- Overall Pass Rate
- 63%
- First-Time Pass Rate
- 78%
- Passing Score
- UBE 266
- 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 | New York (NY) | Florida (FL) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Format | UBE (MBE + MEE + MPT) — MBE 50%, MEE 30%, MPT 20%. Two-day exam. Day 1: written portion with MPT and MEE. Day 2: 200-question MBE in two 3-hour sessions. Additionally, New York requires completion of the NYLC and passage of the NYLE, plus 50 hours of pro bono service. | 2-day exam: Part A (Florida-specific essays + 100 MC questions) and Part B (200-question MBE) |
| UBE Status | UBE | Non-UBE |
| Passing Score | UBE 266 | State-specific scoring |
| Overall Pass Rate | 63% | 65% |
| First-Time Pass Rate | 78% | 77% |
| Exam Dates | February and July | February and July |
| MBE Subjects | 7 subjects | 7 subjects |
| State-Specific Subjects | New York Law Course (NYLC) covering: NY Civil Practice and Procedure, NY Criminal Law and Procedure, NY Evidence, NY Professional Responsibility, NY Contracts, NY Real Property, NY Torts, NY Family Law, NY Trusts, Wills and Estates, NY Business Relationships, NY Administrative Law, NY Conflict of Laws | 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 | New York State Board of Law Examiners | Florida Board of Bar Examiners |
| Character & Fitness | New York requires a rigorous character and fitness evaluation conducted by one of the four Appellate Division departments, including extensive background checks, financial disclosure, and review of employment and academic history. | 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 | New York accepts UBE score transfers of 266 or higher earned within three years. Applicants transferring a UBE score must still complete the NYLC, pass the NYLE, satisfy the MPRE requirement, and complete 50 hours of qualifying pro bono service. | 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 | 10-12 weeks full-time for UBE preparation, plus additional time for NYLC and NYLE completion | 10-14 weeks full-time, with extra time dedicated to Florida-specific subjects |
Top Law Schools
New York
Key Facts & Study Tips
New York Key Facts
- New York's 63% overall pass rate is misleading — it reflects the very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated test-takers. First-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- New York requires additional state-specific components beyond the UBE: the New York Law Course (NYLC), the New York Law Exam (NYLE), and 50 hours of pro bono service.
- New York is one of the largest bar exam jurisdictions in the country, with over 10,000 test-takers annually across both administrations.
- Columbia Law School and NYU School of Law are both ranked in the top 10 nationally and have first-time bar passage rates above 95%.
New York Study Tips
- New York has a lower overall pass rate (63%) partly because it attracts a very large and diverse applicant pool including many foreign-educated lawyers — first-time ABA-graduate pass rates are significantly higher.
- Do not neglect the NYLC and NYLE requirements — you cannot be admitted without completing both, even if you pass the UBE with a high score.
- Complete your 50 hours of pro bono service early, ideally during law school, to avoid delays in your admission timeline.
- Spend the majority of your study time on MBE preparation — it accounts for half your score and is the most predictable component.
- Practice at least 3 full MPT tasks under timed conditions before exam day, as many test-takers underperform on this section.
- If you plan to transfer a UBE score from another state, remember that New York's additional requirements (NYLC, NYLE, pro bono) still apply.
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