A Florida pro hac vice verified motion is the sworn court filing an out-of-state lawyer files to get permission from a Florida judge to appear in a single Florida case, governed by Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.510 and paired with a separate $250 registration filed with The Florida Bar’s Foreign Attorney Consultant office. The current rule version most filers will see in 2026 was last amended by the Florida Supreme Court in 2023, and you should confirm the revision date printed on the form before filing.
Florida courts deny or strike a meaningful slice of pro hac vice motions every year, often because the foreign attorney has appeared in more than three unrelated Florida cases in the past 36 months, the unofficial cap that triggers the “general practice of law in Florida” disqualifier under Rule 2.510(b)(2). The Florida Bar’s PHV office processes thousands of these registrations a year, and a missed verification, missing local counsel block, or unpaid $250 fee is the fastest way to get bounced.
- 📌 What the verified motion does and which Florida courts accept it
- 🧾 Every line, box, and signature block explained in plain English
- 🧑⚖️ Three full named-attorney walkthroughs from caption to notarization
- 💵 The $250 Florida Bar fee, the eFiling fee, and how to pay each one
- ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that get a PHV motion denied or struck
What the Florida Pro Hac Vice Verified Motion Is and Who Must File It
The Florida pro hac vice verified motion is a sworn, notarized motion an attorney licensed in another U.S. state or territory files to ask a specific Florida tribunal for permission to appear as counsel in one identified case. The authority comes from Rule 2.510 of the Florida Rules of General Practice and Judicial Administration, which the Florida Supreme Court adopted to balance access to chosen counsel against the state’s interest in regulating the unauthorized practice of law. The rule applies in circuit courts, county courts, and the five District Courts of Appeal, and a parallel set of rules governs the Florida Supreme Court itself.
The filer is always the out-of-state lawyer (called the “foreign attorney” in the rule), but the motion is procedurally signed and filed with a Florida-licensed lawyer who serves as local counsel of record. Local counsel must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and must sign the motion to certify the appearance. Paralegals frequently draft the motion for the foreign attorney’s signature, but the verification under oath must be signed by the foreign attorney personally.
Florida federal courts do not use Rule 2.510. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the Middle District, and the Northern District each have their own special-admission local rule (most charging a separate $250 fee), and you must file under those local rules instead.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every item below before opening a draft, because the verified motion is sworn under oath and a missing fact triggers either a denial or a follow-up order to amend. The Florida Bar’s PHV portal and the court’s eFiling system both reject filings with mismatched data, so accuracy across documents matters as much as the motion’s text.
- Foreign attorney’s full legal name exactly as it appears on the home-state bar roll, because The Florida Bar cross-checks the name against the National Lawyer Regulatory Data Bank.
- Every state, federal, and tribal court where the attorney is admitted, with admission dates, because Rule 2.510(b)(1) requires all admissions, not just the primary one.
- Certificates of good standing from each home-state bar dated within the last 30 days, because stale certificates are routinely rejected.
- A complete list of every Florida case the attorney has appeared in (or applied to appear in) during the past 36 months, including case numbers and courts, because exceeding three triggers the “general practice” bar.
- Any disciplinary history from any jurisdiction, because Rule 2.510(b)(4) requires disclosure of every public reprimand, suspension, disbarment, or pending complaint.
- The Florida case caption, including style, case number, division, and judge, because the motion must match the court’s docket exactly.
- Florida local counsel’s full name, Florida Bar number, address, email, and phone, because the motion is invalid without a designated local counsel of record.
- A notary (or other officer authorized to administer oaths) for the verification block, because an unsworn motion does not satisfy Rule 2.510(b).
- $250 in payment for The Florida Bar PHV registration, plus the per-document eFiling convenience fee for the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal.
- A proposed order granting the motion, because most Florida judges expect one uploaded with the motion.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
There is no single statewide PDF form for the pro hac vice verified motion the way there is for, say, a family law financial affidavit. Instead, the foreign attorney drafts the motion from scratch using the elements required by Rule 2.510(b), and many circuits publish sample templates on their court websites. The Eleventh Judicial Circuit, the Ninth Judicial Circuit, and the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit each post local templates that comply with the rule.
