Boasting one of the biggest economies in the U.S. that’s largely supported by the state’s massive tourism and agriculture industries, along with growing aviation, aerospace, financial/professional services industries, Florida is a force to be reckoned with. Del Monte Foods, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Winn-Dixie… these Florida corporations can translate into exciting opportunities for Florida’s paralegals specializing in corporate law.
But that’s not all… paralegals in Florida may land themselves a sought-after position with one of Miami’s big-name law firms like Holland & Knight LLP and Akerman LLP; a spot in Central Florida’s massive defense industry; or a career with a major nonprofit like Gainesville’s UF Health Shands Hospital.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Florida
For professional opportunities in the paralegal profession, you simply can’t do better than Florida. As of May 2024, Florida was ranked second in the nation for its employment of paralegals – 37,410, beating out more-populous Texas.
Florida also boasts strong paralegal salaries to match. As of May 2024, the average salary for paralegals in Florida was $61,150, or $29.40 per hour. Plenty of experience and a law specialty on your resume will allow you to rise through the ranks among Florida’s paralegals and be among the big earners here with top 10% salaries that start at $82,450, or $39.64 per hour.
Average Paralegal Salary in Florida by City
The Miami metro region reported the highest average salary among Florida’s paralegals as of May 2024, about $3,500 above the state average, although all metro regions reported average salaries that exceeded $50,000. Metro North Port’s top 10% salary is the only one in the state to nearly break six figures at $99,420.
Cape Coral:
- Average – $58,690 ($28.22 hourly)
- Top 10% – $78,330 ($37.66 hourly)
Crestview:
- Average – $59,780 ($28.74 hourly)
- Top 10% – $80,930 ($38.91 hourly)
Daytona Beach:
- Average – $55,060 ($26.47 hourly)
- Top 10% – $76,830 ($36.94 hourly)
Gainesville:
- Average – $51,740 ($24.88 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,980 ($36.53 hourly)
Jacksonville:
- Average – $61,960 ($29.79 hourly)
- Top 10% – $89,990 ($43.26 hourly)
Lakeland:
- Average – $56,770 ($27.29 hourly)
- Top 10% – $77,210 ($37.12 hourly)
Miami:
- Average – $64,660 ($31.09 hourly)
- Top 10% – $89,950 ($43.24 hourly)
Naples:
- Average – $60,530 ($29.10 hourly)
- Top 10% – $81,990 ($39.42 hourly)
North Port:
- Average – $63,260 ($30.41 hourly)
- Top 10% – $99,420 ($47.80 hourly)
Ocala:
- Average – $56,520 ($27.17 hourly)
- Top 10% – $76,910 ($36.98 hourly)
Orlando:
- Average – $56,360 ($27.10 hourly)
- Top 10% – $77,410 ($37.22 hourly)
Palm Bay:
- Average – $56,580 ($27.20 hourly)
- Top 10% – $78,910 ($37.94 hourly)
Panama City:
- Average – $52,640 ($25.31 hourly)
- Top 10% – $77,300 ($37.16 hourly)
Pensacola:
- Average – $53,560 ($25.75 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,210 ($36.16 hourly)
Port St. Lucie:
- Average – $57,840 ($27.81 hourly)
- Top 10% – $77,630 ($37.32 hourly)
Punta Gorda:
- Average – $54,660 ($26.28 hourly)
- Top 10% – $77,480 ($37.25 hourly)
Sebastian:
- Average – $55,000 ($26.44 hourly)
- Top 10% – $78,070 ($37.53 hourly)
Sebring:
- Average – $50,610 ($24.33 hourly)
- Top 10% – $73,900 ($35.53 hourly)
Tallahassee:
- Average – $54,180 ($26.05 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,780 ($36.43 hourly)
Tampa:
- Average – $62,180 ($29.89 hourly)
- Top 10% – $80,200 ($38.56 hourly)
Wildwood:
- Average – $55,910 ($26.88 hourly)
- Top 10% – $80,840 ($38.86 hourly)
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2025.