Georgia (GA)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 70%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 78%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Florida (FL)
Non-UBE- Overall Pass Rate
- 65%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 77%
- Passing Score
- State-specific
- Exam Dates
- February and July
- MBE Subjects
- 7
Detailed Comparison
| Category | Georgia (GA) | Florida (FL) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | 2-day exam: Day 1 (2 MPT tasks + 4 Georgia essays) and Day 2 (200-question MBE) | 2-day exam: Part A (Florida-specific essays + 100 MC questions) and Part B (200-question MBE) |
| UBE Status | Non-UBE | Non-UBE |
| Passing Score | State-specific scoring | State-specific scoring |
| Overall Pass Rate | 70% | 65% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 78% | 77% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | Georgia Practice and Procedure, Georgia Evidence, Georgia Professional Ethics, Georgia Family Law, Georgia Wills and Estates | Florida Constitutional Law, Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, Florida Family Law, Florida Wills and Administration of Estates, Florida Professional Responsibility |
| Essay Topics |
|
|
| Bar Admission Authority | Georgia Office of Bar Admissions | Florida Board of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | Georgia conducts a thorough character and fitness evaluation including criminal background checks, financial history review, and verification of employment and academic records. Applicants must demonstrate fitness to practice law. | Florida conducts a rigorous character and fitness investigation including extensive background checks, fingerprinting, and review of financial, criminal, and academic history. The Florida Board of Bar Examiners may require personal interviews. |
| Reciprocity | Georgia does not use the UBE and does not accept transferred bar scores. Attorneys from other states must take the Georgia bar exam or may qualify for admission by motion if they have been actively practicing for 5 of the last 7 years in a reciprocal jurisdiction. | Florida does not participate in the UBE and does not accept transferred bar scores from other states. Attorneys from other jurisdictions must take the full Florida Bar Exam or may qualify for admission without examination if they have practiced for 10 of the last 13 years. |
| Pass Rate Trend | rising | rising |
| Study Timeline | 10-14 weeks full-time, with dedicated focus on Georgia-specific law | 10-14 weeks full-time, with extra time dedicated to Florida-specific subjects |
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Georgia
Key Facts & Study Tips
Georgia Key Facts
- Georgia does not use the UBE but incorporates MBE and MPT components alongside Georgia-specific essays
- The July 2024 exam had the highest overall passing rate in Georgia in 10 years
- A scaled score of 270 out of 400 is required to pass the Georgia bar exam
- Georgia is transitioning to the NextGen bar exam beginning July 2028
Georgia Study Tips
- Study Georgia-specific distinctions heavily since the four essay questions test Georgia law specifically
- Focus on Georgia Practice and Procedure as it is a commonly tested and heavily weighted essay topic
- Master both MPT formats since Georgia includes two 90-minute MPT tasks on Day 1
- Review Georgia Professional Ethics rules as they differ from the Model Rules in key areas
- Practice Georgia-specific essay questions from prior exams available through the Georgia Office of Bar Admissions
- Allocate study time proportionally: 50% MBE subjects, 30% Georgia essays, 20% MPT skills
Florida Key Facts
- Florida administers its own state-specific bar exam and does not use the UBE
- The University of Florida Levin College of Law consistently achieves the highest bar passage rate among Florida law schools at over 90%
- Florida requires a combined scaled score of 136 out of 200 to pass
- Florida has one of the largest bar exam test-taking populations in the country
Florida Study Tips
- Dedicate significant study time to Florida-specific subjects, which account for half your score on Part A
- Master Florida distinctions in Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Civil Procedure as they differ from federal rules
- Practice the 100 Florida multiple-choice questions extensively using Florida-specific prep materials
- Study Florida Constitutional Law thoroughly as it is frequently tested on both essays and multiple choice
- Aim for a combined scaled score well above 136 on Part A and Part B for a comfortable pass
- Take a Florida-specific bar review course rather than relying solely on a national UBE course