The companion document — the Verified Statement filed with The Florida Bar — is a standardized form, available on The Florida Bar’s foreign attorney page. That form is filed through the Bar’s online PHV system, not with the court, and the Bar issues a confirmation that you attach as an exhibit to the court motion.
Always check the revision date on any template you grab. The 2023 Florida Supreme Court amendments tightened the “general practice” language, and templates dated before that revision often omit required disclosures. Open the rule itself on the Florida Bar Rules page and read 2.510 alongside the template before you draft.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Florida Pro Hac Vice Verified Motion Line by Line
1. Case Caption Block
The caption block sits at the top of the first page and identifies the court, the parties, the case number, the division, and the assigned judge. It must match the court’s docket character-for-character, because the clerk routes filings by caption.
How to answer it. Copy the caption from the most recent filing in the case, including the court name in all caps (IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA), the full party names, the case number with division code, and the judge’s name.
Example entry. Carlos Mendez, a New York commercial litigator, types IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA — CASE NO. 2026-001234-CA-01 — JUDGE BEATRICE BUTCHKO.
Nuance. If the case is consolidated, list the lead case number first, then add (Consolidated with 2026-001235-CA-01) on the next caption line so the clerk routes correctly.
Common mistake and consequence. Filers copy a stale caption that lists a previously assigned judge, and the motion gets routed to the wrong division, delaying the hearing by weeks.
Misconception. Many out-of-state attorneys think Florida uses the same caption format as their home state, but Florida circuit courts require the judicial circuit and county on separate lines, not just “Superior Court.”
2. Title of the Motion
The motion’s title tells the court exactly what relief is being sought, and Florida judges rely on the title for docketing.
How to answer it. Title it VERIFIED MOTION FOR ADMISSION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE PURSUANT TO FLORIDA RULE OF GENERAL PRACTICE AND JUDICIAL ADMINISTRATION 2.510, centered, in bold caps.
Example entry. Aisha Patel, a California IP litigator, titles her motion VERIFIED MOTION OF AISHA R. PATEL FOR ADMISSION TO APPEAR PRO HAC VICE PURSUANT TO RULE 2.510, FLA. R. GEN. PRAC. & JUD. ADMIN.
Nuance. If you are filing on appeal, change the rule cite to also reference Florida Rule of Appellate Procedure 9.440, which incorporates 2.510 for appellate proceedings.
Common mistake and consequence. Filers title the motion simply Motion to Appear Pro Hac Vice without the word verified, and the clerk flags it because Rule 2.510(b) requires verification on the face of the motion.
Misconception. Some attorneys believe the title is cosmetic, but Florida judicial assistants triage motions by title, and an incorrect title can delay your hearing setting.
3. Foreign Attorney’s Identifying Information
This section is the heart of the verified motion and tracks Rule 2.510(b)(1) verbatim. It identifies the lawyer asking to appear.
How to answer it. Provide full legal name, residence address, office address, primary office telephone, and a verified email address that the court will use for service through the Florida E-Filing Portal.
Example entry. Carlos enters Carlos A. Mendez, Esq., 250 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019, (212) 555-0144, cmendez@mendezlaw.com.
Nuance. If the attorney works from a home office, the residence and office address may be identical, but you must still list both lines so the verification is complete.
Common mistake and consequence. Listing a firm’s general info@ inbox as the email triggers service problems because Florida e-service requires a primary email tied to the lawyer of record.
Misconception. Filers think a P.O. Box satisfies the “office address” requirement, but Rule 2.510 contemplates a physical office for service of process.
4. List of All Bar Admissions
Rule 2.510(b)(1) requires every court of admission, not just the home state. This is one of the most-checked sections.
How to answer it. List each jurisdiction in a numbered sub-list, with the bar number and date of admission, including state, federal district, circuit court of appeals, and any tribal court admissions.
Example entry. Aisha lists (1) State Bar of California, Bar No. 287654, admitted Dec. 4, 2012; (2) U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, admitted Jan. 15, 2013; (3) U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, admitted March 2, 2015; (4) U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Reg. No. 67890, admitted June 18, 2013.
Nuance. USPTO registration counts as a federal admission for purposes of disclosure even though it is administrative; disclose it.
