Title: Regulation of the Paralegal Profession

Summary: Requires Florida Supreme Court to establish program to require licensure of paralegals practicing in this state; requires that Supreme Court establish minimum standards & qualifications & provide for continuing education, certification, & professional conduct; requires Supreme Court to create independent board to assist in regulation of paralegals; provides penalties for unlicensed practice.

Full Text:
An act relating to regulation of the paralegal profession; requiring the Florida Supreme Court to establish a program to require the licensure of paralegals practicing in this state; requiring that the Supreme Court establish minimum standards and qualifications and provide for continuing education, certification, and professional conduct; requiring the Supreme Court to create an independent board to assist in the regulation of paralegals; providing penalties for unlicensed practice; providing an effective date. 13 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 15 Section 1. (1) The Florida Supreme Court shall establish a program to require the licensure of paralegals practicing in this state. (2) The program shall define the scope of paralegal practice; provide mandatory minimum standards and procedures for initial qualifications; and provide requirements for continuing education, certification, and professional conduct. (3) The Supreme Court shall establish license application fees and license renewal fees, which may not exceed $100 each. The revenues generated from such fees shall be used solely to administer the program and shall be set at a level that does not exceed the amount necessary to ensure the continued operation of the program. (4) The Supreme Court shall create an independent board to adopt rules, establish procedures, and assist the Supreme Court in administering this section. (5) Upon implementation of the program, any person who practices as a paralegal in this state without first obtaining a license, holds himself or herself out as a paralegal, or uses the title "paralegal" without being licensed as a paralegal in this state commits a felony of the third degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084, Florida Statutes. Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2011.