In re: Amendments to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar—Rules 6-3.5 and 6-3.6

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida amended Rules Regulating The Florida Bar 6-3.5 and 6-3.6 concerning extensions of time to complete certification and recertification application requirements. The amendments authorize the Board of Legal Specialization and Education to grant extensions on specified requests for good cause, and in recertification matters also permit extensions upon an applicant’s request for undue hardship; they become effective January 20, 2026.

Holdings

1. The Supreme Court of Florida adopted the Florida Bar's revised amendments to Rules 6-3.5 and 6-3.6.
2. The amended rules authorize the Board of Legal Specialization and Education to adjust the time for completing application requirements for board certification and recertification upon a request by the executive director or Board of Governors and a showing of good cause; Rule 6-3.6 also permits an applicant-requested extension for undue hardship upon a showing of good cause.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should adopt the Florida Bar's proposed amendments to Rules Regulating the Florida Bar 6-3.5 and 6-3.6.
2. Whether the amendments should authorize the Board of Legal Specialization and Education to extend application-completion deadlines for certification and recertification upon specified requests and a showing of good cause.

Disposition

other