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Legislative Update
April 18, 2025
With only two weeks left in session, the Florida House moved CS/HB 1461 forward. The bill was amended last week to remove the Board of Architecture and Interior Design and continuing education requirements for architects. The regulation of architecture would be handled by the Department of Building and Professional Regulation under this proposed legislation. Several other professions, including engineers and accountants, face the same changes in this bill. AIA Florida's lobbying team and CEO met with the bill's sponsor to voice the importance of continuing education for architects as they are licensed to protect health, safety and welfare.The team also emphasized the need for the architecture profession to remain regulated by a board which includes licensed architects. With The Florida Building Code updated every three years and rapid changes in building technology, continuing education requirements should remain for architects. The bill will move to its last committee stop in the House where it is expected to be amended to perhaps carve out certain professions such as architecture. With little time left in session, it is unlikely that the Senate will be able to pass this amended version of proposed legislation.
Other bills continued their journey this week. CS/CS/HB 209 was passed by the House while the Senate version, CS/SB 80, continued to move through its committee references. The legislation, commonly referred to as the State Park Preservation Act, prohibits golf courses, hotel and similar developments in state parks. There are still differences between the two bills. Both chambers must agree on the same language for the legislation to be adopted.
CS/CS/SB 712 was passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment and General Government. The bill requires The Florida Building Code to recognize tall mass timber as an allowable material for certain construction types.
AIA Florida will continue to track these bills and others throughout session and provide updates in Friday Facts. Check out our podcast feed for special episodes of the Advocacy Minute throughout the legislative season.
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