Sunny Florida welcomes you to study as a paralegal.
Pick up courses in paralegal studies and gain an education to work in a courtroom or law office.
Learn what to know about being a paralegal with this guide on colleges and programs.
You will be able to become a licensed and certified paralegal expediently.
1 Broward College
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
The Associate of Science degree in paralegal studies at Broward College is a two-year course.
In this program, you gain a general education and training in legal assisting.
Classes are held on the:
- Judson A. Samuels South Campus
- The North Campus
Study to be a paralegal with your high school diploma or GED as a program requirement.
Train in legal assisting and be prepared to work in a law-related profession or as a legal aide.
This program meets the needs of the American Bar Association (ABA) for paralegals and paraprofessionals.
The total course runs for two years, leading to an AS degree in paralegal studies.
You can apply this degree to further educational attainments to earn additional diplomas or your bachelor’s degree.
An internship is optional for students who want hands-on, applicable training in paralegal studies.
Contact Information
- Address: 4205 Bonaventure Blvd., Weston, FL 33332
- Phone: 954-201-7350
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Florida Atlantic University
Paralegal Certificate
At Florida Atlantic University, students excel in paralegal studies to earn a certificate.
This program is aimed at college graduates and adults seeking professional training.
Unlike a traditional course, the paralegal certificate program has 12 classes and 375 contact hours.
Through the FAU College of Social Work and Criminal Justice, students in legal studies and continuing education courses can earn a paralegal certificate.
The Florida Atlantic University course is an online program.
Train remotely as a paralegal and gain the insightful skills needed to work in a law office or courtroom.
Within one year, you will have earned a certificate as a paralegal.
Enroll in up to three classes at once and work with actual lawyers who instruct the courses.
Contact Information
- Address: 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 33431
- Phone: 561-297-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
3 University of South Florida
Paralegal Studies Certificate
Students can earn a paralegal studies certificate at the University of South Florida (USF).
The Corporate Training and Professional Education department also provides advanced paralegal certificates.
You are prepared to further your career once you have your paralegal studies certificate.
Delve into criminal or immigration law or study civil defense and corporate law.
The course is a 13-week program with all coursework conducted online.
With remote courses and live instruction, you gain a perspective as a paralegal in rapid time.
The total cost of the program is $6,995.
However, a line of credit option exists for students to help cover $5,000 in tuition and fees.
Contact Information
- Address: 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620
- Phone: 813-974-2011
- Website: Visit School Website
4 Seminole State College
Legal Assistant / Paralegal Associate in Science
Get the training you need to be a paralegal in Florida with an Associate in Science in paralegal and legal assistant studies.
At Seminole State College, students gain a strong foothold in law and the judicial system.
With a two-year degree, you can pursue additional training with a bachelor’s degree or a certificate in advanced paralegal training.
The tuition at Seminole State College is $3,131 a year, while books and supplies are $1,000 a year.
Room and board are not included because this two-year school does not have housing on campus.
However, within two years and for $8,000 on average, you can have your associate’s in legal assistant and paralegal studies.
Contact Information
- Address: 100 Weldon Blvd., Sanford, FL 32773
- Phone: 407-708-4722
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Barry University
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in English With a Legal Studies Concentration
At the Barry University School of Law, go for a four-year degree and earn your bachelor of arts.
A BA degree in English with a legal studies concentration from sunny Orlando, FL.
You can also become a certified legal assistant (CLA) with training at Barry University.
The School of Law is a prestigious department that also provides a law degree for lawyers and attorneys.
If you hope to become an attorney one day after starting as a paralegal, this school offers the most advancement in training.
Contact Information
- Address: 11300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, FL 33168
- Phone: 305-899-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Valencia College
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
Students interested in a two-year degree to become paralegals should apply for the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies at Valencia College.
The college with a name like the state’s popular citrus fruit is located in Orlando, FL, ready to serve you.
Learn what is involved in daily tasks as a paralegal in this AS program.
Earn a degree that can be applied to further educational attainments, whether you want to earn a bachelor’s degree or a master of law.
The Valencia College program provides students with ABA-approved training–they are one of only nine ABA-certified courses in the state.
Choose ABA-approved training to ensure you have the proper certification for licensing as a paralegal.
VC meets those standards while offering in-person training in a traditional college setting.
Contact Information
- Address: P.O. Box 3028, Orlando, FL 32802
- Phone: 407-582-1306
- Website: Visit School Website
7 College of Central Florida
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
The College of Central Florida’s legal department offers training in paralegal studies and legal assisting.
Discover what it takes to be a paralegal with an associate of science in paralegal studies.
This Ocala, Florida college works with students who want to pursue certification.
Train to take and pass the CP / CLA exam for certified paralegals and certified legal assistants.
The exam costs $275 upon completing the AS in paralegal studies course at the College of Central Florida.
Contact Information
- Address: 3001 SW College Rd., Ocala, FL 34474
- Phone: 352-873-5800
- Website: Visit School Website
8 Daytona State College
Paralegal Studies Associate of Science Certificate
Become a certified paralegal in Florida after you attend Daytona State College.
Between classes, hit the sand and surf for some rest at the glorious Daytona Beach.
Meanwhile, as a paralegal with an associate of science certificate, you will have the training to work in law.
Be ready to serve as a legal aide or paralegal with this AS degree from Daytona State College.
There are 15 general election requirements and six communication credits necessary for this program’s graduation.
This gives you a general education that is beyond paralegal studies.
If you have never attended college, consider this associate of science degree for a jumping-off point.
An AS degree is necessary to pursue a bachelor’s degree, often the minimum requirement for employers wanting to hire you.
