The Florida Registered Paralegal (FRP) Application is the form that a paralegal files with The Florida Bar to earn the voluntary “Florida Registered Paralegal” designation under Chapter 20 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar. The form proves that a paralegal meets the education, certification, or work-experience pathway, has good moral character, and works under the supervision of a Florida Bar member in good standing.
Filing the FRP application incorrectly — missing a transcript, skipping the attorney verification, or under-disclosing a prior arrest — can delay registration by months or trigger a denial that becomes part of the applicant’s permanent file. According to The Florida Bar, more than 5,000 paralegals currently hold active FRP status, and a notable share of first-time applications are returned for missing attachments or incomplete background disclosures.
This guide walks through every section of the FRP application, with named examples and field-level guidance.
- 📝 How to complete every box on the FRP application, line by line
- 🎓 Which of the three eligibility pathways — education, certification, or work experience — fits your background
- ⚖️ How to handle the good moral character and background disclosure questions without triggering a hold
- 💵 Exact fees, deadlines, CLE rules, and renewal mechanics under Rule 20-6.1
- 📬 Every filing channel — online portal, mail, and in-person delivery — with proof-of-filing tips
What the FRP Application Is and Who Must File It
The Florida Registered Paralegal Application is the official intake form that The Florida Bar uses to evaluate whether a paralegal qualifies for the voluntary FRP designation created in 2008. The program is governed entirely by Chapter 20, Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, and the application is administered by the Florida Registered Paralegal Program office in Tallahassee. The current application is available through the Florida Bar member portal and as a downloadable PDF.
Filing the FRP application is voluntary. A paralegal in Florida is not required to register to work. However, only a person who files this application, pays the fee, and passes the review may legally use the title “Florida Registered Paralegal” or the post-nominal letters “FRP” under Rule 20-2.1. Using the title without registration is a violation that subjects both the paralegal and the supervising attorney to disciplinary action.
The form must be filed by the paralegal applicant personally, not by the supervising attorney or the law firm. The supervising attorney signs a verification section, but the paralegal owns the application, certifies the answers under penalty of perjury, and pays the fee. Spouses, HR staff, and office managers cannot sign on the applicant’s behalf.
The application also serves a secondary purpose. It feeds the public FRP roster, which clients, courts, and opposing counsel can search on The Florida Bar’s website to confirm that a person identifying as an FRP is actually registered and in good standing.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather every supporting document before opening the application. The portal times out after roughly 30 minutes of inactivity, and missing attachments are the single most common reason applications are sent back. Use the pre-filing checklist below to avoid a return for incompleteness under Rule 20-3.1.
- Government-issued photo ID. A current driver’s license or passport confirms your legal name and birthdate; a name mismatch with your transcript triggers a manual review.
- Original transcript or diploma. Required for the education pathway; the registrar must show degree conferral, not just enrollment, or the application is held.
- Proof of paralegal certification. NALA CP/ACP, NFPA PACE/PCCE, or NALS PP certificate plus current status verification; expired certifications are rejected.
- Supervising attorney’s Florida Bar number. Used to verify the attorney is in good standing under Rule 20-2.1; a suspended attorney disqualifies the application.
- Work history dated by month and year. Needed if applying under the work-experience pathway; gaps over 30 days must be explained in writing.
- Criminal background disclosure documents. Certified copies of charging documents, dispositions, and sealing or expungement orders for every arrest, even old or sealed matters.
- Prior discipline records. Any prior FRP denial, NALA/NFPA discipline, or employer termination for ethics issues must be attached with a written explanation.
- Payment method. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or an ACH e-check for the $200 application fee; paper filers may include a check payable to The Florida Bar.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The FRP application lives in two places. The primary version is inside the Florida Bar member portal, which is the same portal Florida lawyers use for membership records. Paralegals create a non-attorney profile, then select “Apply for FRP Status” from the dashboard. The portal pre-populates contact data, attaches uploads to your profile, and timestamps the submission for proof-of-filing purposes.