Common mistake and consequence. Foreign attorneys list only their home state and forget federal admissions, and opposing counsel uses the omission to challenge the motion as incomplete.
Misconception. Some attorneys believe inactive admissions don’t need disclosure, but Rule 2.510 requires disclosure of all admissions whether active, inactive, or retired.
5. Certificate(s) of Good Standing
Florida courts require proof of good standing from each jurisdiction of admission, attached as exhibits to the motion.
How to answer it. Order a fresh certificate from each home-state bar within 30 days of filing, label them Exhibit A, Exhibit B, and so on, and reference them in the body of the motion (e.g., “A current Certificate of Good Standing from the State Bar of California is attached as Exhibit A”).
Example entry. Janet Whitaker, a Georgia personal injury lawyer, attaches Exhibit A — Certificate of Good Standing, State Bar of Georgia, dated April 28, 2026.
Nuance. Some bars (notably New York) issue digital certificates with QR codes; Florida e-filing accepts these, but print and re-scan only if needed to consolidate the PDF.
Common mistake and consequence. Attaching a certificate older than 30 days, which prompts the judge to enter an order requiring a new certificate, delaying the case.
Misconception. Filers think a screenshot of the bar’s online member directory substitutes for an official certificate, but Florida judges require the formal sealed document.
6. Recent Florida Appearances Disclosure (the “3-in-36” Box)
This is the field that sinks more PHV motions than any other. Rule 2.510(b)(2) requires the attorney to disclose every Florida case in which the attorney has appeared or sought to appear during the last 36 months.
How to answer it. List each prior Florida case in a numbered sub-list with case style, case number, court, date of motion, and disposition (granted, denied, withdrawn). If there are none, state “Movant has not appeared, nor sought leave to appear, in any other Florida case in the preceding 36 months.”
Example entry. Carlos enters (1) Acme Corp. v. Zenith LLC, Case No. 2024-005678-CA-01, 11th Jud. Cir., motion granted Feb. 8, 2024; (2) Smith v. Reliant Logistics, Case No. 2025-002211-CA-01, 17th Jud. Cir., motion granted June 14, 2025.
Nuance. The 36-month clock runs backward from the filing date, not the calendar year, and “appearances” includes federal court PHV appearances if Florida judges in your circuit have read the rule that way (some have).
Common mistake and consequence. Hitting four or more appearances in 36 months triggers a finding of “general practice of law in Florida” under Rule 2.510(b)(2), and the motion is denied with prejudice.
Misconception. Many attorneys believe consolidated cases count as a single appearance, but each separate case number generally counts independently.
7. Disciplinary History Disclosure
Rule 2.510(b)(4) requires complete disclosure of any public discipline or pending proceedings.
How to answer it. Disclose every public reprimand, suspension, disbarment, resignation in lieu of discipline, and pending complaint, with jurisdiction, date, and disposition. If none, state “Movant has never been the subject of any disciplinary proceeding in any jurisdiction.”
Example entry. Aisha writes “Movant has never been the subject of disciplinary action and is not currently the subject of any pending complaint or investigation.”
Nuance. Private admonitions and confidential diversions are not “public discipline,” but if your home state’s rules treat them as public, disclose them.
Common mistake and consequence. Omitting a 10-year-old public reprimand because the attorney “thought it was sealed” — this is treated as a misrepresentation to the court and results in denial plus referral to The Florida Bar.
Misconception. Filers think only suspensions count, but reprimands, admonitions made public, and stayed suspensions all require disclosure.
8. Designation of Local Counsel
Rule 2.510(c) requires the foreign attorney to be associated with a Florida-licensed lawyer who consents to serve as local counsel of record.
How to answer it. State the local counsel’s full name, Florida Bar number, firm, address, phone, and email, and include language that local counsel “agrees to be responsible for the conduct of the proceedings and is authorized to receive service on behalf of the foreign attorney.”
Example entry. Janet’s motion states “Movant is associated with Marcus T. Hollis, Esq., Florida Bar No. 0123456, of Hollis & Reyes, P.A., 1 Independent Drive, Suite 1200, Jacksonville, FL 32202, mhollis@hollisreyes.com.”
