Choosing a law school in Florida is about more than just picking a name off a list. The state is home to schools that offer a wide range of programs, from trial advocacy and public service to international law and business-focused legal training. Each school has its own strengths, opportunities, and ways to help students get hands-on experience in real legal settings.
Some law schools focus on building courtroom skills, while others emphasize clinics, internships, or flexible schedules for working students. Many also offer joint-degree programs and specialized tracks that let you explore your interests while gaining the credentials you need for your career. The variety means there’s a school that can match your goals, learning style, and the type of law you want to practice.
In this article, we’ll break down the top 10 law schools in Florida. You’ll see what makes each program unique, including coursework, hands-on opportunities, part-time or online options, and other standout features.
10 Best Law Schools in Florida
1. University of Florida Levin College of Law (Gainesville, FL)
At UF Levin Law, you’ll find a full-time J.D. program designed to develop foundational legal skills like research, writing, analysis, and the kind of thinking lawyers use every day.
Their curriculum covers broad areas of law in the first year, and then gives you flexibility to choose from many courses and certificate programs in areas such as tax law, intellectual property, environmental law, estates and trusts.
Beyond the J.D., UF offers advanced degrees, including LL.M. and S.J.D. programs, for example, the first S.J.D. in taxation in the U.S. They also run online programs aimed at working professionals (for example, a Master of Studies in Law), so you’ve got options if you don’t want the traditional three-year path.
The school is well-connected: there are several academic centers focused on children & families law, estate planning, dispute resolution, and more.
2. Florida State University College of Law (Tallahassee, FL)
FSU Law offers a standard three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree for full-time students. The first year covers core legal subjects, then in years two and three, you get to pick from a wide menu of upper-level courses, clinics, and experiential education opportunities.
They also offer LL.M. programs (advanced law degrees) in business law, environmental law and policy, and other specialties. Some of these are available online or have hybrid formats, which is good if you’re looking for flexibility.
The curriculum is updated and modern; for instance, you’ll find classes that deal with governance, risk management, compliance, business transactions, and even AI and technology risk in the law context.
3. University of Miami School of Law (Coral Gables, FL)
Miami Law has an 88-credit J.D. program designed to be full-time over three years, combining strong academic coursework with professional skill-building (research, advocacy, writing) so you’re not just studying law, you’re practicing it.
They also have dual-degree options (for example, 3+3 programs with undergraduate and law degrees), which let you compress time if you’re ambitious. On the advanced degree side, they welcome international students and have LLM programs and legal studies degrees that may offer some online elements.
Because Miami is a global city and has a diverse student body, you’ll find opportunities in international law, entertainment & sports law, and many practical options in large-firm, small-firm, and international contexts.
4. Florida International University College of Law (Miami, Florida)
At FIU Law, you’ll find a full‑fledged J.D. program designed to prepare you for legal practice in a modern world. They offer the standard Juris Doctor for those aiming to be lawyers, plus a range of graduate programs, including an LL.M. (for those who already hold a law degree) and a specialized Master of Science in the Law of Technology (for people whose careers intersect with tech and law).
Their J.D. program comes with strong hands‑on training. Fo,r example, their “Legal Skills & Values” sequence teaches you to do research, write, and argue just like a lawyer from early on. They also have international and graduate legal programs for foreign‐trained attorneys or global students.
5. Stetson University College of Law (Gulfport / Tampa Bay, Florida)
Stetson Law is well‑known, especially for its courtroom preparation and advocacy skills. Their J.D. program (both full‑time and “Flex” options) gives you the standard law foundation plus special emphasis in trial advocacy.
You’ll also find many clinics and externships: Stetson guarantees that every student has the opportunity to participate in a clinic or work in a field placement, offering real legal work experience during law school.
On top of that, they offer dual and joint degrees (for example, a JD plus LLM or JD plus MBA) and international study abroad programs in places like Oxford or Madrid.
6. Ave Maria School of Law (Naples, Florida)
Ave Maria offers a J.D. with 90 credit hours required. The school’s philosophy integrates legal education with moral foundations and the natural law tradition, so if values‑based education is important to you, that’s part of the environment.
In year one, you’ll take foundational courses like Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Property, Legal Analysis, Writing & Research, plus a dedicated “Moral Foundations of the Law” course. The program also ensures you get “experiential” credits — through externships, simulations, or clinics (6 credits of experiential work).
7. Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law (Davie / Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
NSU Law offers a flexible law education with both a three‑year full‑time J.D. and a four‑year part‑time J.D. option for people working while studying. The curriculum is designed to include both traditional courses and more innovative ones like simulations, externships, and clinical work, so students are practicing law, not just reading about it.
They also provide concentrations you can pick if you want to specialize. For example: Health Law, Intellectual Property, Technology & Cybersecurity, and International Law. So, NSU Law might work well if you want flexible scheduling or already have work commitments, plus you’re interested in a specific legal niche.
8. St. Thomas University College of Law (Miami Gardens, Florida)
St. Thomas Law offers a J.D. program with a strong emphasis on community, mentorship, and real legal practice. Their curriculum focuses not just on academic law study but on building relationships and having mentors in the legal field help you along the way.
They also provide dual‑degree or joint programs (e.g., J.D. + MBA, J.D. + M.S.W., etc) which may appeal if you intend to combine law with business or social work.
9. Florida A&M University College of Law (Orlando, Florida)
FAMU Law is part of a historically Black university and emphasizes access, community service, and legal education for broader participation. The J.D. program includes standard law courses and opportunities for clinics, internships, and public service. (General info found through the school website and broader sources.)
If you’re interested in a law career connected with public interest, service, or working with underserved communities, FAMU Law could align with your goals.
10. Barry University Dwayne O. Andreas School of Law (Orlando / Miami, Florida)
Barry Law offers both a full‑time three‑year J.D. program and a part‑time evening program (typically four years) for working students. The curriculum is built to enhance your analytical ability, writing skills, communication, and ethics in law practice.
They also offer externship programs where you can work as a certified legal intern in real law offices, government agencies, or courtrooms. So if you need flexible scheduling or plan to work while studying, Barry Law offers real options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How quickly can I start practicing law in Florida after graduation?
Once you finish law school, you need to pass the Florida Bar Exam to practice in the state. Many graduates spend several months preparing for the exam while seeking job opportunities.
The total timeline from graduation to practicing can vary, but most students start working in legal roles within a year after finishing school.
2. Which areas of law are in high demand in Florida right now?
Florida has strong demand in areas like real estate law, healthcare law, business and corporate law, and immigration law. Coastal and tourism-related businesses also create opportunities for contract and hospitality law. Public sector roles, including government and regulatory positions, are steady options as well.
3. Can I find part-time or flexible law programs if I need to work while studying?
Yes. Several Florida law schools offer part-time J.D. programs, evening classes, or hybrid courses. This flexibility helps students who are working, managing family commitments, or looking to transition careers while pursuing their law degree.
4. How important is hands-on experience before I graduate?
Very important. Employers in Florida often look for candidates who have participated in internships, clinics, or externships. These experiences help you apply classroom knowledge, build professional networks, and improve your chances of landing a job after graduation.
5. Does graduating from a top-ranked Florida law school guarantee a high-paying job?
Not necessarily. While attending a highly ranked school can open doors, success also depends on networking, internships, bar performance, and your focus area. Many graduates from smaller or mid-tier schools find fulfilling and well-paid roles by targeting in-demand specialties and gaining practical experience.