The secondary version is a downloadable PDF available on the Florida Registered Paralegal Program page. This version is mailed or hand-delivered to The Florida Bar’s headquarters at 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300. The PDF is identical in content to the portal version but slower to process, typically 4–6 weeks versus 10–15 business days online.
The form’s current revision date appears in the lower left corner of page one. Confirm that you have the revision dated within the last 12 months before completing it. An older version may omit recent disclosure questions, and submitting an outdated form triggers an automatic return-for-resubmission notice.
Applicants who need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request alternative formats by emailing the FRP coordinator. The Bar will not waive any substantive requirement, but it will provide large-print PDFs, fillable accessible versions, and extended portal timeouts.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the FRP Application Line by Line
The FRP application is organized into seven parts: Part A (Applicant Information), Part B (Eligibility Pathway), Part C (Education), Part D (Certification), Part E (Work Experience), Part F (Good Moral Character Disclosures), and Part G (Supervising Attorney Verification and Applicant Oath). Each part is broken into numbered fields. Complete the parts in order — skipping ahead causes upload errors in the portal.
Part A, Field 1: Full Legal Name
This field asks for the applicant’s complete legal name as it appears on a government-issued photo ID. Enter the name in First, Middle, Last order with no nicknames, no initials in place of a middle name, and no professional designations after the surname. Use mixed case rather than all caps; the portal converts to mixed case automatically.
Maria Elena Lopez writes her name exactly as it appears on her Florida driver’s license, including the middle name “Elena” rather than the initial “E.”
If you changed your name through marriage, divorce, or court order, enter the current legal name here and list prior names in Field 3. If your government ID still shows a prior name, attach the certified marriage certificate or court order as proof, or the Bar will hold the application pending identity verification.
A common mistake is using a preferred name or shortened form, such as “Liz” instead of “Elizabeth.” That mismatch with the diploma, certification, or background check causes the Bar to flag the file as a possible identity discrepancy, which adds 2–4 weeks of processing time.
Some applicants believe initials are acceptable because lawyers often sign with initials. They are not. The FRP application is an identity record, and the Bar cross-checks it against the Florida Department of Law Enforcement background system, which requires complete legal names.
Part A, Field 2: Date of Birth
This field captures the applicant’s birthdate in MM/DD/YYYY format. Enter the date exactly as it appears on the driver’s license or passport — no dashes, no spelled-out months.
Marcus David Johnson enters 09/14/1987 because his Florida driver’s license shows September 14, 1987.
If your birth certificate and ID differ (a common issue for naturalized citizens whose foreign documents use DD/MM/YYYY format), use the U.S. ID date and attach the birth certificate as a supporting document. The Bar accepts the ID version when supported by a passport.
A common mistake is entering today’s date or the application date in the DOB box. The portal validates the field for plausibility (age 18+), but a typo such as 2024 instead of 1984 will pass validation and trigger a background check mismatch later in the process. Always proofread this field twice.
People sometimes think DOB is optional for privacy reasons. It is not. Florida Bar staff redact the DOB from public records but require it internally for the FDLE background check.
Part A, Field 3: Prior Names and Aliases
This field asks for every name you have used, including maiden names, prior married names, court-ordered name changes, and professional aliases. Enter each prior name on its own line, followed by the date range you used it.
Janet Reeves lists Janet Marie Williams (1998–2012) and Janet M. Reeves-Williams (2012–2015) because she used both names during prior marriages.
If you have never used another name, enter “None.” Leaving the field blank causes a portal error and a return for completeness. Sealed name changes still must be disclosed; the disclosure itself is not public, but omission is grounds for denial under Rule 20-3.1(b).
A common mistake is forgetting a maiden name used briefly in college. That maiden name often appears on transcripts, and the missing alias creates a transcript-to-application mismatch that the Bar will flag.
Filers sometimes believe only “official” names count. The Bar wants every name under which you have worked, studied, been arrested, or held a professional license — including DBAs you used as an independent contractor.
