Board of Landscape Architecture

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 Landscape Architecture consists of 7 members: 5 landscape architects and 2 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 no vacancies.

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.  Sections A, B and D consist of multiple-choice type questions and registration for these sections is available through CLARB at www.clarb.org.  All other questions about sections A, B, and D should be directed to www.clarb.org.  Sections C and E are offered through the Department and require a graphic or written response to a series of small vignette problems.  For licensure in Florida the candidate is also required to pass the Florida Section F examination.

Initial and Retake candidates application deadline is accessible by viewing this document "Exam Application Deadlines."  It is recommended that you do not wait until the deadline to file a Re-Examination application. You can visit CLARB’s web site at www.clarb.org with your candidate identification number to obtain pass/fail information prior to receiving your grade notification from the Department. If you were unsuccessful in this exam and have received your notification, submit a re-examination application immediately to the Department if you plan on sitting for the next scheduled test.

You may file an application online or download the application and mail to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  You are encouraged to apply with the Department for approval prior to taking Sections A, B and D through CLARB.

Information for Licensees

Biennial License Renewal Fee
Landscape Architect = $305
Business Entity = $455

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. 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.

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

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)