R. Regul. Fl. Bar 1-3.5

As amended through September 12, 2024
Rule 1-3.5 - RETIREMENT
(a)Eligibility. Any member of The Florida Bar may retire from The Florida Bar on petition or other written request to, and approval of, the executive director.
(b)Practice of Law Prohibited.
(1) A retired member must not practice law in this state unless reinstated to active membership in good standing by the executive director or unless certified as an emeritus lawyer under chapter 12 of these rules, but only for those activities permitted under chapter 12 of these rules.
(2) Retired members must affirmatively represent their retired status when any statement of Florida Bar membership is made, e.g., when in writing, Esquire (Ret.) or Member, Florida Bar (Ret.).
(3) Retired members must not hold themselves out as being able to practice law in Florida or render advice on matters of Florida law unless certified as an emeritus lawyer under chapter 12 of these rules.
(c)Reinstatement. To be reinstated to active membership in good standing, a retired member must:
(1) complete the reinstatement application;
(2) pay all membership fees, costs, or other amounts owed to The Florida Bar;
(3) complete all outstanding continuing legal education or basic skills course requirements as stated elsewhere in these rules; and
(4) be approved for reinstatement by the executive director.
(d)Permanent Retirement. A member who is approved to permanently retire is not eligible for reinstatement or readmission. A retired member is entitled to receive other privileges as the board of governors authorizes.
(e) Discipline. A retired member remains subject to disciplinary action for acts committed before the effective date of retirement. Acts committed after retirement may be considered in evaluating the member's fitness for reinstatement to the practice of law in Florida as elsewhere stated in these rules.
(f)Referral to Board of Governors. If the executive director is in doubt as to disposition of a petition, the executive director may refer the petition to the board of governors for its action.
(g)Review of Disposition. Action of the executive director or board of governors denying a petition for retirement or reinstatement from retirement may be reviewed on petition to the Supreme Court of Florida.

R. Regul. Fl. Bar 1-3.5

Amended Oct. 10, 1991, effective 1/1/1992 (587 So.2d 1121); 7/23/1992, effective 1/1/1993 (605 So.2d 252); 6/27/1996, effective 7/1/1996 (677 So.2d 272); 9/24/1998, effective 10/1/1998 (718 So.2d 1179); 2/8/2001 (795 So.2d 1); 10/6/2005, effective 1/1/2006 (916 So.2d 655). Amended April 12, 2012, effective 7/1/2012 (101 So.3d 807); amended March 16, 2023, effective 5/15/2023 (SC22-1292).