Part A, Field 4: Residence Address
This field asks for the applicant’s current physical residence. Enter the street address, apartment or unit number, city, state, and ZIP code. P.O. boxes are not allowed in this field; use Field 5 (Mailing Address) for a P.O. box.
Maria Lopez enters 1428 NE 7th Avenue, Apt 3B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
If you recently moved and your driver’s license shows an old address, update the license first or attach a utility bill from the new address. The Bar uses the residence to determine venue for any future grievance under Rule 20-7.1.
A common mistake is entering a work address here. Doing so misroutes any official notice and may cause a missed deadline that defaults the application.
Some applicants think out-of-state residence disqualifies them. It does not. A paralegal living in Georgia who works for a Florida-licensed attorney on Florida matters may still register, provided the supervising attorney verifies Florida-based work.
Part A, Field 5: Mailing Address
This field captures the address where the applicant receives mail. It may be the same as Field 4, a P.O. box, or a work address. Check the “Same as Residence” box if the addresses are identical.
Marcus Johnson enters P.O. Box 4471, Orlando, FL 32802 because he prefers mail at a private mailbox.
If the mailing address changes after filing, the applicant must update the Bar within 30 days under Rule 20-7.1(a), or risk missing a deficiency notice and being administratively denied.
A common mistake is listing a co-worker’s address as a convenience. The Bar sends sealed disciplinary correspondence to this address, and confidentiality is broken if it is delivered to a third party.
Filers sometimes assume email is enough. It is not. The Bar requires a physical mailing address for service of process under Rule 20-7.1.
Part A, Field 6: Telephone and Email
This field asks for a primary daytime phone number and an active email address. The Bar uses email as the default communication channel; the phone number is for urgent follow-up only.
Janet Reeves enters (813) 555-0173 and janet.reeves@example.com, both of which she checks daily.
Use a personal email rather than a work email. If you change jobs, a work email may be cut off the same day, and you will miss the deficiency notice that allows 21 days to cure. Personal email survives job changes and protects the application.
A common mistake is using the supervising attorney’s office email. That violates the rule that the applicant — not the firm — is the filer of record, and may cause the Bar to question whether the paralegal is truly the one completing the form.
Some applicants think the Bar still sends paper notices. It rarely does. Email is the official channel under Rule 20-7.1.
Part B, Field 7: Eligibility Pathway Selection
This field asks which of the three eligibility pathways the applicant is using to qualify. The choices are Education, Certification, or Work Experience. Check exactly one box; the Bar will not evaluate multiple pathways on a single form.
Maria Lopez checks Education because she holds an ABA-approved paralegal associate’s degree plus one year of paralegal work.
If you qualify under more than one pathway — for example, a NALA CP with 10 years of experience — pick the easiest to document. Most applicants choose Certification when available because it requires the fewest supporting documents.
A common mistake is checking two boxes “to be safe.” The portal rejects multi-box submissions, and the paper form is returned for clarification. Choose one pathway and commit.
Filers sometimes think the Bar will tell them which pathway fits. It will not. The applicant must self-assess against Rule 20-3.1 and select the appropriate path.
Part C, Field 8: Education Pathway Documentation
This field appears only if you selected Education in Field 7. Enter the name of the institution, the degree or certificate earned, the conferral date, and whether the program is ABA-approved or otherwise qualifying under Rule 20-3.1(a)(1).
Maria Lopez enters Broward College, Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies, conferred 05/12/2023, ABA-approved program.
Upload an original transcript sent directly from the registrar, or a notarized copy of the diploma. A photocopy printed from the student portal is not accepted because it lacks the registrar’s seal.
A common mistake is listing only the school name without the degree title. The Bar needs the specific credential to confirm it satisfies Rule 20-3.1(a)(1); a generic “AA” without “in Paralegal Studies” is insufficient.
Some applicants think any associate’s degree qualifies. It does not. The degree must be in paralegal studies, legal studies, or an ABA-approved program, plus the additional work-experience requirement.
Part D, Field 9: Certification Pathway Documentation
This field appears only if you selected Certification in Field 7. List the certifying organization, the exact credential name, the original issue date, and the current expiration date.
