IMPORTANT NEWS...
State, Architects Launch Student Video Contest on Unlicensed Architecture Activity
October 2, 2012
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida) launched a public service video contest today for architecture students throughout the state. The contest, which offers cash prizes to the teams who produce the best videos about the unlicensed practice of architecture, seeks to engage the student community in an issue that impacts their profession while educating consumers on the dangers of doing business with unlicensed professionals.
“Architects are a valuable facet of Florida’s economy, and we are excited to involve students who are pursuing a career in architecture in this public awareness campaign,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “Unlicensed individuals are not held to the same professional standards as licensed professionals, and this is a great way to educate consumers on the dangers of doing business with those who are unlicensed.”
The team that wins first place will receive a grand prize of $500. The two runners up will each receive $250, sponsored by the Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects.
“The practice of architecture affects not only building owners and operators but the health, safety and welfare of those who live, work and play within these structures,” said Vicki Long, EVP and CEO of AIA Florida. “It is our hope that this contest will promote the benefits of using an architect when designing a building and lead to a safer, more sustainable future in Florida.”
To enter the contest, students in teams of up to six people must create a video 30 seconds or less about the unlicensed practice of architecture and the risk of using non-licensed architects in building design. The contest begins today and the deadline to submit entries is midnight, November 12, 2012.
At least 50 percent of a team’s contestants must currently be pursuing education for professional licensure in architecture. Entries can be submitted through the contest website, www.myfloridalicense.com/dbpr/studentPSAcontest.html. More information, including registration information, official contest rules and video release forms, is also available online.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation is the state agency responsible for licensing and regulating many professions throughout the state, including Florida architects. Preventing unlicensed activity is one of the Department’s top priorities because it takes jobs away from licensed professionals and could put consumers at serious risk.
The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and certified public accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com.
The Florida Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Florida), headquartered in Tallahassee, represents the interests of more than 3,200 members in Florida. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public and colleagues of an AIA-member architect’s dedication to the highest standards of professional practice.
More information about DBPR is available online at www.myfloridalicense.com. Also, follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.