Florida Architecture License Overview
If you’re planning to provide architecture services in Florida on your own or through an architecture firm, it’s essential to understand the Florida architecture license requirements to ensure your firm meets the state regulations. The Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design oversees the licensing process for architecture firms and individual architects in the state. Below, we provide a simplified guide to help you navigate the requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Florida architect license.
Individual License Requirements
Florida’s individual architect licenses are managed by the Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design. The board regulates the practice of architecture and interior design in Florida to ensure public safety, health, and welfare. It licenses professionals, oversees continuing education requirements, and enforces state laws and regulations governing these fields. The board also investigates complaints and disciplines licensees for violations of professional standards.
Practicing architecture in Florida without an active license has serious consequences. It’s considered a first-degree misdemeanor, which can lead to up to one year in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. The board can also issue fines of up to $5,000 per violation, cease-and-desist orders, and other penalties.
Beyond legal trouble, unlicensed practice can also result in civil actions, like court orders to stop offering services and potential responsibility for legal costs. To avoid these risks, architects should always ensure their license is active and in good standing before practicing in Florida.
Florida Architecture Initial Individual Licensing Process
To obtain an individual Florida architect license, candidates must first complete a professional degree in architecture from a program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). After graduating, applicants must participate in the NCARB Architectural Experience Program (AXP), which requires supervised work experience across various practice areas to ensure practical competency.
Next, candidates must pass the Architect Registration Examination (ARE), a comprehensive exam assessing their ability to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The exam consists of 65 questions with a time limit of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Candidates can take the exam either in person at PSI testing centers or online through PSI’s proctoring platform, Bridge. Upon fulfilling these prerequisites, applicants submit their licensing application Architect – Initial Licensure by Examination/NCARB Direct Registration (AR 1), including all required documents and the $20 filing fee. Submissions are accepted by mail or online.
Our proprietary tool, Compliance Navigator AI™, acts as a comprehensive tool for all your compliance questions, helping you identify requirements, track regulatory changes, and avoid missed deadlines.
Florida Architecture Individual License Reciprocity
Reciprocity allows architects licensed in another state to obtain a Florida license without retaking the Florida exam. Architects typically use the NCARB Certificate to facilitate licensure across all 55 U.S. jurisdictions, including all states and territories.
To qualify for reciprocity in Florida, an applicant must:
- Hold a current, active architecture license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
- Have passed the ARE or an equivalent exam recognized by the Florida Board.
- Provide verification of licensure and proof of good standing from the home state board.
- Submit an Application for Licensure by NCARB Endorsement (Form DBPR AR-6).
- Complete the Florida Laws and Rules Exam administered by the DBPR.
The License Manager module within the Harbor Compliance Software Suite can help simplify reciprocity eligibility.
Florida Architecture Individual License Renewal Requirements
Renewal requires 20 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years, including:
- 14 hours of health, safety, and welfare (HSW)
- 2 hours on the Florida Building Code (advanced)
- 4 additional hours from optional or extra HSW topics
CE must be completed by December 31 of the even year before the license expires on February 28. Architects pay a $100 renewal fee and keep CE records for potential audits. Harbor Compliance’s License Manager can store these documents.
Architects can place licenses on inactive status without completing CE. To reactivate, they must complete 24 hours of CE. Licenses renew on February 28 of odd-numbered years.
Failing to renew leads to delinquent status, prohibiting practice until renewal, and can incur fines up to $1,000 per violation and other disciplinary actions.
Canceling a Florida Individual Architecture License
Canceling is straightforward with no fees. Complete the “Request for Cancellation of Permanent License” form ( DBPR ABT-6007) and submit to DBPR. Cancellation is irreversible; reapplication requires all current licensing prerequisites.
Consider inactive status for easier reactivation if returning to practice.
Florida Architecture Firm License Requirements
The Florida Board also licenses architecture firms, allowing them to offer services like design, document preparation, and project oversight under state building codes and regulations.
Operating without a firm license can trigger fines, cease-and-desist orders, criminal charges, and disciplinary actions. Firms must maintain active licensure to avoid these penalties.
Initial Florida Architecture Firm Licensing Process
Businesses must register with the Department of State and submit an application to the Board. A qualifying agent—a Florida-licensed architect—must be designated to oversee all architectural work.
The process often involves business registration, obtaining a certificate of good standing, submitting the firm license application, and receiving approval. Multiple steps may occur simultaneously across various agencies.
Initial Florida Architecture Firm Entity Type and Ownership Requirements
Firms must first establish a business entity via foreign qualification or by forming a new Florida entity—corporation, LLC, partnership, or PLLC. A qualifying agent (Florida-licensed architect) oversees professional activities, and each branch office needs a resident supervisor (licensed architect). Foreign entities require a certificate of good standing from their home state.
Harbor Compliance can assist in forming entities that meet state entity type and ownership rules.
Initial Florida Architecture Firm Qualifier Requirements
Each firm must designate a qualifying agent responsible for professional services. Domestic firms identify a Florida-licensed architect as both qualifying agent and branch supervisor or two separate licensees per Rule 61G1-12.002 and Rule 61G1-11.011 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Foreign applicants must ensure a qualifying agent and resident supervisor are in place for each branch. Replacements must be appointed and the Board notified swiftly to maintain compliance.
Initial Florida Architecture Firm License Filing Process
Submit the “Application to Qualify an Architectural Business Organization” (Form AR 5) to DBPR. There’s no application fee; DBPR has up to 90 days to review and respond. Processing times vary. Check application status on the DBPR website.
