board of Architecture and Interior Design

This page contains helpful information about a particular profession or business. To apply for a specific business or professional license either using our Online Services or to apply using a paper application, click this APPLY link (or use the APPLY button on the navigation menu above). To renew or maintain a license, click this RENEW/MAINTAIN link (or use the RENEW/MAINTAIN button on the navigation menu above). If you have questions or need further assistance, please call the Customer Contact Center at 850.487.1395.

Important Information (Hot Topics)

New reporting requirement for criminal convictions

During the 2009 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 425, which became law on October 1, 2009.  Beginning October 1, 2009, House Bill 425 requires all professional licensees to report to the department within 30 days of being convicted or found guilty of, or having plead nolo contendere or guilty to a crime in any jurisdiction. House Bill 425 also requires that any conviction prior to October 1, 2009 be reported by November 1, 2009. A licensee who fails to report that information may be subject to disciplinary action, including fines, suspension or license revocation. To report this information, complete the criminal self-reporting document and mail to the department as provided on the form.

Profession at-a-glance

Board Information

The Board of Architecture and Interior Design consists of 11 members: 5 architects, 3 interior designers and 3 consumer members.

If you're interested in serving on the Board, download the application form and return it to the Governor's Appointments Office at PL01 The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida, 32399-0001, for consideration.
The Board currently has the following openings: 1 interior designer.

Board Meeting Information

License Information

Definition of Occupation and Class Codes

License Categories:
Architect
Interior Designer
Business Entity

Methods of Licensure:
By Endorsement - Yes
By Examination - Yes
By Reciprocity - No
Business Entity - Yes

Applicant Information

Application/Licensure Fees
A breakdown of application and licensure fees is provided with application packets.

Examination Information
The Architecture Registration Examination (ARE) is a 7-part computerized national examination given 6 days a week at Sylvan Learning Centers nationwide. For the total fee for this examination, please visit www.ncarb.org.  To be approved for the examination you must be enrolled and completed a minimum of one year (235 value units) in the National Council of Architectural Registration Board’s  (NCARB) Intern Development Program (IDP), posted on the ARE Early Eligibility Roster and submit a Florida Architecture Examination Application package to the department.  Please click on “Application Packages and Forms” to download the application.

Below are two important documents from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards regarding the Architecture Registration Examination (ARE).
ARE 4.0 - Myth Busters - Answers some of the most common “myths” and questions concerning the new format and the exam in general.
ARE Transition Chart

The National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination is a 3-part examination offered in October and April each year.  For the total fee for this examination, please visit www.ncidq.org. To be approved for examination you must submit a Florida Interior Design Examination Application package to the department.  Please click on “Application Packages and Forms” to download the application package.

Exam Review / Hearing Information

Special Accommodations for Testing - ADA

Information for Licensees

Biennial License Renewal Fee
Architect = $125
Interior Designer = $125
Business Entity = $125

Continuing Education Requirement
Both architects and interior designers are required to complete 20 hours of educational instruction or training, in subjects or courses approved by the Board, each biennium prior to the license expiration date. A minimum of 16 hours must be in technical and professional subjects related to safeguarding life, health, property and promoting the public welfare.

Continuing Education Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for  the management of continuing education providers and courses.  Below are shortcuts to their continuing education pages.
  •  Continuing education main page
  •  Continuing education policy
  •  List of continuing education providers and courses, and hours required
  •  Information for providers/instructors

Core Course Requirement
All architects and interior designers must complete a 4-hour core course on the building code within 2 years of initial licensure. The Board considers the building code course part of the 20 continuing education hours required per biennium. More information may be accessed by contacting the Department of Community Affairs. Core courses are available online at the Building Code Information System website.

Advanced Course Requirement
Licensees are required to obtain a minimum of 2 hours of continuing education by completing an approved provider’s specialized or advanced course, approved by the Florida Building Commission, on the Florida Building Code, relating to the licensee’s respective area of practice for future renewals.  The core course is a pre-requisite to the advanced course.  Please note that the core course is different from any advanced courses that may be offered.  One cannot be used in lieu of the other.  Licensees are advised to verify the course validity before attending the course.

Important Notice Regarding Online CE History

Architecture Continuing Education Handbook & Forms

Interior Design Continuing Education Handbook & Forms

Enforcement

To file a complaint
The law firm of Smith, Thompson, Shaw & Manausa, P. A. investigates and prosecutes the professions of architecture and interior design. To file a complaint pertaining to architecture or interior design, please visit their site at: www.stslaw.com/adboard.asp. Their phone number is 850.402.1570.

Links and Resources

National Council of Registration Boards (NCARB)

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

Software to electronically sign and seal documents (PEDDS)