On this page, you’ll find an exhaustive guide on the Florida Architect License Requirements and the Architect Registration process in Florida. It provides all the crucial information you need including state regulations, application fees, and filing instructions among other relevant details. If you need any assistance related to the licensing process, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to offer further details about our software and managed license services to support your needs.

How do I become an architect in Florida?

In Florida, architects are required to obtain a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) in order to obtain their licenses. This certificate entails earning an accredited degree in architecture, completing the qualifying experience program, and passing the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE). These requirements ensure that architects have the necessary education, practical experience, and knowledge to practice architecture in the state of Florida.

How Do I Take The Architect Registration Examination In Florida?

Company Licenses

Florida Architectural Business Registration

• Business Corporations
• Professional Corporations
• Limited Liability Companies
• Professional Limited Liability Companies
• Partnerships

• Business Corporations: It is required that at least one of the principal officers is an architect licensed in Florida.
• Professional Corporations: Shareholders of Florida Professional Corporations (PCs) must be licensed individuals, a professional corporation, or a professional limited liability company.
• Limited Liability Companies: At least one of the principal members of a Florida Limited Liability Company (LLC) must be an architect licensed in Florida.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies: Shareholders of Florida Professional Limited Liability Companies (PLLCs) must be licensed individuals, a professional corporation, or a professional limited liability company.
• Partnerships: In partnerships, it is necessary for at least one of the partners to be an architect licensed in Florida.

First-Time Applicants

The following information pertains to architectural firms seeking an initial license in Florida. If you currently possess a license and wish to renew it, please refer to the renewal section.

• Fill out the form AR 5: Qualify an Architectural Business Organization. Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $0
• Note: 
  • Qualification of the Business: To qualify the business, a Florida-licensed architect must be a principal officer of the company. This means that the architect holds a position of authority and responsibility within the organization.
  • Supervisory Control: A Florida-licensed architect must be in responsible supervisory control of all business offices, including branch offices. This implies that the architect has the authority and oversight to manage and make decisions regarding the architectural activities carried out by the business.

Before Applying, Take In Consideration:

Domestic Applicants:

1. Identify a qualified Florida licensed architect: Choose a licensed architect from Florida who will serve as the qualifying architect for your business. This individual should meet the necessary licensing requirements established by the state.
2. Appoint a responsible supervisor for each Florida branch office: Select a licensed individual from Florida who will be responsible for overseeing and supervising the operations of each branch office located within the state.

Foreign Applicants:

1. Ensure compliance with ownership requirements: Make sure that your Florida entity meets the ownership requirements specified by the state of Florida. These requirements may differ depending on the type of business entity, such as a corporation or a limited liability company.
2. Obtain a certificate of good standing: Prior to filing for foreign qualification, obtain a certificate of good standing from your business entity’s home state. This certificate should be issued within the past 90 days and confirms that your business is in good standing and compliant with the regulations of its home state.

How to apply:

Domestic Applicants:

1.  File formation documents with the Department of State: Submit the necessary formation documents to establish a Florida business entity. This typically involves filing with the Department of State in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.
2. Submit an Application to Qualify an Architectural Business Organization: Complete and submit an application to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design to qualify your architectural business organization. This application ensures compliance with the specific requirements and regulations governing architectural businesses in Florida.

Foreign Applicants:

1. File a foreign entity qualification application: File a foreign entity qualification application with the Department of State. This process allows your entity, which is already established in another state or country, to foreign qualify and operate in Florida. Follow the guidelines and procedures provided by the Department of State for foreign qualification.
2. Submit an Application to Qualify an Architectural Business Organization: Similar to domestic applicants, complete and submit an Application to Qualify an Architectural Business Organization to the Board of Architecture and Interior Design. This step ensures that your architectural business organization meets the necessary qualifications and requirements for operating in Florida.

Must-have Attachments

• Proof of Certificate of Status: Include a copy or proof of the Certificate of Status for your business entity as registered with the Department of State, Division of Corporations. This document confirms that your business is registered and in good standing with the state of Florida.
• List of Principal Officers, Partners, and Licensed Architects: Prepare a comprehensive list that includes the names, titles, contact information, and license numbers of all principal officers, partners, and licensed architects employed by the business organization in Florida. This information should demonstrate the individual’s qualifications and their roles within the organization.
• List of Branch Offices in Florida: Provide a detailed list of all branch offices operated by your business organization in Florida. Include the addresses of each branch office and the relevant information for the responsible supervisor architect appointed to oversee each location. The responsible supervisor architect should be a licensed architect in Florida.
• List of Marketing Officers: Compile a list of all marketing officers located in Florida. Include their names and contact information. These officers are responsible for the marketing activities of your business organization in the state.

