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2026 Legislative Issues

Governmental Affairs

2026 Legislative Issues

AIA Florida advocates for policies that protect the health, safety and welfare of Floridians, strengthen the architectural profession and support a safe, resilient and sustainable built environment.

2026 Legislative Session

Throughout the 2026 Session, AIA Florida monitored legislation affecting architecture, professional licensure, the Florida Building Code, construction, housing, resilience and the built environment.

A major focus was protecting the Board of Architecture and Interior Design and continuing education requirements for Florida architects.

HB 607 did not pass. The bill died in the House Commerce Committee at the conclusion of the regular session.

2026 Advocating for Florida architects and the public they serve

Priority Issue: Licensure & Regulation

HB 607 — Industries and Professional Activities

Did Not Pass

HB 607 would have eliminated the Board of Architecture and Interior Design (BOAID) and continuing education requirements for architects. AIA Florida opposed these provisions because Florida's existing regulatory system is balanced, efficient and effective and supports public health, safety and welfare.

5 + 3 + 3 Balanced Board Five architects, three interior designers and three public members. No single profession holds a majority.
$3.4M Strong Enforcement More than $3.4 million in fines and costs collected through privatized prosecutorial services.
98% Complaint Review In FY 2023–24, 98% of complaints were found legally sufficient and advanced for investigation.
53% Out-of-State Architects More than half of Florida-licensed architects reside outside Florida, demonstrating accessibility to qualified professionals.

Efficient Professional Licensure

Licensure and endorsement applications are processed promptly and efficiently. Florida's existing system provides access to qualified professionals without creating an unnecessary barrier to practice.

Continuing Education Protects the Public

The Florida Building Code is updated every three years. Architects must remain current on changing codes, materials, construction methods and life-safety requirements.

24 CE Hours Required every two years—an average of just one hour per month, with no-cost opportunities available.
2 Advanced FBC Hours Dedicated to Advanced Florida Building Code education.
3 Years Code Cycle Florida's Building Code is updated every three years, making ongoing education essential.
Public Safety Strong Code + Trained Professionals Florida's strong building code is effective only when professionals understand and correctly apply it.

Two CE hours are specifically dedicated to the Advanced Florida Building Code. These courses are independently accredited and approved by the Florida Building Commission.

Florida's continuing education standards also support architects practicing across state lines. Eliminating the requirement could make multistate practice more difficult rather than easier.

View HB 607

Other Legislation Affecting Architecture

Building Code & Construction

HB 803 — Building Permits & Inspections Passed Legislature and signed by the governor; Chapter 2026-63. View Bill →
HB 911 / SB 1218 — Florida Building Code Construction Requirements Proposed additional impact-resistant and wind-resistant construction requirements. Did not pass. View HB 911 →
HB 405 — Commercial Construction Projects Addressed commercial building permit applications, review processes and permitting fees. View Bill →

Resilience & Public Safety

SB 992 / HB 1305 — Resilient Buildings Proposed tax incentives for qualifying resilient buildings and creation of a Florida Resilient Building Advisory Council.
SB 302 — Nature-Based Solutions for Coastal Resilience Addressed statewide guidelines and evaluation of nature-based solutions for coastal resilience. View Bill →
HB 1109 / SB 1260 — Building Inspections During an Emergency Addressed emergency building inspection personnel and training requirements.

Housing & Land Use

SB 48 / HB 313 — Housing Addressed accessory dwelling units, housing affordability and related land-use policies.
SB 208 / HB 399 — Land Use & Development Regulations Addressed local development regulations, residential approvals, fees and exactions.
SB 948 / HB 1143 — Local Government Land Development Regulations Included provisions affecting residential lots, development regulations and local approval processes.

Professional Practice

HB 705 / SB 1592 — Improvements to Real Property Addressed statutes of limitations and actions arising from the design, planning and construction of improvements to real property.
HB 1175 — Office Surgery Suite Design Standards Proposed safety design standards developed through the Florida Building Commission and State Fire Marshal.
HB 1321 / SB 1646 — Educational Facilities Addressed school facilities, construction, inspections, renovation and maintenance.

Additional Bills Tracked in 2026

Housing, Condominiums & Property

HB 255 / SB 638: Condominium Associations

SB 434: Assessment of Property Used for Residential Purposes

SB 456: Tourist Development Tax

HB 489: Florida Housing Finance Corporation

HB 1359: My Safe Florida Home Program

Construction & Professional Regulation

HB 65 / SB 360: Home Inspectors

SB 322: Construction

SB 492: Contracting

SB 800: Engineering

SB 1138: Qualified Contractors

SB 1234: Building Permits and Inspections

SB 1394 / SB 1666: Department of Business and Professional Regulation

Resilience, Environment & Infrastructure

SB 78 / HB 185: Home Hardening Products

HB 441 / SB 546: Conservation Lands

HB 457: Alternative Sources of Weather Information

HB 501 / SB 612: Construction Disruption Assistance

HB 1183: Transportation Infrastructure Land Development Regulations

Growth Management & Local Government

HB 299: Blue Ribbon Projects

SB 548: Growth Management

HB 1227: Preemption to the State

Architecture Is a Public Safety Profession

AIA Florida will continue advocating for policies that maintain professional standards, strengthen Florida's built environment and protect the health, safety and welfare of Floridians.

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