Marcus Johnson enters National Association of Legal Assistants, Certified Paralegal (CP), issued 06/01/2020, valid through 06/30/2025.
Upload a current certificate plus a verification letter or printout from the certifying body showing active status. An expired or lapsed certification disqualifies the applicant under Rule 20-3.1(a)(2) until renewed.
A common mistake is uploading the original certificate from 10 years ago without proof of continued status. Certifications require ongoing CLE; lapsed status means lapsed eligibility.
Some applicants believe a certificate of completion from a paralegal school equals a certification. It does not. Only NALA, NFPA, and NALS credentials (and a few other Bar-approved bodies) satisfy the certification pathway.
Part E, Field 10: Work Experience Pathway Documentation
This field appears only if you selected Work Experience in Field 7. List every paralegal employer for the qualifying period, with employer name, supervising attorney, dates of employment, hours per week, and a brief description of paralegal duties.
Janet Reeves lists Reeves & Patel, P.A., Supervising Attorney Anil Patel (Bar No. 123456), 03/15/2010–present, 40 hrs/week, civil litigation drafting, e-filing, deposition summaries.
The work experience pathway under Rule 20-3.1(a)(3) requires a defined number of years of substantive paralegal work under attorney supervision; the exact number depends on the applicant’s education level. Confirm the current threshold on the FRP program page before filing.
A common mistake is listing clerical or receptionist roles as paralegal work. The Bar requires substantive legal work — research, drafting, client interviewing, discovery management — not filing and answering phones. Padding the work history can result in denial and a finding of misrepresentation.
Some applicants think self-employed freelance paralegal work counts. It generally does not unless every project was performed under a licensed attorney’s direct supervision and the attorney verifies it in writing.
Part F, Field 11: Criminal History Disclosure
This field asks whether the applicant has ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of any crime, including misdemeanors, DUIs, and sealed or expunged matters. Answer Yes or No. A Yes answer requires a separate written explanation and certified court records for each incident.
Marcus Johnson answers Yes and attaches the disposition for a 2014 misdemeanor possession charge, plus the sealing order from 2019.
Disclose everything, including arrests that did not lead to conviction. Rule 20-3.1(b) requires full candor; the FDLE background check will find sealed records even if you do not list them, and the discrepancy is treated more seriously than the underlying incident.
A common mistake is omitting a sealed or expunged case because “the law says I don’t have to disclose it.” That exception applies to job applications, not to Bar applications. Omission here is a separate ground for denial.
Some applicants think a withhold of adjudication is not a conviction and need not be disclosed. The arrest itself must be disclosed regardless of disposition.
Part F, Field 12: Civil and Administrative History
This field asks whether the applicant has been a defendant in a civil fraud action, has had a professional license revoked or suspended, or has been disciplined by any paralegal or legal association. Answer Yes or No, and provide details for each Yes.
Janet Reeves answers No because she has never been sued or disciplined.
If you answer Yes, attach the complaint, the final judgment or order, and a written explanation in your own words. The Bar evaluates rehabilitation under Rule 20-3.1(b); recent and serious matters carry more weight than old, isolated incidents.
A common mistake is forgetting a small claims case or HOA dispute that included a fraud allegation. The Bar wants disclosures of fraud-adjacent allegations even if the case was dismissed.
Some applicants believe employment terminations are private. A termination for ethical reasons — billing fraud, file theft, client confidentiality breach — must be disclosed under this field.
Part F, Field 13: Prior FRP or Bar Application History
This field asks whether the applicant has previously applied for FRP status, been denied, voluntarily withdrawn, or had FRP status revoked. It also covers prior applications to any U.S. state bar as an attorney.
Maria Lopez answers No because this is her first FRP application.
If you previously withdrew an application after a deficiency notice, disclose it here even if the prior file was closed. The Bar keeps internal records, and undisclosed prior applications are treated as misrepresentation under Rule 20-3.1(b).
A common mistake is treating a withdrawn application as if it never happened. It happened, and the Bar has the file.
