Board of Landscape Architecture

The Board of Landscape Architecture is responsible for licensing and regulating landscape architects. 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)

HB 517 was approved by Governor Rick Scott on April 6, 2012 and reduces the continuing education required to activate an inactive license. You now only have to complete one renewal cycle of continuing education instead of completing continuing education for all the renewal cycles your license was in an inactive status. Effective July 1, 2012, in order to reactivate an inactive license, you will need to complete the continuing education requirements in place at the time of the last renewal for your profession. That includes 16 hours of board-approved continuing education that was taken during the last, or current, renewal period. Of the 16 hours two hours in an approved advanced building code course and two hours in laws and rules.

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Changes to the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.) coming September 2012

Candidates are encouraged to complete the current exam by June 2012

The Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) has announced changes to the exam that will take affect with the September 2012 administration of the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (L.A.R.E.).

Changes to the exam will include:

1. Five to four sections. – This modest structural change will better align the content of the L.A.R.E. with current practice, as demonstrated in the 2010 Task Analysis study. For additional detail on equivalency between the current and new exam, view the transition chart at www.clarb.org.
   
   
2. Full computer based testing – By December 2012 all four sections will be delivered by computer to improve relevance, reliability, and accessibility.

Meanwhile candidates are encouraged to continue taking the current exam, especially those that have already started the exam process. Because the content that is currently tested in Section D will be split between Sections 3 and 4 in the new exam, candidates already in the exam process should complete the current exam to avoid losing credit for Sections C, D or E.

CLARB has developed a set of Frequently Asked Questions to help candidates better understand the changes and how to navigate the transition process. For additional information please contact CLARB at 571.432.0332 or visit their website at www.clarb.org.

The Department will continue to develop and administer Section F of the examination, which is a computer based examination that tests the applicant on Florida laws and rules. Section F is offered daily by the Department contracted vendor at sites throughout Florida.

Board Information

The Board of Landscape Architecture consists of 7 members: 5 landscape architects and 2 consumer members.

Apply to be a board member

Board Meeting Information

License Information

Definition of Occupation and Class Codes

License Categories:
Landscape Architect
Business Entity

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

Applicant Information

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

Examination Information
The Bureau of Education and Testing is responsible for examination development, administration, review and grades. Below are shortcuts to their examination pages.
Candidate Information Booklets
Computer Based Testing
Exam Dates and Locations
Exam Review / Hearing Information
Special Accommodations for Testing - ADA

The Board has approved the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE) developed by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) and specifies that it will be the licensing examination accepted by the Department on the subject areas set out in Sections A, B, C, D and E. All other questions about the LARE should be directed to www.clarb.org. For licensure in Florida the candidate is also required to pass the Florida Section F examination.

Information for Licensees

Biennial License Renewal Fee
Landscape Architect = $305
Business Entity = $455
The fees above include a $5 unlicensed activity fee.

Continuing Education Requirement
Licensed landscape architects are required to take 16 hours of continuing education during each biennium.

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.

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 the department.

Enforcement

The Division of Regulation is responsible for enforcement of professions and related businesses licensed by DBPR under the Division of Professions to ensure that the laws, rules and standards set by the legislature are followed. To file a complaint visit MyFloridaLicense.com.

Links and Resources

Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects

Software to electronically sign and seal documents (PEDDS)