Keeping your law firm’s advertising in line with Florida Bar regulations is about to get a little sweeter. Starting May 1, 2025, the Florida Bar will shift its advertisement opinion process to email-only, cutting out the paper trail while keeping things just as official. While this shift modernizes how lawyers receive feedback on their ads, the initial filing process remains unchanged, at least for now.
What’s Changing?
If you submit advertisements for approval under Rule 4-7.19, here’s what you need to know:
- Opinion Letters Sent via Email – Say goodbye to snail mail! After May 1, 2025, all advertisement opinions will be sent directly to the responsible lawyer’s Bar profile email address.
- Individual Email Responses for Each Ad – Submitting multiple ads? Expect individual emails for each one rather than a single response covering them all.
- New Advertisement File Number Format – Ads reviewed after May 1, 2025, will follow this new format: [YYMM-XXXXX] (e.g., the first ad reviewed in May 2025 will be numbered 2505-00001).
What’s Not Changing?
Despite the shift to email responses, the filing process itself remains the same.
- You must still submit advertisements by mail or physical delivery.
- Online filing is not yet available, though it’s in the works.
- Payments must still be made by check, payable to ‘The Florida Bar.’
All filings should continue to be mailed to:
The Florida Bar
Ethics & Advertising
651 E. Jefferson St.
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
What Should Law Firms Do Now?
- Update Your Bar Profile Email – Since opinions will now be sent via email, make sure your MyFloridaBar Member Portal details are up to date to avoid missing important communications.
- Prepare for More Emails – If you regularly submit multiple advertisements, be prepared for multiple email responses instead of a consolidated letter.
- Stay Ahead of Compliance Updates – While online filing isn’t here yet, it is expected to drop soon. Keep an eye on Florida Bar News for future announcements.
Need Help Keeping Your Ads Compliant (and Sweet)?
Making sure your law firm’s advertisements meet Florida Bar advertising rules can feel sticky and time-consuming. Thankfully, we’ve got the perfect recipe to keep your marketing compliant and converting.
- Check out our Florida Bar Compliance Tips for a quick cheat sheet on what is allowed (and what will land you in hot water).
- Need advertising that’s compliant and effective? Our Law Firm Advertising Services help you attract the right cases without the risk of violations.
This update is just one step in the Florida Bar’s move toward a smoother, more digital process. Sweet, simple, and Bar-approved. Just how we like it.