Some applicants think a denied attorney bar application in another state is irrelevant. It is highly relevant; the moral character findings travel.
Part G, Field 14: Supervising Attorney Verification
This field requires the applicant’s supervising Florida Bar attorney to certify that the applicant works under their direct supervision on Florida legal matters. The attorney enters their full name, Florida Bar number, firm name, address, phone, email, and signature.
Anil Patel, Florida Bar No. 123456, Reeves & Patel, P.A., 200 Tampa Street, Tampa, FL 33602 signs and dates the verification for Janet Reeves.
The supervising attorney must be in good standing — not suspended, not disbarred, not on inactive status. Verify status using the Find a Lawyer tool before submitting. A suspended supervising attorney voids the verification and the application is returned.
A common mistake is having a senior paralegal or office manager sign instead of an attorney. Only a Florida Bar member in good standing may verify, under Rule 20-2.1.
Some applicants think the attorney’s signature is a formality. It is not. The attorney is personally certifying the paralegal’s competence and supervised work; an attorney who signs falsely faces Bar discipline.
Part G, Field 15: Applicant Oath and Signature
This final field is the applicant’s sworn statement that every answer is true and complete, signed under penalty of perjury. The signature must be wet-ink on paper filings or a portal-generated e-signature with two-factor authentication on online filings.
Maria Lopez signs Maria E. Lopez and dates the signature 11/04/2025.
The oath is the legal hook for any later misrepresentation finding. False answers are not just grounds for denial; they expose the applicant to perjury prosecution and the supervising attorney to discipline for sponsoring a dishonest applicant.
A common mistake is signing before completing every field. The portal blocks this, but paper filers sometimes sign first and fill in later. Always sign last.
Some applicants think a typed name in a PDF counts as a signature. It does not on the paper form. Use a wet signature, or use the portal’s certified e-signature flow.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
The three examples below show how three different filers complete the FRP application under each of the three eligibility pathways. Each scenario uses the official field names from the application.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Education Pathway
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Part A, Field 1 (Full Legal Name) | Maria Elena Lopez |
| Part A, Field 2 (Date of Birth) | 04/22/1998 |
| Part A, Field 3 (Prior Names) | None |
| Part A, Field 4 (Residence Address) | 1428 NE 7th Avenue, Apt 3B, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 |
| Part B, Field 7 (Pathway) | Education |
| Part C, Field 8 (Education) | Broward College, AS in Paralegal Studies, conferred 05/12/2023, ABA-approved |
| Part F, Field 11 (Criminal History) | No |
| Part G, Field 14 (Supervising Attorney) | Carlos Mendoza, FL Bar No. 654321, Mendoza Litigation Group, Fort Lauderdale |
| Part G, Field 15 (Signature) | Maria E. Lopez, 11/04/2025 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Johnson — Certification Pathway
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Part A, Field 1 (Full Legal Name) | Marcus David Johnson |
| Part A, Field 2 (Date of Birth) | 09/14/1987 |
| Part A, Field 3 (Prior Names) | None |
| Part A, Field 5 (Mailing Address) | P.O. Box 4471, Orlando, FL 32802 |
| Part B, Field 7 (Pathway) | Certification |
| Part D, Field 9 (Certification) | NALA Certified Paralegal, issued 06/01/2020, valid through 06/30/2025 |
| Part F, Field 11 (Criminal History) | Yes — 2014 misdemeanor possession, sealed 2019, disposition attached |
| Part G, Field 14 (Supervising Attorney) | Diana Kapoor, FL Bar No. 789012, Kapoor & Associates, Orlando |
| Part G, Field 15 (Signature) | Marcus D. Johnson, 11/05/2025 |
Scenario 3: Janet Reeves — Work Experience Pathway
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Part A, Field 1 (Full Legal Name) | Janet Marie Reeves |
| Part A, Field 2 (Date of Birth) | 06/30/1972 |
| Part A, Field 3 (Prior Names) | Janet Williams (1998–2012); Janet Reeves-Williams (2012–2015) |
| Part A, Field 4 (Residence Address) | 5519 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33611 |
| Part B, Field 7 (Pathway) | Work Experience |
| Part E, Field 10 (Work History) | Reeves & Patel, P.A., Tampa, 03/15/2010–present, 40 hrs/week, civil litigation |
| Part F, Field 12 (Civil History) | No |
| Part G, Field 14 (Supervising Attorney) | Anil Patel, FL Bar No. 123456, Reeves & Patel, P.A., Tampa |
| Part G, Field 15 (Signature) | Janet M. Reeves, 11/06/2025 |
How to File the Completed Form
The FRP application accepts three filing channels. Choose the channel that matches your timeline and your comfort with technology. Every channel produces the same registration outcome, but processing speed and proof-of-filing differ.