Nuance. Local counsel does not have to be active in the day-to-day litigation, but the lawyer must be reachable for service and must sign the motion.
Common mistake and consequence. Listing a Florida-barred lawyer who hasn’t actually agreed in writing — Florida judges have struck motions when the named local counsel later disclaimed involvement.
Misconception. Filers assume an in-house Florida-barred attorney at the foreign attorney’s firm satisfies the rule, but the local counsel must be independent of the foreign attorney’s out-of-state firm if the foreign firm has no Florida office.
9. Florida Bar Verified Statement Confirmation
Rule 2.510(b)(5) requires proof that the foreign attorney has filed a verified statement and paid the fee to The Florida Bar.
How to answer it. Attach the Bar’s email confirmation as Exhibit C and reference it in the body, e.g., “Movant has filed the verified statement and paid the $250 fee required by Rule 2.510, as evidenced by Exhibit C.”
Example entry. Aisha attaches Exhibit C — Florida Bar PHV Confirmation No. PHV-2026-44831, dated May 4, 2026.
Nuance. The Bar’s confirmation is generated automatically once payment clears, usually within minutes, but their portal occasionally requires manual review for attorneys with complex bar histories.
Common mistake and consequence. Filing the court motion before the Bar issues confirmation, leading the judge to deny without prejudice for noncompliance with subsection (b)(5).
Misconception. Some filers think the $250 covers multiple Florida cases — it does not. The fee is per case.
10. Verification Block
Rule 2.510(b) requires the motion be verified, meaning the foreign attorney signs under oath before a notary or other authorized officer.
How to answer it. Include a verification immediately above the signature line that reads “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing motion and that the facts stated in it are true.” Sign in the notary’s presence.
Example entry. Carlos signs “/s/ Carlos A. Mendez” with a New York notary’s seal and commission number affixed below.
Nuance. Florida accepts out-of-state notarizations under Section 92.50, Florida Statutes, as long as the notary’s authority is shown on the jurat.
Common mistake and consequence. Using a self-executing declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 1746 instead of a notarized oath — Florida state courts require a notarized verification, and federal-style declarations are routinely rejected.
Misconception. Filers think electronic notarization isn’t accepted; Florida actively permits remote online notarization under Section 117.201, Florida Statutes.
11. Local Counsel’s Signature and Certification
Local counsel signs the motion to certify the association and consent to service.
How to answer it. Include a separate signature block for local counsel with the Florida Bar number, address, and a line that reads “Local counsel hereby consents to this designation and agrees to comply with Rule 2.510.”
Example entry. “/s/ Marcus T. Hollis — Marcus T. Hollis, Esq., Florida Bar No. 0123456, Local Counsel for Plaintiff.”
Nuance. Some judges require local counsel’s signature on the proposed order as well; check the division’s standing orders.
Common mistake and consequence. Forgetting the Florida Bar number — Florida e-filing rejects pleadings without it under Rule 2.515.
Misconception. Filers think local counsel’s signature is optional; it is mandatory under 2.510(c).
12. Certificate of Service
Every Florida pleading needs a certificate of service that lists every party and counsel served.
How to answer it. List each party’s counsel, their email address, and the method of service (e-service through the E-Filing Portal for Florida-barred lawyers, email or mail for unrepresented parties).
Example entry. “I HEREBY CERTIFY that on May 26, 2026, I e-filed the foregoing with the Clerk of Court using the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which will serve all counsel of record.”
Nuance. Pro se parties must be served by email if they have designated one, otherwise by U.S. Mail.
Common mistake and consequence. Omitting a party (often a third-party defendant), which voids service and gives that party grounds to seek to strike the motion.
Misconception. Filers think the e-Portal’s automatic service notice replaces the certificate of service; it does not.
13. Proposed Order Granting Motion
Most Florida divisions require a proposed order uploaded as a separate document.
How to answer it. Use the division’s preferred order format, with blanks for the judge’s signature and date, and include findings tracking Rule 2.510(b) (admissions, no disqualifying appearances, fee paid, local counsel designated).
Example entry. “Upon consideration of the Verified Motion, it is ORDERED that Carlos A. Mendez, Esq., is admitted pro hac vice in the above-styled action.”
