Architecture and Interior Design
Stacey Buccieri, Executive Director
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.
Business Information for Consumers
Business Information for Licensees:
To review information regarding qualifying an architectural business, please visit the Board’s ‘Qualifying a Business’ FAQs.
Getting Started In Architecture & Interior Design
Architect
AR – An “architect” renders or offers services in connection with the design and construction of a structure or group of structures which have as their principal purpose as human habitation or use, and the utilization of space within and surrounding such structures. These services include planning, providing preliminary study designs, drawings and specifications, job-site inspection, and administration of construction contracts.
Interior Designer
ID – An “interior designer” designs, consults, studies, draws, and manages design construction contracts relating to nonstructural interior elements of a building or structure. A “nonstructural element” means an element which does not require structural bracing and which is something other than a load-bearing wall, load-bearing column, or other load-bearing element of a building or structure which is essential to the structural integrity of the building. “Interior design” includes, but is not limited to: reflected ceiling plans, space planning, furnishings, and the fabrication of nonstructural elements within and surrounding interior spaces of buildings. “Reflected ceiling plan” means a ceiling design plan which is laid out as if it were projected downward and which may include lighting and other elements. “Space planning” means the analysis, programming, or design of spacial requirements, including preliminary space layouts and final planning. “Interior design” specifically excludes the design of or the responsibility for architectural and engineering work, except for specification of fixtures and their location within interior spaces.
The requirements for becoming licensed in Florida are described in the statutes and rules. Choose a license type to apply.
Architecture
- Architect – Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Architect – Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
- Architect – Initial Licensure by Examination / NCARB Direct Registration (AR 1)
- Architect – NCARB Certified Endorsement Applicant (AR 6)
- Architect – State Endorsement Applicant (AR 8)
- Architect – Direct Endorsement Applicant (AR 8)
- Architect – Threshold Building Inspection Certification (AR 2)
- Qualify an Architectural Business Organization (AR 5)
Interior Design
- Interior Designer – Professional Licensure for Military Personnel/Veterans/Military Spouses (MVL 003)
- Interior Designer – Professional Licensure under the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA 1)
- Interior Designer – Registration by Examination (ID 1)
- Interior Designer – Registration by Endorsement (ID 4)
- Architect Seeking a Separate Interior Designer Registration (AR 4)
Continuing Education Provider and Course Approval
Examination Information
The Architect Registration Examination (ARE) is available in computer-based testing format and is offered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). For testing locations and additional information, visit the NCARB website.
The National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) examination is available in computer-based format and is offered by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (CIDQ). For testing locations and additional information, visit the CIDQ website.
For more information, including examination reviews, visit the Examination Information page.
Fee Waiver Applications
- Florida Military Veteran Fee Waiver
- Florida National Guard Fee Waiver
- Military Personnel, Veterans and Military Spouses Licensing Fee Waiver
- Low Income Waiver of Licensing Fee
Note: If you have previously applied for your license, you may check your application status.
Architect
- Architect – Reinstatement of a Null and Void License due to Hardship (AR-ID 3)
- Architect – Activate an Inactive License (AR 3)
- Architect – Request for Name Change, Address Change, License Renewal, or Inactive Status (AR-ID 1)
- Architect Business – Name Change (AR 7)
- Architect Business – Request for Address Change, License Renewal, Qualifier Change, Branch Office Responsible Supervisor in Control, or Business Closure (AR 7)
Interior Designer
Continuing Education Providers
Continuing Education Provider licenses expire May 31st every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on May 31, 2023, you will need to complete the renewal requirements. For more information, please click this link:
Renewal Information For CE Providers
Architects and Interior Designers
Architect licenses and Interior Designer registrations expire February 28th every odd year.
DBPR will send you a notification that the renewal period is open, at which time you can renew your license/registration. This will be 90-120 days before the expiration. All notices will be provided via email. We encourage you to keep your information up-to-date and renew online. DBPR online services offer a quick and easy way to renew your license, find license requirements, apply for a license and update a license.
Before midnight EST on February 28, 2023, you will need to complete the following requirements to renew your license/registration:
- Complete the continuing education requirement; and
- Pay the renewal fee
See the “CE Requirements” tab for further information on Continuing Education to renew your license/registration.
For more information concerning your license’s/registration’s unique requirements, please click the relevant link below:
- Renewal information for current licensees/registrants
- Renewal information for delinquent licensees/registrants
We encourage you to renew online. However, you can mail your renewal form and fee to:
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783
Education Course List
Continuing Education (Advance Course, General, Optional, Health, Safety & Welfare)
You may also use the department’s Find a CE Course tool to locate specific subject areas or course topics.
| License Types | Continuing Education Requirements | Fee | Expiration Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | 24 hours of CE – minimum of 22 hours in health, safety, and welfare related courses; 2 hours in Florida Building Code advanced courses. (Continuing Education hours must be completed the previous two calendar years, January 1 odd year to December 31 even year) Architect Continuing Education Handbook |
$100 | 2/28/ODD Year |
| Interior Designer | 20 hours of CE – minimum of 14 hours in health, safety, and welfare related courses; 2 hours in Florida Building Code advanced courses; 4 hours in optional or health, safety, and welfare related courses. (Continuing Education hours must be completed the previous 24 months, March 1 odd year to February 28 odd year) Interior Designer Continuing Education Handbook |
$75 | 2/28/ODD Year |
Quick Links
Need Help?
All requests for publications, documents, forms, applications for licenses, permits and other similar certifications can be obtained by contacting the Customer Contact Center.
Division of Professions
Board of Architecture and Interior Design
2601 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0791
Telephone: 850.487.1395
Facsimile: 850.488.8040
