Can you take the Florida Bar Exam if you have a criminal record?

Selecting to disclose a criminal record when applying to take the Florida Bar Exam is crucial and consistent with the principles governing the admission of lawyers. The Florida Bar requires applicants to provide a complete background, including any criminal history, as part of the character and fitness evaluation process.

This means that while having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from taking the Bar Exam, prospective candidates must fully disclose their criminal history during the application process. The Florida Bar then assesses the applicant's character and fitness to practice law, taking into consideration the nature of the offense, how much time has passed since the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, and the applicant's subsequent conduct.

The character and fitness process emphasizes rehabilitation and the potential of an applicant to serve in the legal profession appropriately. Therefore, one can take the exam as long as they provide the necessary disclosures regarding their criminal background, which allows for a fair assessment of their eligibility.