Nuance. Some judges add a clause requiring local counsel to attend all hearings; tailor your proposed order to your judge’s known practice.
Common mistake and consequence. Submitting an order that omits the judge’s name or division line, which forces the judicial assistant to redraft, slowing entry.
Misconception. Filers think an order is unnecessary because the motion is “routine”; in fact, no order means no admission.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Carlos Mendez — New York Commercial Litigator, Miami-Dade
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 11TH JUD. CIR., MIAMI-DADE CO., FL — CASE NO. 2026-001234-CA-01 |
| Title | VERIFIED MOTION OF CARLOS A. MENDEZ FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE |
| Identifying info | Carlos A. Mendez, 250 W. 55th St., New York, NY 10019, (212) 555-0144 |
| Bar admissions | NY Bar 4456789 (2009); SDNY (2010); EDNY (2010); 2d Cir. (2012) |
| Good standing | Exhibit A — NY OCA certificate dated May 5, 2026 |
| Florida appearances | Two prior cases listed; both granted; well under the 3-in-36 cap |
| Discipline | None |
| Local counsel | Sofia Reyes, Fla. Bar No. 0987654, Reyes Trial Group, Miami |
| Bar fee | Exhibit C — PHV Confirmation No. 2026-44102, $250 paid May 10, 2026 |
| Verification | Notarized in New York County by Notary Jane Doe, Comm. No. 01DO123456 |
Scenario 2: Aisha Patel — California IP Litigator, Orange County (Orlando)
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 9TH JUD. CIR., ORANGE CO., FL — CASE NO. 2026-CA-007788-O |
| Title | VERIFIED MOTION OF AISHA R. PATEL FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE |
| Identifying info | Aisha R. Patel, 555 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104 |
| Bar admissions | CA Bar 287654 (2012); N.D. Cal. (2013); 9th Cir. (2015); USPTO Reg. 67890 |
| Good standing | Exhibit A — State Bar of CA certificate, May 1, 2026 |
| Florida appearances | None in 36 months |
| Discipline | None |
| Local counsel | David Lin, Fla. Bar No. 0123987, Lin IP Law, Orlando |
| Bar fee | Exhibit C — PHV Confirmation No. 2026-44831, $250 paid May 4, 2026 |
| Verification | Remote online notarization via approved CA RON platform |
Scenario 3: Janet Whitaker — Georgia PI Lawyer, Duval County (Jacksonville)
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 4TH JUD. CIR., DUVAL CO., FL — CASE NO. 16-2026-CA-002345 |
| Title | VERIFIED MOTION OF JANET L. WHITAKER FOR ADMISSION PRO HAC VICE |
| Identifying info | Janet L. Whitaker, 191 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Bar admissions | GA Bar 334455 (2008); N.D. Ga. (2009); 11th Cir. (2010) |
| Good standing | Exhibit A — State Bar of GA certificate, April 28, 2026 |
| Florida appearances | Three prior cases listed; at the cap, with explanation that none are pending |
| Discipline | 2014 private reprimand disclosed out of caution |
| Local counsel | Marcus T. Hollis, Fla. Bar No. 0123456, Hollis & Reyes, Jacksonville |
| Bar fee | Exhibit C — PHV Confirmation No. 2026-45110, $250 paid May 12, 2026 |
| Verification | Notarized in Fulton County, GA by Notary Robert Kim |
How to File the Completed Form
The verified motion is filed with the clerk of the Florida court where the case is pending, while the verified statement and $250 fee go separately to The Florida Bar.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal (Online). The primary channel is the Florida Courts E-Filing Portal, which all Florida-barred lawyers must use. Local counsel logs in, uploads the motion as a single PDF with exhibits, and selects “Motion” as the document type. The portal charges a small per-document service fee (typically under $5), payable by ACH or credit card. The clerk docket-stamps within 1–3 business days, and the e-service receipt is your proof of filing.
Paper Filing. A handful of rural counties still accept paper for special circumstances. If you must file paper, deliver two copies plus the original to the clerk, with a self-addressed stamped envelope for a stamped copy back. There is no separate clerk filing fee for a motion in an existing case, but the $250 Bar fee still applies.
