On the State of Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), it states that 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.
These services 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 Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation 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. | |
This information was obtained from the Florida DBPR’s website and is not meant to be misconstrued as legal advice.
Soreide Law Group will represent you in a dispute with the Board of Architecture and Interior Design. To speak to a lawyer call: (888-760-6552) or visit our website at www.floridaprofessionallicense.com.