Architecture Licensing Compliance Guide
Florida Architecture Industry Licensing
Licensing requirements for architecture industry firms and individuals in Florida.
This page provides an overview of architecture industry licensing in Florida for individuals and firms. You will find state requirements, application fees, filing instructions, and more. For assistance with licensing, please contact us to learn about our software and managed license services.
Company Licenses
Florida Architecture Company Licenses
Florida Certificate of Authorization (Architecture)
Initial Registration
This section applies to architectural firms that are applying for a license in Florida for the first time. If you already have a license and are looking to renew it, please see the renewal section.
| Form: | Application for Certificate of Authorization Architectural Business Form |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Before you Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| How to Apply: | Domestic Applicants:
Foreign Applicants:
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| Fact Checked: | 5/28/20 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architectural firms that are already licensed in Florida and need to renew their license.
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | February 28 of every odd numbered year. |
| Fact Checked: | 4/15/20 |
Amendment
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $0 |
| Due: | Within 30 days of changes to the responsible architect. |
| Fact Checked: | 11/5/19 |
Reinstatement
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $250 |
| Fact Checked: | 11/5/19 |
Florida Interior Design Certificate of Authorization
| Agency: | Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Interior Design Certificate of Authorization Application (ID 3) |
| Filing Method: | File by mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $100 |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | File online |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | By February 28 of odd-numbered years. |
| Original Ink: | Not required |
| Notarize: | Not required |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Florida Landscape Architecture Certificate of Authorization
| Agency: | Florida Board of Landscape Architecture |
| Fact Checked: | 10/10/19 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Form DBPR LA 2: Application for Licensure of a Business Entity - Certificate of Authorization |
| Filing Method: | Mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $205 |
| Notarize: | Not required |
| Fact Checked: | 10/10/19 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $230 |
| Due: | By November 30 of odd-numbered years. |
| Fact Checked: | 10/10/19 |
Individual Licenses
Florida Individual Architecture Licenses
Florida Architect License
Initial Registration
This section applies to architects that are applying for a license in Florida for the first time.
| Form: | http://www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/pro/arch/documents/AR1_Licensure_by_Exam.pdf |
| Agency Fee: | $60 application fee. (Direct Registration; No board exam fee.) |
Reciprocal Registration
This section applies to architects licensed in another state that are looking for reciprocal licensure in Florida.
| Agency Fee: | $90 |
Registration Renewal
This section applies to architects that are already licensed in Florida and need to renew their license.
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | By February 28 of odd-numbered years. |
Florida Interior Designer License
| Agency: | Florida Board of Architecture and Interior Design |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | Application to take the National Council of Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) Exam (ID 1) |
| Filing Method: | File by mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | |
| Filing Method: | File by mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
| Notes: | Reciprocal registration for interior designers licensed in other jurisdictions. |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Reciprocal Registration
| Form: | Architect Seeking a Separate Interior Designer License (AR 4) |
| Filing Method: | File by mail or online. |
| Agency Fee: | $30 |
| Notes: | Reciprocal registration for Florida-licensed architects. |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | File online. |
| Agency Fee: | $125 |
| Due: | By February 28 of odd-numbered years. |
| Fact Checked: | 8/27/19 |
Florida Landscape Architect Registration
| Agency: | Florida Board of Landscape Architecture |
| Fact Checked: | 10/14/19 |
Initial Registration
| Form: | |
| Agency Fee: | $100 application fee + $279 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. |
Registration Renewal
| Filing Method: | |
| Agency Fee: | $230 |
| 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.