The Florida Bar PHV Portal (Mandatory). Every PHV motion requires a parallel filing through The Florida Bar’s Foreign Attorney Consultants portal. The foreign attorney creates an account, completes the verified statement online, uploads good-standing certificates, and pays the $250 fee by credit card. The Bar emails a confirmation, usually within minutes, which is then attached to the court motion as Exhibit C.
Federal Court Filing. For Florida federal cases, file in CM/ECF under the relevant district’s local PHV rule, with a separate $250 admission fee paid through Pay.gov.
Proof of filing. Save the e-Portal receipt, the Bar confirmation email, and a stamped courtesy copy from the judge’s chambers if local rules require one.
What Happens After You File
Once filed, the motion is routed to the assigned judge’s division. Most Florida circuit judges rule on uncontested PHV motions without a hearing, often within 7 to 21 days, by signing the proposed order submitted with the motion. The order is then docketed and e-served on all parties.
If opposing counsel objects — usually on grounds of the 3-in-36 cap, undisclosed discipline, or insufficient local counsel — the judge will set a hearing under Florida Rule of Civil Procedure 1.090. At the hearing, the foreign attorney generally appears by Zoom, and local counsel appears in person.
After admission, the foreign attorney must comply with Florida’s e-filing rules and serve all subsequent pleadings through the portal using local counsel’s account, since the foreign attorney does not get a Florida e-filing login. Admission lasts only for the specific case named in the order; a new case requires a new motion and a new $250 fee.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Exceeding the 3-in-36 appearance cap triggers a “general practice” finding under Rule 2.510(b)(2) and almost always results in denial.
- Stale good-standing certificates older than 30 days lead to an order to amend and delay the underlying case schedule.
- Omitting federal court admissions (USPTO, district courts, circuit courts) is treated as an incomplete disclosure under 2.510(b)(1).
- Using a § 1746 declaration instead of a notarized verification voids the verification and requires re-filing.
- Filing before the Florida Bar issues the PHV confirmation results in denial without prejudice for missing Exhibit C.
- Naming local counsel who hasn’t signed lets opposing counsel move to strike the motion under Rule 2.510(c).
- Forgetting the Florida Bar number of local counsel triggers an automatic e-Portal rejection under Rule 2.515.
- Failing to disclose old or “private” discipline that the home state treats as public is treated as a misrepresentation to the tribunal.
- Wrong rule citation (e.g., citing a pre-2023 rule version) signals to the judge that the motion is from an outdated template.
- Skipping the proposed order delays entry of admission because the judicial assistant must request one.
- Listing a P.O. Box as the only office address can be flagged under Rule 2.510(b)(1)’s implied physical-office requirement.
- Paying the $250 fee per attorney instead of per case misreads the rule; the fee is per case, per attorney.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do read Rule 2.510 cover to cover before drafting because the rule is short and decisive.
- Do order good-standing certificates the same day you draft the motion to keep them inside the 30-day window.
- Do ask local counsel to review the motion before filing because local counsel knows the judge’s preferences.
- Do check the judge’s standing orders for division-specific requirements like courtesy copies.
- Do save the Florida Bar PHV confirmation email and attach it as a labeled exhibit.
- Do track your 36-month appearance count in a spreadsheet so you never accidentally hit the cap.
- Don’t copy a template from another state because Florida’s rule has unique disclosure requirements.
- Don’t sign the verification before you have read every line because the oath covers every fact stated.
- Don’t use a general firm email as the service email because Florida’s e-service is keyed to the lawyer.
- Don’t assume your federal admission carries weight in state court because they are separate systems.
- Don’t forget to update the certificate of service if a new party appears between drafting and filing.
- Don’t withhold disciplinary history hoping no one will check because The Florida Bar checks every applicant.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Local Counsel
- Pro of filing pro hac vice: You keep the client relationship and the substantive work because you stay lead counsel.
- Pro: Florida’s rule is comparatively predictable, so a clean motion is granted in most counties without a hearing.
- Pro: The $250 fee is modest compared to admitting a new associate to the Florida Bar.
- Pro: Remote online notarization makes verification fast, often same-day.
- Pro: Local counsel’s involvement is usually limited, keeping client costs down.
