Kelly McAuley received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She received her Juris Doctor from Stetson College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida, in December 2004.

While in law school, Kelly clerked for United States District Court Magistrate Judge Mark Pizzo and United States District Judge Elizabeth Kovacevich, both serving in the Middle District of Florida. She is a member if the Florida Bar.