida. Stick with an active license.
Do I need to check an attorney's license before hiring them?
Yes. It takes two minutes and protects you from hiring someone who is not licensed or who has a serious disciplinary history. Many people skip this step and regret it. Always verify the license before you sign a retainer agreement or pay a fee.
What if the attorney I want to hire is licensed in another state?
They can represent you in Florida only if they also hold a Florida license or if a Florida court grants them permission for that specific case (pro hac vice admission). Check the Florida Bar database first. If they are not listed there, ask them to show you their Florida license or court permission in writing.
How do I report an attorney who is practicing without a license?
Contact the Florida Bar's Office of General Counsel at 850-561-5600 or submit a complaint through their website. The Bar investigates unlicensed practice and can pursue legal action against someone falsely claiming to be a lawyer.