Online portal filing. Submit through the Florida Bar member portal. Pay the $200 application fee by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, or ACH e-check. Expect 10–15 business days to processing. Save the portal confirmation PDF and the email receipt; both serve as proof of filing.
Mail filing. Print the PDF, sign in wet ink, and mail with a check or money order payable to The Florida Bar to: The Florida Bar, Attn: Florida Registered Paralegal Program, 651 East Jefferson Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt for proof. Expect 4–6 weeks to processing.
In-person filing. Hand-deliver the completed paper application and payment to the Tallahassee headquarters during business hours. Request a date-stamped copy at the intake counter. Processing time mirrors mail filing because intake routes to the same review queue.
Renewal is annual and costs $150 due each June 30 under Rule 20-7.1. Late renewal carries a reinstatement fee and possible lapse of FRP status.
What Happens After You File
The Florida Bar acknowledges receipt within 5 business days for online filings and 10 business days for mail filings. The acknowledgment lists every received document, so review it carefully to confirm nothing is missing.
The Bar then runs the FDLE background check, verifies the supervising attorney’s good standing through the Find a Lawyer directory, confirms the education or certification credential with the issuing institution, and reviews any disclosed criminal or disciplinary history. This stage typically takes 2–4 weeks.
If the Bar finds a deficiency — a missing transcript, an unanswered disclosure, an expired certification — it sends a deficiency notice by email. The applicant has 21 days to cure under Rule 20-3.1(c). Failure to cure results in administrative denial, and the applicant must restart with a new fee.
On approval, the Bar issues an FRP number and adds the applicant to the public FRP roster. The applicant then complies with the 30-hour CLE requirement every three years, including 5 ethics hours, and renews annually by June 30.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
Each mistake below corresponds to a real source of returned applications observed by The Florida Bar’s FRP coordinator. Avoid all of them, not just the obvious ones.
- Using a preferred name instead of the legal name. Consequence: identity verification hold and 2–4 weeks of delay.
- Checking two eligibility pathways. Consequence: portal rejection or paper return for clarification.
- Uploading a student-portal transcript instead of a registrar-sealed transcript. Consequence: education pathway rejected pending official record.
- Listing an expired NALA, NFPA, or NALS certification. Consequence: certification pathway disqualification until renewed.
- Omitting a sealed or expunged arrest. Consequence: finding of misrepresentation under Rule 20-3.1(b) and likely denial.
- Letting the supervising attorney’s office sign the applicant oath. Consequence: void filing; only the applicant may sign Field 15.
- Using a suspended supervising attorney. Consequence: verification void and application returned.
- Entering work-experience hours that include clerical duties. Consequence: work pathway downgrade and denial.
- Filing on an outdated form revision. Consequence: automatic return for resubmission on current version.
- Missing the 21-day deficiency cure deadline. Consequence: administrative denial and forfeiture of the $200 fee.
- Failing to update an address change within 30 days post-filing. Consequence: missed notices and possible administrative lapse.
- Treating “withhold of adjudication” as a non-event. Consequence: undisclosed arrest treated as misrepresentation.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Do verify the supervising attorney’s status on the Find a Lawyer directory before submitting, because a suspended attorney voids the application.
- Do save a PDF copy of every page and every upload, because the portal does not always retain copies after final submission.
