Florida Bar Character and Fitness Info Resources

Financial Obligations, Question 14a

If you answer yes to 14(a), you need to fill out the Financial Affidavit. It can be found on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners website under Supporting Forms. A direct link is provided in the box below.

If you aren’t sure if you were delinquent on a financial obligation, check your credit report. You can access your credit report once per year for free.

Student Loans, Question 14b

Use the links below if you need information on your student loans. Determine who services your student loans. Once you know who owns the loans, you can contact them to see if you were delinquent. For loans during the current academic year contact FIU's financial aid office. Other information can be sought from the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243.

Judgments and Liens, Question 14c

Question subpart 14(c) is where you tell the Board of Bar Examiners about any civil actions where a judgment was entered against you, as well as tax liens against your property.

Submit a complete copy of all judgments entered against you, and all federal or state tax liens placed against your property. Submit a complete copy of any satisfaction or release of each judgment or lien.

If you have any unsatisfied judgments, you will need to submit a Financial Affidavit. The Financial Affidavit can be found on the Florida Board of Bar Examiners site under "Conversion Checklists and Supporting Forms".

The Court Clerk can destroy a closed civil file after five years. You may still be able to obtain a copy of the judgment in such cases from the county recorder's office.

Judgments and liens also often appear on a credit report.

Bad Checks, Question 14d

You can look at old bank statements to see if you were charged for an insufficient funds check or debit. If you have this charge, you wrote a bad check. Having the amount covered by overdraft protection in and of itself does not mean you can automatically answer "no" to the question.

There are several different terms for bad checks. They could be called worthless checks, insufficient funds, NSF, check kiting or bad checks. In Florida, worthless checks can also result in criminal charges. Check your criminal record for any such entries.

Each year, you are entitlted to a free credit report. This credit report will contain most information you seek regarding past addresses, financial obligations, and other information that you will find useful in completing your Florida Bar application.

Make sure you are using the United States government Federal Trade Commission website, linked below, an approved method for obtaining your free credit report. Some sites may say "free" but then have hidden costs.

It is a good idea to obtain your credit report in general. Take the time to do it.