Florida Multijurisdictional Practice (MJP)

Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 4-5.5 (Unauthorized Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law) and related disciplinary-jurisdiction provisions address MJP in Florida. See the MJP hub for general background.

Florida’s Rule 4-5.5 generally tracks ABA Model Rule 5.5 concepts for temporary practice and employer/authorized practice. Out-of-state lawyers generally may not establish a systematic and continuous presence for the practice of law or hold out as Florida-admitted except as authorized.

Temporary practice

Temporary services under Rule 4-5.5 typically include association with Florida counsel, tribunal-related work with authorization or a reasonable expectation of authorization, ADR related to the lawyer’s home practice, and other services reasonably related to practice where admitted. Court appearances remain subject to pro hac vice.

House counsel

Continuous employer practice for relocating or Florida-based in-house lawyers is addressed by Chapter 17 (Authorized House Counsel). Confirm current RRTFB text before relying on a particular safe harbor.