Fla. justices loosen lawyer advertising rules

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — A divided Florida Supreme Court has loosened regulations on lawyer advertising.

But at least four of the seven justices agreed Thursday to extend those rules to websites and information requested by clients as well as traditional print, outdoor and broadcast advertising.

The majority agreed to permit previously prohibited ads that characterize the quality of legal services being offered, information about past results and testimonials.

All advertising, though, must be "objectively verifiable."

That means, for example, an ad can say a lawyer obtained acquittals on all charges in four criminal cases. An ad simply saying a lawyer has been "successful," though, may not comply.

Two justices dissented. The seventh justice, Peggy Quince, dissented in part but did not write an opinion explaining which portion of the ruling she disagreed with.