How to Become a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Florida
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Florida earn a median salary of $60,280/year, which is 1% below the national average. Florida has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a paralegals and legal assistants takes home approximately $2,794/month. Most positions require Associate's degree.
What a paralegals and legal assistants can afford in Florida
Becoming a paralegals and legal assistants in Florida
Meet education requirements
Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions in Florida typically require Associate's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Florida. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many paralegals and legal assistants positions in Florida require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Florida licensure or certification
Florida may require specific licensing or professional certification for paralegals and legal assistantss. Requirements vary by state — contact the Florida Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Florida
Florida employs 37,410 paralegals and legal assistants. The highest concentrations are in Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary by metro area in Florida
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach | $63K | $30.31/hr | 15,160 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater | $62K | $30.01/hr | 5,250 |
| Cape Coral-Fort Myers | $60K | $29.06/hr | 980 |
| Jacksonville | $60K | $28.83/hr | 2,200 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota | $59K | $28.56/hr | 860 |
| Port St. Lucie | $59K | $28.39/hr | 500 |
| Naples-Marco Island | $58K | $28.11/hr | 500 |
| Lakeland-Winter Haven | $55K | $26.64/hr | 510 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford | $54K | $25.99/hr | 5,940 |
| Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin | $52K | $25.17/hr | 300 |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville | $52K | $24.83/hr | 530 |
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor | $51K | $24.57/hr | 190 |
| Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach | $51K | $24.55/hr | 510 |
| Punta Gorda | $51K | $24.43/hr | 120 |
| Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent | $51K | $24.29/hr | 910 |
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary range in Florida
Paralegals and Legal Assistants careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paralegals and legal assistants make in Florida?▼
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Florida is $60,280 per year ($28.98/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $61,010. Salaries range from $37,440 to $82,450.
What are the requirements to become a paralegals and legal assistants in Florida?▼
Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions in Florida typically require Associate's degree. Florida may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Florida licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a paralegals and legal assistants afford to live in Florida?▼
At the median salary of $60,280, a paralegals and legal assistants in Florida would take home approximately $4,206/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 33.6% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for paralegals and legal assistants in Florida?▼
The highest paying metro areas for paralegals and legal assistants in Florida are Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach ($63,050), Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater ($62,420), Cape Coral-Fort Myers ($60,450). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Florida have state income tax for paralegals and legal assistants?▼
No, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means paralegals and legal assistants keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.