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Yes, I know it's subjective for everyone based on employment options and other factors in one's life. I just noticed despite having the opportunity now to practice in midlaw NYC at the same firm I was an 1L SA, it's no where near as appealing as it was and I was much happier at the White House my second summer in a non-legal role with a security clearance (could just be that my litigation and insurance defense department was beyond boring).

I'm contemplating sitting for the Florida Bar Exam after taking a few trips down there to see friends and family. Everyone down there says it's quiet and boring, but I've been going at the opposite pace for too long now and I think places like Miami will always provide an outlet if you need to have some fun once in awhile. Lastly, the salaries may be lower but so is the cost of living paying significantly less in taxes in a nicer climate compared to NYC's $2500.00 shoebox apartment. Quality of life is def. more important to me now than ever coming out of a 5 year relationship with a woman I expected to marry that ended up falling into a bad habit and having family problems, her family picked up and moved away to a different state with her it was like she never knew me. I also try to help my single mother out with bills and in her 60s now commuting on a bus 7 to 7 makes me sick stopping by and seeing her age in the overrated rat race. I just needed to hear from those who sat for both regardless of outcomes and have lived in both places or contemplated it.

Seeking a reset and not sure if I should accept that my life is here or reset and sit for Florida's J17. How hard will it be coming from the UBE? Any guidance on studying for it and how much time you think it'll take to pass Florida's Bar Exam, let me know. Thank you!

I didn't want to post this because it doesnt answer your question about the FL bar or getting licensed but I just wanted to say... It seems like this question is a lot more about whether you should leave new york. To that extent I would say- don't be miserable dude. If you can pay off your debt and afford a comfortable life with financial security, there is no upside to staying miserable. Be with your family if you can afford it. What is prestige if you're unhappy. Again I dk anything about it but as a UBE state, getting licensed in FL can't be too hard. I would choose to be happy. It's too rare and too important. If you're "seeking a reset" I think you should roll with it. Get it done, it's doable. Sorry for the largely unhelpful post.

I've lived both places, only taken NY bar. Your impressions seem about right, although biased towards FL.

Florida is not UBE, to my knowledge and is supposed to be a pain in the ass exam because of all the state specific shit. Legal market is also tiny and can be insular. FL will not solve your problems on its own and has its own inconveniences compared to NYC.

I'm going to speak up in favor of Florida. I've been working here for 8 months or so now and it beats the shit out of NY so far as I can tell. The hard part is going to be landing a decent job in a decent city, but if you can I would do it.

sublime wrote:
Florida is not UBE, to my knowledge and is supposed to be a pain in the ass exam because of all the state specific shit...

Apologies I dk why I thought FL was UBE. Again, don't listen to me OP. But happiness wise, I stand by what I was saying.

Thanks guys, I guess i'll go in NY again. I was on an antidepressant for awhile through law school and a toxic relationship that seemed to mess me up. Trying to wean off it but also living in a single parent home with resentful jealous siblings for some reason. If I stay here I'd need to relocate and live on my own. I just know florida's laid back lifestyle an cost of living is extremely beneficial when I look at my debt.

Cicero76 wrote:I'm going to speak up in favor of Florida. I've been working here for 8 months or so now and it beats the shit out of NY so far as I can tell. The hard part is going to be landing a decent job in a decent city, but if you can I would do it.

Are you also licensed in New York? I have Florida law firms offering interviews so shouldn't struggle if I'm not even there yet but I wish they'd adopt the UBE or change their exam dates for students that want to sit for both.

I'm not, but most of my friends are. Florida's bar exam is a pain in the ass because the legal market is flooded and the bar doesn't want snowbirds/retirees easily waiving in or passing the bar. They considered reciprocity last year and bar interest groups exploded in rage.