This is a new page that provides helpful information and examples about the types of services that must be performed by a DBPR-licensed individual or business
What services require a license?
interior designers
An Interior Designer is someone who designs, or provides consultation, drawings, specifications and administration of design construction contracts relating to nonstructural interior elements of a commercial building or structure. Interior design includes reflected ceiling plans (a scale diagram of a room or building drawn as if seen from above), space planning, furnishings and the fabrication of nonstructural elements within and surrounding interior spaces of building. If you are going to hire someone to design the interior of a commercial structure he/she needs to be licensed.
Important Note: The services rendered that require licensure may be performed by licensed architects. Anyone who performs interior decorating or design services for residential purposes is not required to be licensed.* Residential work includes residence buildings, single-family homes, multifamily homes, townhouses, apartments, condominiums, and domestic outbuildings appurtenant to one-family or two-family residences. However, it does not include common areas associated with multiple-unit residences. Please contact your local building department for clarification prior to entering into contracts for the services listed below.
These items are offered as examples of services you do need to hire a person with a Florida license and services you do not need to hire a person with a Florida license. The list is not all inclusive. If you have specific questions, please contact the department at 850.487.1395 or review the rules for the profession at www.myfloridalicense.com. You should also check with your county or city to learn whether or not a local business tax receipt is required for services that do not require a state license.
Needs a License |
Does not need a License |
Interior design of commercial structures, including space planning, draperies, flooring, etc. |
Interior decorating or interior design of residences.* |
Interior design of common areas of multiple-unit dwellings, such as clubhouses, lobbies, laundry rooms, swimming pool areas, etc. |
|
|
* Federal District Judge Robert L. Hinkle has entered an order approving an Agreed Motion for Preliminary Injunction between plaintiffs and the Board of Architecture and Interior Design in the case of Locke v. Shore in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Under the ruling, the board may not take disciplinary action against anyone who performs residential interior design services, or uses such terms to describe their services, without a Florida interior designer’s license. The board may not proceed with any enforcement actions that have already been initiated or proceed with new enforcements until the case is decided at trial.