The Florida Bar has created a separate standard beyond the general practice attorney called “certification.” The Florida Supreme Court has passed rules allowing for certification in Construction Law. After at least five years of practice, devoting a substantial amount of effort to nothing but construction-related matters, some attorneys are allowed to petition for status as being Board Certified in Construction Law. “Time-in-grade” is not enough; among other requirements, attorneys must have at least five independent attorneys vouch for their ability and knowledge of Construction Law and ethical behavior.

Attorneys must study and sit for an intense test concerning all phases of construction law – from bonds to contracts, and design liability to damages. After achieving certification, attorneys must obtain twice the number of hours of continuing education that a non-certified attorney must have each year. Then attorneys must “re-certify” every few years. It’s not easy, and there are fewer than 320 attorneys certified in Construction Law in Florida. In comparison, there are over 98,000 lawyers licensed in Florida.

Being Board Certified in Construction Law recognizes an attorney’s special knowledge, skills and proficiency in Construction Law and professionalism and ethics in practice.

Visit Floridabar.org/certification for more information.