- Do disclose every arrest, even sealed ones, because FDLE finds them and omission compounds the underlying issue.
- Do use a personal email address, because work emails disappear when jobs end and you may miss a 21-day cure window.
- Do request transcripts a minimum of three weeks before filing, because registrars are slow and the Bar will not start review without them.
- Do read Chapter 20 of the RRTFB before filing, because the eligibility rules change and a 2019 understanding may be outdated.
Don’ts
- Don’t sign Field 15 before completing every field, because the oath certifies the entire application as final.
- Don’t pay the fee before confirming pathway eligibility, because denied applications forfeit the fee.
- Don’t list clerical or receptionist time as paralegal experience, because the Bar audits work descriptions.
- Don’t rely on the supervising attorney to “handle” the application, because the applicant — not the firm — is the filer of record.
- Don’t ignore a deficiency email, because 21 days runs from the email date, not the date you read it.
- Don’t use whiteout or strikethroughs on paper filings, because the Bar treats marked-up applications as unreliable and may return them.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most paralegals file the FRP application without legal representation. A small number, especially those with complex disclosures, hire a Bar-defense attorney to review the application before submission.
Pros of filing on your own
- Lower cost — only the $200 application fee — because no attorney hours are billed.
- Faster turnaround because no third party reviews drafts.
- Direct control over disclosures, ensuring nothing is paraphrased away.
- Builds personal familiarity with Chapter 20 RRTFB, which helps with renewals.
- Most clean applications need no help, so professional assistance is wasted spend.
Cons of filing on your own
- Higher risk of mis-disclosing criminal history because lay applicants misread the “sealed/expunged” exception.
- No coaching on rehabilitation narratives for Yes answers in Part F.
- No second set of eyes to catch a name or DOB mismatch.
- No guidance on which pathway is strongest when multiple apply.
- No legal privilege protecting drafts, so messy notes may become discoverable in later disputes.
FAQs
Is the Florida Registered Paralegal designation mandatory?
No. FRP status is voluntary under Chapter 20 RRTFB. A paralegal may work in Florida without registering, but only registered paralegals may use the title “FRP.”
How much does the FRP application cost?
Yes, there is a fee. The current application fee is $200, and the annual renewal fee is $150, payable to The Florida Bar.
How long does processing take?
Yes, processing takes time. Online filings clear in 10–15 business days; paper filings take 4–6 weeks; deficiency notices add 21 days minimum.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Field 1?
Yes, use your current legal name in Field 1 and list every prior name, including the maiden name, in Field 3.
Must I disclose a sealed arrest in Field 11?
Yes. Rule 20-3.1(b) requires disclosure of every arrest, including sealed and expunged matters; the FDLE check finds them.
Can a non-attorney sign the verification in Field 14?
No. Only a Florida Bar member in good standing may sign Field 14; senior paralegals and office managers cannot substitute.
Can I check two boxes in Field 7 to be safe?
No. Select exactly one eligibility pathway; multi-box submissions are rejected by the portal and returned on paper.
Does freelance paralegal work count in Field 10?
No, generally not, unless every project was directly supervised by a licensed attorney who verifies it in writing.
Is a typed name a valid signature in Field 15?
No on the paper form. Use a wet-ink signature, or use the portal’s certified e-signature flow with two-factor authentication.
Can I list my work email in Field 6?
No, not recommended. Work emails are lost on termination and you may miss a 21-day deficiency cure deadline.
Must I report a withhold of adjudication?
Yes. A withhold is not a conviction, but the arrest still must be disclosed under Rule 20-3.1(b).
Do I need to retake CLE if I just earned my NALA CP?
Yes, the 30-hour FRP CLE requirement every three years is separate from NALA CLE and includes 5 ethics hours.
Can I update my address after filing?
Yes, and you must. Update the Bar within 30 days of any address change under Rule 20-7.1 to avoid missed notices.
Does an out-of-state paralegal qualify?
Yes, if the paralegal works for a Florida-licensed attorney on Florida matters and the supervising attorney verifies that work in Field 14.
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