Legislation

Why?

We believe regulation of the interior design profession safeguards the health, safety, and welfare of the general public and environment, unifies the profession, defines responsibility, and encourages excellence.  Read more about our history.

 

Florida’s Interior Design Practice Act

A Practice Act requires professionals to obtain a state license to offer Registered Interior Design services.

 

What are the qualifications to become a State Registered Licensed Interior Designer?

The key elements that define any licensed profession are education, experience, and examination.

 

Education

Our bill requires a minimum of a Bachelors or Masters degree in Interior Design or Architecture.  These programs are comprehensive in delivering a knowledge base in theory, history, psychology, construction, design, and codes.  This assures that interior designers have a good foundation of skill to build onto throughout their careers.  See Education Resources (NCIDQ).

 

Experience

In preparation for the licensing exam, interior designers should have well rounded practical experience in a variety of subject areas.  We require at least two years of experience as outlined by the Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Interior Design Experience Program (IDEP.)  Registration with IDEP is not necessary, but complying with the hours and subject areas as outlined in the IDEP is required.  See Experience Resources (NCIDQ).

 

Examination

The National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) is the most comprehensive exam for an interior designer’s body of knowledge.  This is the base level exam for licensing.  Registered Interior Design applicants may take additional exams for their specialty practice areas if they wish to expand upon their credentials.  See Exam Resources (NCIDQ).

 

Continuing Education

Once licensed, Registered Interior Designers must complete 20 hours of continuing education biennially, with a minimum of 4 hours in Advance Building Codes.   See Statute# 481.

 

How does this affect me?

Emerging Professional (Information Coming Soon)

Working Professional Interior Designer FAQs (PDF)

Frequently Asked Q&A

 

What is grandfathering?

"Grandfathering" has been utilized by all professions when licensure of the profession commences in a state. It is a period during which persons may provide validation of their practice history and background, and become licensed during the early years of professional license.  It is, in right to work states such as Florida, necessary to permit those who wish to become licensed to have that opportunity when they may not otherwise meet specific requirements of education, experience, examination. 

 

Exemptions are outlined in Florida Statutes #481:

Single family residential design not subject to building codes and regulations.

Employees of retail establishments providing design consultation or sales.

Employees employed under the supervision of a registered interior designer or registered architect.

Still have questions? Contact us.