The Florida Supreme Court’s 5-1 ruling on 15 January 2026 removed the ABA as the sole accrediting agency for law schools whose graduates can sit for Florida’s bar. The order allows the court to consider other federally recognized accrediting bodies (none of which currently accredit law schools) in future.
The Court said the change aims to “promote access to high-quality, affordable legal education” in schools committed to free ideas and non-discrimination. Governor Ron DeSantis praised the move on social media as a “good move,” arguing the ABA should not be the gatekeeper of legal education. The ABA responded that Florida’s courts have always had final say over licensing, and that its accrediting Council will continue improving standards nationwide. Texas had approved a similar plan earlier in January, and other states are reviewing ABA requirements as well.
The decision marks a significant shift in the balance between state judicial authority and national professional oversight, and could have long-term implications for law school governance, curriculum standards, and tuition structures. Critics warn that the absence of a specialized accreditor could fragment quality controls, while supporters argue it may encourage innovation and reduce regulatory costs. Observers note that much will depend on whether alternative accrediting bodies emerge with credible legal education expertise, and how courts ultimately exercise their expanded discretion.