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Passing the Florida Bar: Tips from a Tutoring Company

Lauren Lassiter
Feb 223 min read

The Florida Bar Exam is a challenging test that aspiring attorneys must conquer to practice law in the Sunshine State. With its unique components and rigorous standards, passing requires strategic preparation, consistent effort, and the right mindset. If you're planning to take the Florida Bar, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you succeed.



1. Understand the Structure of the Florida Bar Exam

The Florida Bar Exam consists of two main parts, administered over two days:

Day 1: Florida-Specific Portion

  • Morning Session: 3 Florida essay questions

  • Afternoon Session: 100 multiple-choice questions covering Florida law

The essays test your knowledge of Florida law and require you to analyze and apply legal principles to factual scenarios.

Key subjects include:

  • Contracts and UCC

  • Torts

  • Real Property

  • Criminal Law and Procedure

  • Constitutional Law (U.S. and Florida-specific)

  • Evidence

  • Family Law

  • Wills and Estates

  • Florida Professional Responsibility

Day 2: Multistate Bar Examination (MBE)

The MBE is a 200-question multiple-choice test that focuses on federal law. It includes:

  • Constitutional Law

  • Contracts

  • Criminal Law and Procedure

  • Evidence

  • Real Property

  • Torts

  • Civil Procedure



2. Develop a Study Plan

Preparing for the Florida Bar Exam typically requires 8–12 weeks of focused study. Here’s how to structure your preparation:

a) Create a Daily Schedule

  • Allocate 8–10 hours per day for study.

  • Break your day into focused study blocks:

    • 3–4 hours for essay practice and review

    • 2–3 hours for MBE practice questions

    • 1–2 hours for reviewing Florida multiple-choice topics

  • Take breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

b) Focus on Florida Law

Since Florida law is heavily tested on Day 1, dedicate sufficient time to mastering the key state-specific subjects:

  • Professional Responsibility is especially important—Florida essays almost always test it.

  • Know the differences between Florida and general law, particularly in areas like evidence, wills, and procedure.

c) Practice Essays Under Timed Conditions

  • Florida essays test your ability to identify issues, apply the law, and write clear, concise answers.

  • Write at least 1–2 essays per day. Focus on organizing your responses with:

    • IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion)

  • Review sample answers provided by the Florida Board of Bar Examiners to understand what a strong essay looks like.

d) Master the MBE

  • The MBE portion is worth 50% of your overall score.

  • Use practice question banks from reputable providers (e.g., Ibis Prep).

  • Aim to complete 2,000+ practice questions before exam day. Track your progress and review explanations for any mistakes.


3. Utilize the Right Study Resources

Invest in reliable resources to help you cover all aspects of the exam:

  • Bar Review Courses: Ibis Prep offers group classes, online materials, and individual tutoring

  • Practice Exams: Use released Florida Bar essays and MBE questions to simulate real exam conditions.

  • Flashcards: Review Florida distinctions and key federal law concepts regularly.

  • Outlines: Condense your study materials into manageable outlines for quick reviews.


4. Learn Florida-Specific Rules and Distinctions

Florida has unique rules and distinctions that often appear on the exam. Some important areas to focus on include:

  • Florida Evidence: Differences in hearsay rules, privileges, and admissibility.

  • Wills and Estates: Florida homestead laws, probate procedures, and spousal elective shares.

  • Professional Responsibility: Focus on Florida’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

  • Family Law: Unique rules on alimony, child custody, and equitable distribution.


5. Practice Time Management

Time management is critical on both days of the exam:

  • Essays: Spend no more than 1 hour per essay. Allocate 10 minutes to outline, 45 minutes to write, and 5 minutes to review.

  • Florida Multiple-Choice: Aim to answer each question in 1 minute or less.

  • MBE: Complete the 200 questions with an average of 1.8 minutes per question.


6. Prepare Mentally and Physically

  • Take Care of Yourself: Sleep, exercise, and eat well to maintain focus and reduce stress.

  • Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length practice exams to build endurance.

  • Stay Calm: It’s normal to feel nervous. Practice deep breathing techniques to refocus during the test.


7. Exam Day Tips

  1. Pack Early: Bring your ID, admission ticket, snacks, water, and earplugs (if allowed).

  2. Read Carefully: Read each essay prompt or multiple-choice question thoroughly.

  3. Stick to Your Timing: Don’t get stuck on a difficult question—move on and come back if you have time.

  4. Answer Everything: On the MBE, there’s no penalty for guessing. Make an educated guess on questions you’re unsure about.


8. Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

The Florida Bar Exam is tough, but with the right preparation, you can pass. Focus on mastering Florida law, practicing essays and MBE questions, and taking care of yourself throughout the process. Remember, this exam is just one step on your journey to becoming an attorney.

If you need extra support, consider working with a tutor or enrolling in a bar prep course. Stay disciplined, stay positive, and believe in your ability to succeed!

Good luck on your Florida Bar Exam—you’ve got this!

 
 
 

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