Required Attachments
- Proof of Certificate of Status from the Division of Corporations.
- List of principal officers, partners, and licensed architects with titles, contacts, and license numbers.
- List of all Florida branch offices with responsible supervising architect details.
- List of marketing officers based in Florida; they do not need licenses but must comply with advertising rules.
Florida Architecture Firm License Maintenance
Firms must maintain a qualifying agent, update ownership/entity changes, and ensure architects complete continuing education. Changes in branch office supervisors or locations require reporting.
While firm licenses don’t renew, firms must report registration changes (e.g., branch locations, officers) within 30 days to stay in good standing and avoid penalties.
License Amendments for a Florida Architecture Firm
Amendments are needed for changes to qualifying agent, business name, ownership, or contact info. File an Application for License Amendment with required docs. Fees vary; some updates are free, others may incur charges. Processing can take weeks.
How Harbor Compliance Can Help
Managing architecture licensing in Florida can be complex, but Harbor Compliance simplifies the process with expert support and technology. Our software and managed services reduce administrative burdens and minimize risk of missed deadlines or compliance errors.
Harbor Compliance’s License Manager helps track deadlines, assign responsibilities, and store documents. Our Managed Annual License Service handles everything from requirements gathering to agency filings, ensuring your firm stays in good standing.
Ensuring your Florida architecture firm is properly licensed is essential for smooth operations. Let Harbor Compliance take the complexity out of compliance so you can focus on projects. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
Company Licenses
Florida Architecture Company Licenses
Florida Architectural Business Registration
| Agency: | Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design |
| Law: | |
| Eligible Entity Types: |
|
| Foreign Qualification is Prerequisite: | Yes |
| Ownership Requirements: | Business Corporations:
Professional Corporations:
Limited Liability Companies:
Professional Limited Liability Companies:
Partnerships:
|
| Registered Agent (Special Agency) Required? | No |
| Qualifying Individual Requirements: |
|
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Notes: |
|
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
|
| Required Attachments: |
|
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Architectural Business Registrations do not expire, but qualifying architects must maintain their individual licenses in order for the firm to remain in good standing.
Amendment
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of a change to information reported on the initial registration application. |
Florida Landscape Architecture Business Registration
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Notarization Required?: | Not required |
Renewal Not Required
Not required
Landscape architectural business registrations do not expire, but qualifying landscape architects must maintain their individual licenses in order for the firm to remain in good standing.
Individual Licenses
Florida Individual Architecture Licenses
Florida Architect License
| Agency: | Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design |
| Exam Required? | Yes |
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Florida for the first time.
| Form: | Architect – Initial Licensure by Examination / NCARB Direct Registration (AR 1) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $35 |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Florida.
| Form: | Architect – NCARB Certified Endorsement Applicant (AR 6)
Architect – State Endorsement Applicant (AR 8)
Architect – Direct Endorsement Applicant (AR 8)
Architect – Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
Architect – Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
|
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | Depends on how you apply:
|
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Florida and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $52.50 |
| Due: | By February 28 of odd-numbered years. |
Florida Interior Designer Registration
| Agency: | Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Interior Designer - Architect seeking Registration as an Interior Designer (AR 4) |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
| Notes: | Reciprocal registration for interior designers licensed in other jurisdictions. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $75 |
| Due: | By February 28 of odd-numbered years. |
Florida Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Florida Board of Landscape Architecture |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $267 exam fee + $112.50 license fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee (If you graduated from an LAAB Accredited program within the last 2 years the $100 application fee is waived.) |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $534.50 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $225 |
| Due: | By November 30 of odd-numbered years. |
Learn about architecture licensing in other states:
ARE (Architect Registration Examination) - Assesses candidates for their knowledge, skills, and ability to provide the various services required to be a practicing architect.
AXP (Architectural Experience Program) - NCARB program for architectural internship, a requirement for licensure that occurs after filling the educational requirements.
BEFA (Broadly Experienced Foreign Architect) - An alternative NCARB certification that allows foreign architects to independently practice architecture.
COA (Certificate of Authorization) - The most common name of the registration required for firms to practice architecture in a given state.
Design Firm - Architectural firm registration is sometimes grouped with engineering and land surveying on a single “design firm” application form.
NCARB Certification - Licensed architects have the option to become Certificate holders to signify that they have met national standards established by U.S. licensing boards for protecting public health, safety, and welfare. Certification also facilitates reciprocal registration in all 54 jurisdictions, 11 Canadian jurisdictions, and can be used to support an application for licensure in other countries.
Reciprocity - This is when a licensed architect in one state can provide documentation (often a NCARB certificate) to more easily apply for licensure in another jurisdiction.
State Board - Often referred to as the State Architects Licensure Board or Board of Architects, an individual state’s board serves as the regulatory authority for architects. The board qualifies and licenses individuals seeking architectural licensure. The board is responsible for preserving the public health, safety, and welfare of individuals who occupy built environments.
National Architecture Accrediting Board
NAAB establishes criteria for and accredits professional architecture degree programs in the United States.
The American Institute of
Architecture Students (AIAS)
AIAS is an independent, student-run group that promotes excellence in architecture education, training, and practice.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
AIA is a voluntary professional organization for architects providing advocacy, information, and community.
The Association of Collegiate
Schools of Architecture (ACSA)
ACSA represents architectural education programs across the globe.
The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
NCARB is the national organization representing the state registration boards.