To prepare for the paralegal workforce, start working on your educational attainments.
With certificates and degrees in legal studies, you will be ready to work, and your resume will speak volumes to future employers.
Contact Information
- Address: 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32114
- Phone: 386-506-3000
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Eastern Florida State College
Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
At Eastern Florida State College, interested applicants can start with an advising appointment for the paralegal program.
Talk to a professor to see if this program is the correct route for your legal career.
If so, the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies is a two-year program.
Gain the skills you need to be a licensed and certified paralegal with this AS degree from EFSC.
Keep in mind this program for paralegal studies is a limited-access program.
This is why you first must be advised by a professor at the college.
As a result, only students who have the capacity and are ready to be a paralegal are admitted into the program.
Along with the coursework, the program includes a one-semester-long internship.
Once you graduate, you are prepared and ready to sit for a certificate board exam as a paralegal.
Contact Information
- Address: 1519 Clearlake Rd., Cocoa, FL 32922
- Phone: 321-632-1111
- Website: Visit School Website
10 University of West Florida
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
To be a paralegal as fast as possible, consider a certificate in paralegal studies.
In Pensacola, FL, the University of West Florida students can train to be paralegals in a 100 percent online course.
The program takes only 12 months to complete, leading to certification once you sit for a board exam.
The total cost for the paralegal studies certificate at the University of West Florida is $2,695.
An exam voucher to cover the costs of sitting for a paralegal board exam is included in the total cost.
Contact Information
- Address: 11000 University Pkwy., Pensacola, FL 32514
- Phone: 850-474-2000
- Website: Visit School Website
11 Nova Southeastern University
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL, at the Shepard Broad College of Law, provides extensive training for law school students.
If you already have an associate or bachelor’s degree and are interested in a professional certificate in paralegal studies, check out Nova Southeastern University.
This program is a post-baccalaureate certificate that is eligible for BA and BS holders.
However, you are not eligible if you do not have a college degree.
Tuition is $1,130 per credit hour to NSU, and student fees range from $300 to $600.
However, this school offers a more traditional pathway to gaining the training to work as a paralegal.
Along with a certificate in paralegal studies, you also have the opportunity to work toward higher education.
After completing this course, get a law school degree and become an attorney working in a law library.
Contact Information
- Address: 3300 S University Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
- Phone: 800-541-6682
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
Paralegal Salary Information
Paralegals who live and work in Florida can expect a salary ranging from $30,000 to $68,000 a year.
Earnings for paralegals in FL over a year are an estimated $46,000 median salary.
Earn more with a degree and certification from an ABA program and school in Florida.
Whether you train online or in person, you can get a degree or certificate to propel your career.
Paralegals in Delaware earn a comparative salary of $48,841 for entry-level assignments.
If you live in Arizona, expect to earn more at $74,900 a year.
The US average for paralegal salaries ranges from $59,330 to $119,420 annually.
| Item | Percent |
|---|---|
$56K |
|
$63K |
|
$71K |
Average Salary in Florida
| City Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| Jacksonville | $63,585 |
| Miami | $64,904 |
| Tampa | $63,652 |
| St. Petersburg | $63,666 |
| Hialeah | $64,602 |
| Orlando | $63,526 |
| Fort Lauderdale | $64,943 |
| Tallahassee | $60,254 |
| Hollywood | $64,943 |
| Pembroke Pines | $64,522 |
Regional Salary
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL | ** | $55,160 | $26.52 | $75,190 | $38,050 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL | 230 | $50,110 | $24.09 | $72,820 | $31,120 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL | 500 | $49,670 | $23.88 | $69,430 | $33,880 |
| Gainesville, FL | 320 | $50,430 | $24.25 | $72,190 | $28,080 |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | 60 | $43,050 | $20.7 | $60,750 | $28,000 |
| Jacksonville, FL | 2,210 | $57,270 | $27.54 | $81,420 | $38,120 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL | 560 | $50,060 | $24.07 | $64,700 | $35,090 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 13,240 | $59,360 | $28.54 | $80,710 | $37,870 |
| Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island, FL | 530 | $56,660 | $27.24 | $78,400 | $39,740 |
| North Port-Sarasota-Bradenton, FL | 760 | $52,630 | $25.3 | $73,290 | $35,560 |
| Ocala, FL | 210 | $46,400 | $22.31 | $63,780 | $29,000 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 5,990 | $53,550 | $25.75 | $75,540 | $35,510 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL | 620 | $54,400 | $26.16 | $73,840 | $35,360 |
| Panama City, FL | 210 | $47,600 | $22.89 | $60,270 | $31,580 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL | 830 | $51,670 | $24.84 | $71,530 | $34,740 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | 540 | $51,010 | $24.53 | $74,610 | $30,490 |
| Punta Gorda, FL | 100 | $51,270 | $24.65 | $71,650 | $30,910 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach, FL | 160 | $50,620 | $24.34 | $72,760 | $32,910 |
| Sebring, FL | 40 | $44,340 | $21.32 | $60,700 | $32,180 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 1,050 | $50,050 | $24.06 | $61,210 | $35,110 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 5,550 | $60,640 | $29.15 | $82,730 | $38,650 |
| The Villages, FL | 40 | $48,160 | $23.15 | $65,070 | $28,270 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Paralegal Programs by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Choosing the right paralegal program is a significant step in starting a legal career, This list of the best programs provides valuable options for aspiring paralegals.
I completed a paralegal program in Florida and can vouch for the quality of my education and the skills I gained. It truly prepared me for a successful career in the legal field.