Registration Renewal

The following information pertains to architectural firms that are currently licensed in Florida and are seeking to renew their license. Take into consideration:

• Architectural Business Registrations are perpetual, but the firm’s good standing relies on the active licenses of qualifying architects

Amendment

• Fill out the Form AR 7: Architect Business – Request for Address Change, License Renewal, Qualifier Change, Branch Office Responsible Supervisor in Control, or Business Closure
• Agency Fee: $0
• Due: Changes to information reported on the initial registration application must be submitted within 30 days..

Individual Licenses

Florida Architect License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the Architect – Initial Licensure by Examination / NCARB Direct Registration (AR 1). Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $35

Reciprocal Registration

• Forms:
  
  • Architect – Initial Licensure (AR 1): For individuals who graduated from an accredited architectural program, completed NCARB’s Intern Development Program, and passed the Architectural Registration Examination within five years. (Excludes candidates authorized before July 1, 2012)
  • Architect – NCARB Certified Endorsement (AR 6): For individuals with NCARB certification, passing the Architectural Registration Exam, and a valid license in another US state or jurisdiction. Two hours of wind mitigation education required.
  • Architect – State Endorsement (AR 8): For individuals without a license but passed the Architectural Registration Exam, completed NCARB internship or equivalent, and have an accredited architectural degree. Two hours of wind mitigation education required. (Also applies to previous null and void licenses)
  • Architect – Direct Endorsement (AR 8): For individuals without a license but passed the Architectural Registration Exam, completed NCARB internship or equivalent, and have an accredited architectural degree. Two hours of wind mitigation education required. (Also applies to previous null and void licenses)
• Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: The application fees vary based on the method of application:
  • $35 for NCARB Direct Registration
  • $65 for NCARB Certified Endorsement
  • $175 for State Endorsement or Direct Endorsement

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $100
• Due: By February 28 of odd-numbered years.

Florida Interior Design Certificate of Authorization

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Interior Design Certificate of Authorization Application (ID 3). Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $100

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $125
• Due: By February 28 of odd-numbered years.
• Original Ink is not required
• Notarize is not required

Florida Interior Designer License

First-Time Applicants

• Fill out the form Interior Designer – Initial by Registration (ID 1). Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $30

Reciprocal Registration

• Fill out the form Interior Designer – Registration by Endorsement (ID 4). Consider that the filing method is via mail or Online.
• Agency Fee: $30
• Note: Reciprocal registration is available for interior designers who hold a valid license in other jurisdictions.

Registration Renewal

• Submission method: online
• Agency Fee: $75
• Due: By February 28 of odd-numbered years.

Non-State-Level Architecture Firm Licenses in Florida

This section aims to clarify licenses that are not required in Florida for architecture firms.

Florida Interior Design Firm License

Florida does not have state-level licensure requirements for interior design firms. There is no current licensing or registration process for interior design businesses in Florida.

Register for the Architect Registration Examination

Securing an architect’s license in Florida opens up a world of opportunities to practice architecture in the state. The journey commences with the pursuit of a professional degree in architecture, a fundamental requirement in your quest to become a licensed architect. This degree is not just a piece of paper, but a testament to your knowledge and comprehension of architectural principles, a rite of passage that equips you with the tools to craft and shape the built environment.

Remember, it’s important that your architecture degree is obtained from a program accredited by a recognized body such as the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB). This accreditation assures that the program meets the industry’s standards and provides the necessary skills and training.

Architect registration in Florida is a crucial step that formalizes your standing in the industry. This process includes satisfying the state’s requirements and passing the relevant examinations. With this license, you will have the legal authority to practice architecture, offering your expertise to develop the Florida landscape. Now that you are armed with this information, you’re one step closer to realizing your architectural aspirations.

Disclaimer: These requirements are subject to change based on approval board discretion. For the most up-to-date information, please visit Florida’s Department of Business & Professional Regulation Website.