board of Architecture and Interior Design

The Board of Architecture and Interior Design is responsible for licensing and regulating architects and interior designers. The board meets regularly to consider applications for licensure, to review disciplinary cases, and to conduct informal hearings relating to licensure and discipline. The board engages in rulemaking to implement the provisions set forth in its statutes and conducts other general business, as necessary.

Important Information (Hot Topics)

Audit Information

Board Information

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

Apply to be a board member

Board Meeting Information

Declaratory Statements

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 or 1,880 training hours) 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 “Apply For/Update Licenses” to apply online or 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 April and October 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 “Apply For/Update Licenses” to apply online or download the application.

Interior Design Education - Interior Design Programs or Curricula Approved by the Board

Exam Review / Hearing Information

Special Accommodations for Testing - ADA

Information for Licensees

Biennial License Renewal Fee
Architect = $125
Interior Designer = $125
Business Entity = $125
The fees above include a $5 unlicensed activity fee.

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.
Renewal Information

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. 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

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

Reporting requirement for criminal convictions

As of October 1, 2009, Section 455.227(1)(t), Florida Statutes 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.  The statute also requires the reporting of any convictions that occurred prior to October 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 it to this address:
Smith, Thompson, Shaw & Manausa, P. A.
3520 Thomasville Road, 4th Floor
Tallahassee, Florida 32309

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 Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)

National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)

Software to electronically sign and seal documents (PEDDS)