- Con: The 3-in-36 cap is a hard ceiling, and exceeding it can effectively bar you from Florida practice for years.
- Con: Each new Florida case is a new $250 fee, which adds up for repeat appearances.
- Con: You depend on local counsel for e-filing access, which can create bottlenecks.
- Con: Judges in some divisions impose additional courtesy-copy or hearing-attendance requirements that out-of-state lawyers don’t see in their home jurisdictions.
- Con: Florida’s UPL rules are aggressive; an unauthorized appearance pre-admission can result in Florida Bar UPL referral and home-state discipline.
State vs. Federal Florida Pro Hac Vice at a Glance
| State (Rule 2.510) | Federal (S.D./M.D./N.D. Fla. Local Rules) |
|---|---|
| Filed with the Florida circuit, county, or appellate court clerk | Filed in CM/ECF with the federal district clerk |
| $250 fee to The Florida Bar per case | $250 admission fee to the federal court via Pay.gov per case |
| Notarized verification required | Sworn declaration under 28 U.S.C. § 1746 typically accepted |
| 3-in-36 unofficial cap on Florida appearances | No equivalent cap, but “regular practice” disclosure required |
| Local counsel must be a Florida Bar member | Local counsel must be admitted to that federal district |
| Governed by Fla. R. Gen. Prac. & Jud. Admin. 2.510 | Governed by each district’s local rules (e.g., S.D. Fla. L.R. 4) |
FAQs
Do I need local counsel for a Florida pro hac vice motion?
Yes. Rule 2.510(c) requires every foreign attorney to associate a Florida-barred lawyer who signs the motion, accepts service, and remains responsible throughout the case.
Is there a limit on how many Florida cases I can appear in?
Yes. Rule 2.510(b)(2) bars appearances that amount to a “general practice of law in Florida,” and three or more appearances in 36 months typically triggers denial.
How much is the Florida Bar pro hac vice fee?
Yes, there is a fee — $250 per case, per foreign attorney, paid to The Florida Bar through its online PHV portal before the court motion is filed.
Can I file the motion before paying the Florida Bar fee?
No. Rule 2.510(b)(5) requires proof that the verified statement has been filed and the fee paid, so the Bar’s confirmation must be attached as an exhibit.
Do I write my home-state bar number or my Florida Bar number on the motion?
Yes, write your home-state bar number on the foreign attorney’s signature block; only local counsel’s block carries a Florida Bar number.
Do I list inactive bar admissions in the admissions section?
Yes. Rule 2.510(b)(1) requires every admission, whether active, inactive, or retired, including federal courts and the USPTO.
Can I use an electronic notarization for the verification?
Yes. Florida accepts remote online notarization under Section 117.201, Florida Statutes, provided the notary is authorized in their home state.
Does a § 1746 federal-style declaration satisfy the verification?
No. Florida state courts require a notarized oath, and an unsworn declaration does not meet Rule 2.510(b)’s verification requirement.
Do I need to disclose a private reprimand from 10 years ago in the discipline section?
No, not unless your home state classifies it as public, but many practitioners disclose it anyway with a short explanation to avoid any appearance of concealment.
Can my Florida-barred associate at my out-of-state firm serve as local counsel?
No, generally not, unless your firm has a Florida office; Rule 2.510(c) contemplates an independent Florida-licensed lawyer with a Florida practice.
Does pro hac vice admission carry over to a related case?
No. Each Florida case requires a separate motion, a separate Bar filing, and a separate $250 fee.
What happens if I appear in court before the order is signed?
No appearance is allowed before entry of the order; pre-admission conduct can trigger an unauthorized practice of law inquiry by The Florida Bar UPL Department.
Do I file the motion in federal court the same way?
No. Florida federal courts use their own local rules — for example S.D. Fla. Local Rule 4 — and require filing in CM/ECF, not the state e-Portal.
Can I attach a digital good-standing certificate from my home bar?
Yes. Florida e-filing accepts PDFs of digital certificates, but the certificate must be dated within 30 days of filing.
Will a 3-in-36 appearance disclosure of three prior cases automatically be denied?
No, three is at the line, not over it, but you should explain in the motion that the prior cases are unrelated to general practice to head off objection.
Related reading
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