Best Online Paralegal Certifications in Florida (FL)

If you’re interested in law and want to make a difference in your community, then a career as a paralegal could be a good fit for you. By becoming a paralegal in Florida, you’ll play an important role in the legal system even if you don’t want to become an attorney. The paralegal profession is fast-paced and challenging, allowing you to gain expertise in different areas of law as you work alongside attorneys and clients.

Now is a great time to pursue an online paralegal program in Florida, as paralegals are in high demand. According to Projections Central, in the coming years the profession will have a 24.9 percent increase in jobs—which amounts to 5,060 positions added annually. And once you meet the Florida paralegal requirements and land a job, you’ll earn a salary of around $56,650 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Keep reading to learn more about paralegal programs in Florida. You’ll find information on some of the best paralegal schools in Florida, as well as the different types of degrees available and how you can pay for your education.

Ranking the Top Online Paralegal Degree Programs in FL

If you’re concerned that your busy schedule may preclude you from going back to school, then an online paralegal program in Florida is the answer. Depending on the program, you may be able to study partially or entirely online, which provides the convenience you need and saves you money. The following is our ranking of the top online paralegal degree programs in the state, so you can get an idea of what schools should be at the top of your own list during your program search.

Florida International University

Florida International University offers a paralegal certificate that takes one year, allowing graduates to step into the workforce quickly. During their studies, students take coursework on legal research and writing, concepts in the legal system, and civil procedures. Additionally, students learn about different types of law they may encounter during their career, such as criminal, family, constitutional, real estate, and tort law. Courses at this online paralegal program in Florida are taught by knowledgeable and skilled attorneys and judges who draw on their own experiences to provide students with a look at real-world legal issues.

Florida International University charges per semester. During the first semester the tuition is$2,495, and then in the subsequent two semesters the rate is$2,300. The entire program is delivered online.

University of South Florida

The University of South Florida offers an online paralegal certification program created by paralegals, lawyers, and judges to ensure students get the skills employers need in various work settings. The program is a good choice for those already working full time because students complete the online coursework at their own pace. As they work through their classes, students are assigned to an instructor who serves as a mentor and facilitator. So although students work when it’s most convenient for them, they’re never alone as they learn. In addition, students are given all the resources they need to succeed, including subscriptions to Lexis and Westlaw, access to writing labs, interactive online support, and customized tests.

Also, the University of South Florida offers specialty certificates for those who have completed the school’s general paralegal program or have worked in the field and want to focus on a particular area. Students complete concentrations in areas such as bankruptcy, elder, healthcare, immigration, and personal injury law.

Types of Paralegal Degrees You Can Earn in Florida

Whether you choose to complete a program online or on campus, you’ll discover different types of paralegal certifications in Florida, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your goals and the education you’ve already completed. Below we take a look at those paralegal degrees and provide information on the paralegal schools in Florida that offer them.

Undergraduate Paralegal Degrees in Florida

Paying for Your Paralegal Degree in Florida

Although many paralegal schools in Florida are affordable, most students are still concerned about how they’re going to pay for their education. As with other education programs, financial aid opportunities are available as you work through Florida paralegal requirements. You can receive scholarships, loans, and grants from multiple sources, such as the school you attend, state and federal governments, and law firms. Also, professional paralegal associations provide funding to support those interested in entering this field. For example, the Paralegal Association of Florida offers scholarships of up to $500.

For more information about the financing options paralegal students have, review our financial aid and scholarship guides.

Salary & Growth for Paralegal Grads in Florida

The job outlook is good, so after completing a program at a paralegal school in Florida, you’ll have many opportunities to choose from. The projections for specific areas of Florida differ depending on the location. For example, FloridaCommerce reports that by 2030, there will be 14.7 percent growth in paralegal jobs in Sarasota County, 26.3 percent in Orange County, and 16 percent in Miami-Dade County.

As with job projections, salaries vary by location. Those in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach areas make $59,360 annually, Tallahassee paralegals make $50,050, and professionals in Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford make $53,550.

Sources: Projections Central; Bureau of Labor Statistics

Florida Paralegal Professional and Student Resources

• Central Florida Paralegal Association
  To promote high standards among local paralegals, the Central Florida Paralegal Association offers several resources, including social activities and meetings for members, newsletters, and continuing legal education. Also, members have access to a job referral service and professional development services.
• Northwest Florida Paralegal Association
  The Northwest Florida Paralegal Association has the mission of promoting the field through education and awareness. To do this, the organization provides seminars and other events.
• Paralegal Association of Florida
  Since 1976, the Paralegal Association of Florida has represented the needs of paralegals around the state. Students join the organization if they’re enrolled in an accredited paralegal program and taking at least six credits of law-related coursework.
• South Florida Paralegal Association
  The South Florida Paralegal Association offers continuing education, membership meetings, and seminars designed to empower members of the field. The organization is an affiliate of the National Association of Legal Assistants and the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.
• Southwest Florida Paralegal Association
  The Southwest Florida Paralegal Association has been working to build a strong community of paralegals since its inception in 1997. Member benefits include access to a job bank and continuing education courses.