CE Laws & Rules

"Legislative Mandate: the State of Florida now requires that all design and construction professionals complete a four-hour core curriculum relating to the Florida Building Code and a system of administering and enforcing the Florida Building Code. This requirement is stipulated in Chapter 553.841, F.S. to be completed by June 2003." All newly registered Architects are to complete this 4 hour mandate within the biennium of their registration.

Required by the Board of Architecture & Interior Design, all registered architects in Florida are to complete a minimum of 2 hours of an ADVANCED FBC course each biennium.

	Reporting Date	Requirement	Health Safety & Welfare Hours	Optional Hours	Reporting Responsibility	Self-Directed	Self Report	Carry-over Credits
AIA	12/31 Annually	18 LUH's (Learning Unit Hours)	8 Hours Annually	-----	Registered CES Provider	Yes No HSW	Yes	Up to 18 LUH's annually
State of Florida	2/28 Biannually (odd years)	20 CEH's (Continuing Education Hours)	16 CEH's Biannually	4	State Provider	Up to 4 Hours No HSW	Yes, as part of AIA/CES (CE System)	No Carryover Allowed

Interaction Between the Two Systems

The state of Florida automatically accepts all registered and approved AIA courses.
AIA will accept all registered and approved courses by AIA Registered Providers, (AIA Florida is a Registered Provider). Courses by non-AIA Providers or Self-Designed Activities can be submitted by using the AIA/CES Self-Report Form. The AIA/CES policy states that an architect can only take the same course from the same provider once every 3 years.
AIA Florida only registers its courses with the AIA, and not with the state of Florida, since the state of Florida automatically accepts all AIA registered and approved courses.
AIA maintains a transcript for each member, which can be downloaded on this site under Check Your AIA Transcript.

There are no transcripts for the state. It is the responsibility of the Registered Providers for the state of Florida to report the participants CEH's to the state. All architects are responsible for retaining proof of participation in all CE courses in case of audit. All proof should be retained for three years following renewal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Self Designed Activity and Self-Reported Programs?

Self-Designed Activity is an educational activity designed by the learner, such as reading, viewing videos and using CD-ROMS. It is acceptable for HSW credit and recommended for a minimum of three hours. Self-Reported Program is a structured activity offered by non-AIA Registered Providers. Documentation of attendance/participation is required when reporting this as a state licensure requirement.

What qualifies for Health, Safety and Welfare?

Health is aspects of architecture that have salutary effects among users of buildings or sites and address environmental issues.

Safety is aspects of architecture intended to limit or prevent accidental injury or death among users of buildings or sites.

Welfare is aspects of architecture that engender positive emotional responses among, or enable equal access by, users of buildings or sites.

Is the 8 Hour HSW requirement in addition to the 18 LUH's for AIA?

No. Even though AIA records by Learning Unit Hours, they require that 8 hours of the 18 LUH's be in HSW.

What is the difference between Related and Optional Courses?

Related Courses are technical and professional subjects relative to HSW, while Optional Courses are any subjects related to the practice of architecture. These terms are used in conjunction with the abbreviations AR and AO for the state of Florida.

Who can I contact if I have a question?

Call Eileen Johnson, Director of Professional Development, at AIA Florida 850/222-7590 or email ejohnson@aiafla.org, or
AIA/CES Records 800/605-8229, or
Check out AIA-Online/CES Questions - http://www.aia.org/ or the AIA CES Survival Guide