The Florida Rules of Professional Conduct are the ethics rules every Florida lawyer must follow — what your lawyer is required to do for you, and what they are forbidden from doing. Below are the rules we’ve broken down in plain English, from a client’s point of view. Citations are to the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, Rule 4-X.X.

The Florida Rules of Professional Conduct

• Rule 4-1.1 — Competence
• Rule 4-1.2 — Objectives and Scope of Representation
• Rule 4-1.3 — Diligence
• Rule 4-1.4 — Communication
• Rule 4-1.5 — Fees and Costs for Legal Services
• Rule 4-1.6 — Confidentiality of Information
• Rule 4-1.7 — Conflict of Interest; Current Clients
• Rule 4-1.8 — Conflict of Interest; Prohibited and Other Transactions
• Rule 4-1.9 — Conflict of Interest; Former Client
• Rule 4-1.10 — Imputation of Conflicts of Interest; General Rule
• Rule 4-1.11 — Special Conflicts of Interest for Former and Current Government Officers and Employees
• Rule 4-1.12 — Former Judge or Arbitrator, Mediator or Other Third-party Neutral
• Rule 4-1.13 — Organization as Client
• Rule 4-1.14 — Client with Diminished Capacity
• Rule 4-1.15 — Safekeeping Property
• Rule 4-1.16 — Declining or Terminating Representation
• Rule 4-1.17 — Sale of Law Practice
• Rule 4-1.18 — Duties to Prospective Client
• Rule 4-1.19 — Collaborative Law Process in Family Law
• Rule 4-2.1 — Adviser
• Rule 4-2.3 — Evaluation for Use by Third Persons
• Rule 4-2.4 — Lawyer Serving as Third-party Neutral
• Rule 4-3.1 — Meritorious Claims and Contentions
• Rule 4-3.2 — Expediting Litigation
• Rule 4-3.3 — Candor Toward the Tribunal
• Rule 4-3.4 — Fairness to Opposing Party and Counsel
• Rule 4-3.5 — Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
• Rule 4-3.6 — Trial Publicity
• Rule 4-3.7 — Lawyer as Witness
• Rule 4-3.8 — Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
• Rule 4-3.9 — Advocate in Nonadjudicative Proceedings
• Rule 4-4.1 — Truthfulness in Statements to Others
• Rule 4-4.2 — Communication with Person Represented by Counsel
• Rule 4-4.3 — Dealing with Unrepresented Persons
• Rule 4-4.4 — Respect for Rights of Third Persons
• Rule 4-5.1 — Responsibilities of Partners, Managers, and Supervisory Lawyers
• Rule 4-5.2 — Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
• Rule 4-5.3 — Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
• Rule 4-5.4 — Professional Independence of a Lawyer
• Rule 4-5.5 — Unlicensed Practice of Law; Multijurisdictional Practice of Law
• Rule 4-5.6 — Restrictions on Right to Practice
• Rule 4-5.7 — Responsibilities Regarding Nonlegal Services
• Rule 4-6.1 — Pro Bono Public Service
• Rule 4-6.2 — Accepting Appointments
• Rule 4-6.3 — Membership in Legal Services Organization
• Rule 4-6.4 — Law Reform Activities Affecting Client Interests
• Rule 4-6.5 — Voluntary Pro Bono Plan
• Rule 4-6.6 — Short-term Limited Legal Services Programs
• Rule 4-7.11 — Application of Rules
• Rule 4-7.12 — Required Content
• Rule 4-7.13 — Deceptive and Inherently Misleading Advertisements
• Rule 4-7.14 — Potentially Misleading Advertisements
• Rule 4-7.15 — Unduly Manipulative or Intrusive Advertisements
• Rule 4-7.16 — Presumptively Valid Content
• Rule 4-7.17 — Payment for Advertising and Promotion
• Rule 4-7.18 — Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
• Rule 4-7.19 — Evaluation of Advertisements
• Rule 4-7.20 — Exemptions from the Filing and Review Requirement
• Rule 4-7.21 — Firm Names and Letterhead
• Rule 4-7.22 — Referrals, Directories and Pooled Advertising
• Rule 4-8.1 — Bar Admission and Disciplinary Matters
• Rule 4-8.2 — Judicial and Legal Officials
• Rule 4-8.3 — Reporting Professional Misconduct
• Rule 4-8.4 — Misconduct
• Rule 4-8.5 — Jurisdiction
• Rule 4-8.6 — Authorized Business Entities

Part of The Ethics Rule Book by Phillips, Hunt & Walker, hosted by John M. Phillips. Educational only — not legal advice. Free consultation: (904) 444-4444.