Each registered architect in the state of Florida must use Florida architecture seals to stamp plans and other documents the architect has either created or directly supervised. The Florida Legislature states in its 2015 Florida Statutes under Regulations of Professions and Occupations: Architecture, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture, by using the seal, the architect is agreeing that the documents are of a high standard indicating all essential parts (Title 32, Chapter 481.221 (8)).
Standards of Use for Florida Architecture Seals
Per state regulations, Florida architecture seals must be used to seal the following:
- Drawings, including blueprints
- Plans, including final
- Specifications
- Reports
By stamping the documents with Florida architecture seals, the board is able to identify the architect responsible for the work. It is a violation to alter any documents bearing the Florida architecture seals by anyone other than another registered architect. In the case of alteration, the architect making the changes must use their seal to stamp the document, sign and date, and note in detail all integrations made. The board can then approve and track all changes regarding a structure.
No registered architect may ever use their seal on a document or set of plans they did not personally create or directly supervise.
By using the seal, the architect is acknowledging responsible control over the project plans, including meeting state regulations and using standard of care.If a registered architect’s license expires or is suspended or revoked, the architect must cease use of it. According to Florida state law, the architect must surrender their seal to the board within 30 days and submit written confirmation of licensure suspension and electronic signature cancellation to the executive director. After the suspension ends, the architect will be reissued their seal (2015 Florida Statutes, Title 32, Chapter 481.221 (12)).
Florida architecture seals are not required for the plans for one-family or two-family residences regardless of cost. However, according to “A Building Official’s Guide to the Professional Practice of Architects and Engineers in Florida”, each building code official should check local ordinances. Due to wind load in the state of Florida, using a registered architect is advisable to certify calculations (3).
Specifications For Your Florida State Seal Stamp
According to Florida state regulations, each Florida architecture seal must be circular in shape with a 2” diameter. The outer ring is made in the design of a corded rope to border the seal. The top of the middle ring will read “State of Florida” with the bottom of the ring stating “Registered Architect”. The licensee’s name and licensure number will fill the inner circle of the seal with no additional letters or numbers.
Florida architecture seals come in different forms, however according to authorities, the 2” embossed seal is required. The seals are also available as a rubber stamp and a pre-inked stamp. Depending on vendor, the prices will vary for seals. Choose a vendor with the up-to-date design and offering a guarantee on the seals meeting state requirements.
Meets State Requirements, Guaranteed
AcornSales.com carries Florida architecture seals and offers the guarantee of their seals meeting Florida state requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Florida architecture seal requirements for stamping documents?
Florida architecture seal requirements state that a registered architect must use their seal on drawings, plans, specifications, and reports that they created or directly supervised. By sealing these documents, the architect is certifying responsible control and confirming the work meets Florida’s professional standards.
Can an architect seal work they did not personally create?
No. A Florida registered architect may not use their seal on documents or plans they did not personally create or directly supervise. If another licensed architect makes changes, that architect must apply their own seal, sign and date the revisions, and clearly note the changes made.
How do the design standards for a Florida architecture seal stamp? benefit licensed professionals?
A Florida architecture seal must be circular and 2 inches in diameter. It must include an outer rope-style border, “State of Florida” at the top of the middle ring, “Registered Architect” at the bottom, and the architect’s name and license number in the center. No extra letters or numbers should appear in the inner circle.
Are Florida architecture seals required for residential projects?
Florida architecture seals are not required for the plans of one-family or two-family residences, regardless of project cost. However, local ordinances may still apply, and many building officials recommend confirming requirements due to Florida’s wind load and code considerations.
What happens to a Florida architecture seal if an architect’s license expires or is suspended?
If an architect’s license expires, is suspended, or is revoked, they must stop using the seal immediately. Florida law requires the architect to surrender the seal to the board within 30 days and submit written confirmation of the licensure status change and electronic signature cancellation.
What type of Florida architecture seal should I order?
The 2-inch embossed seal is required, and Florida architecture seals are also available as rubber stamps and pre-inked stamps. When ordering, choose a vendor that guarantees the seal meets current Florida state requirements so you avoid compliance issues and costly reorders.
