Florida, a state in the southeastern United States, is a strong place to pursue a law degree. The state is home to several nationally recognized law schools and a large legal market, and the Florida Bar’s July 2025 results reported 2,152 first-time, full-exam takers, with 1,687 passing. Florida also has many routes for attorneys to demonstrate specialization: The Florida Bar lists 26 board certification areas, including Adoption Law, Elder Law, Intellectual Property Law, and International Law. These options can help students explore focused career paths in the legal community. In this article, we will be looking at the best law schools in Florida.
Beyond these facts, there are more reasons why Florida makes a great place to pursue a career in law. The state boasts a warm climate that is ideal for outdoor activities. Its beaches and lively amusement parks can provide a needed break from academic stress. Florida is also a multicultural society that gives students an opportunity to learn more about different communities, which is valuable for a future legal career.
The Sunshine State has nationally ranked law schools, including programs recognized for strong bar results, public-law-school rankings, trial advocacy, legal writing, public interest work, and specialty areas such as tax, environmental law, business law, and international law. While many students prefer to study close to home, others choose Florida for its combination of strong law programs, major legal markets, and quality of life.
Top Law Schools in Florida
1. University of Florida Levin College of Law
The Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida, located in Gainesville, is one of the top-ranked law schools in Florida. The law school emphasizes a diverse, dynamic, and professional learning environment. Founded in 1909, the school has developed a strong reputation for legal education, scholarship, and practice preparation. UF Law offers field placements and externship options that allow students to earn credit while gaining practical legal experience in Florida and across the country.
UF Law offers several degree options, including the nation’s first Doctor of Juridical Science (S.J.D.) in Taxation. Its Graduate Tax Program includes LL.M. degrees in Taxation and International Taxation, as well as the S.J.D. in Taxation, and UF lists its tax law program as the No. 1 public law school tax program. With its broad alumni network, commonly associated with the Gator Nation, graduates can draw on a large professional community while building their legal careers.
The school’s vibrant and intellectually stimulating community allows students to engage in pro bono work, clinics, and field placements. More importantly, the school encourages students to improve their critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills so they can share ideas effectively with other members of the legal community.
2. Florida State University
The College of Law at Florida State University, located in Tallahassee, is another top law school in Florida. The college places strong emphasis on preparing students for success in law, government, and business. Its academic strengths include business law, environmental law, international law, tax law, constitutional law, and contracts/commercial law. It also offers access to hands-on learning through clinical programs, externships, the Business Law Clinic, and the Public Interest Law Center, where students can earn academic credit while serving underrepresented clients.
After welcoming its first students in 1966, the college has gained national recognition. In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings released in April 2026, Florida State Law reported a No. 34 overall ranking, No. 14 among public law schools, and a No. 1 ranking in Florida, tied with the University of Florida. It also reports top-25 public-law-school rankings in five specialty areas: environmental law, contracts/commercial law, tax law, constitutional law, and international law. Above all these, the university helps students pursue public service and make a difference in the world.
3. University of Miami
Located in Coral Gables, the School of Law at the University of Miami, or Miami Law, is among the top law schools in Florida. The school values excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service to students, alumni, and the community, while supporting innovation in legal education. Miami Law offers 18 J.D. areas of study, including Maritime Law and Health Care Law. Beyond its J.D. and LL.M. degrees, students can pursue additional academic and practical experiences through public interest opportunities, clinics, joint degrees, and advanced programs such as the S.J.D.
Miami Law, founded in 1926, has an alumni network of more than 23,000 graduates in 95 countries. Its long history, broad alumni base, and emphasis on serving the community contribute to its recognition in legal education.
4. Florida International University
The College of Law at Florida International University, located in Miami, blends scholarly attention with real-world experiences that prepare students for modern legal practice. Founded in 2000, FIU Law is Miami’s public law school and offers degree programs that include the J.D., J.M., LL.M., and Master of Science in the Law of Technology. To supplement students’ legal experience, it also offers clinical programs such as the Carlos A. Costa Immigration and Human Rights Clinic and legal externship programs. Students can also participate in advocacy teams, including the Trial Team, and the Pro Bono Program by providing legal services to underserved community members.
The university extends support to its students through scholarship programs, student organizations, and student services. FIU Law has also continued to rise in national recognition: in April 2026, FIU reported that its overall U.S. News ranking improved to No. 77 nationally, with its part-time program ranked No. 12 and international law ranked No. 29. Its alumni and professional networks provide additional support to students as they prepare to enter the legal industry.
5. Stetson University College of Law
We end our list of best law schools in Florida with the College of Law at Stetson University. Founded in 1900, Stetson is Florida’s first law school. Located in Gulfport, in the Tampa Bay area, the college provides a blend of legal doctrine and practical training. Recognized for its trial advocacy and legal writing, Stetson also offers strong programs and concentrations connected to areas such as Elder Law, Higher Education Law, International Law, Social Justice Advocacy, Environmental Law, and Caribbean Law. More than 30 clinic and externship courses, offered through approximately 60 hosting organizations, provide students with extensive practical learning opportunities.
All admitted first-year students are automatically considered for Stetson’s multi-year scholarships, helping many students manage the cost of law school. Faculty members are also supportive, serving as mentors, student organization advisers, and advocacy team coaches. Students can also expand their networks while earning their degrees through Stetson’s international study opportunities in locations such as Australia, the Cayman Islands, England, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and South Africa.
I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, check out the available courses for international students and the USA Scholarships Page.
