The Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida, Incorporated began in 2003 with a small group of enthusiastic and determined attorneys from Miami-Dade and Broward counties who envisioned a statewide organization that would serve as a voice for the concerns and opinions of, at the time, the more than three quarters of a million Puerto Ricans living the state of Florida. The number of persons of Puerto Rican heritage has since increased to close to 1,000,000 and is expected to increase even further. Linked by culture, heritage and common interest in issues affecting the Puerto Rican community, our members created an association that would promote the advancement of Puerto Ricans in the legal profession and further integrate the Puerto Rican community in the professional and civic fabric of Florida.

Among our many objectives is the desire to increase awareness if and promote a stronger commitment to the civil and political rights and responsibilities of Puerto Ricans as U.S. citizens and residents of Florida. We plan to achieve this, in part, by partnering with other organizations to educate our community about the voting process and the need for full participation. Of equal importance to our organization is the development of our youth. Through mentorship, guidance and financial assistance, we hope to propel our high school, college, law students and young attorneys into the hallmarks of excellence.

It is a paramount concern of ours to cultivate and maintain strong and lasting relationships with other voluntary bar associations as well as other legal and community groups. Through dialogue and cooperation, we will open the channels of communication, promote the exchange of ideas and embark in common ventures.

Ours is a statewide organization that embraces members from the southernmost point of Key West to the Panhandle. The heartfelt reception that we have enjoyed thus far further cements our commitment to forge ahead and make the Puerto Rican Bar Association a long and lasting endeavor, poised to serve as an instrument of change, unity and excellence for a long time to come.