Interior Design Deregulation in Florida: The Real Impact on You

[SAnneB1946]

There is no competition between the educated, experienced and registered interior designers and those who are not. Any client would chose the qualified licensed professional over the self-described professsional. Decorators must eliminate the license in order to eliminate the advantage of having one. However, for the first time, the average Floridian is discussing the HUGE differences between licensed and unlicensed designers. Thanks for the great PR!

[snarkus13]

@avarae89: When Florida deregulates interior design, as now seems likely, I'm confident that formerly licensed designers will promptly assert the right to sign and seal documents. I understand why many of you are parroting this baseless claim now in a futile attempt to avoid deregulation, but the fact that there's not an ounce of truth to it should give you some comfort about your ability to work in the soon-to-be unregulated environment. As I said, I can't wait to see the flip-flop!

[snarkus13]

I'll make you folks a bet: when interior design is deregulated, either legislatively or as a result of the ongoing lawsuit, you will all change your tune after suddenly discovering that, oops, wait -- you just realized that in fact you CAN submit drawings (for appropriate scope of work) even without official government recognition of your vocation and you DON'T have to work under a state-licensed architect after all. That will be a hilarious flip-flop to watch when it comes.

[avarae89]

@snarkus13 But I have the RIGHT as a Designer to Sign and Seal MY work. I go to school and pay money to THIS state to have that right when I graduate. IN ORDER TO WORK ON A COMMERCIAL SPACE I HAVE TO BE ABLE TO SIGN AND SEAL DOCUMENTS... someone would have to supervise all of my work because that is the way it is in the majority of states. A TRUE interior DESIGNER with the proper Education Experience and Examination Should be given those privileges of working withing an area that involves codes

[avarae89]

I know the designers in my future carrer, by them saying that

"A person can practice commercial interior design if they are supervised by a FL Registered Architect.

AND

"A person can practice residential interior design or decoration without registration requirements."

Make it so that I am not a designer anymore, and I am grouped with an Interior Decorator. I CANNOT have my own independent firm in Florida anymore, because I CAN NO LONGER sign off on construction documents.

[NoIDinHB5005]

Florida Statute, ch 481 as revised by HB5005 will read as below. Not sure how much clearer this needs to be explained:

"A person can practice commercial interior design if they are supervised by a FL Registered Architect.

A person can practice residential interior design or decoration without registration requirements."

[psherman31]

@NoIDinHB5005

Would you please identify where in HB5005 it states:

"A person can practice commercial interior design if they are supervised by a FL Registered Architect.

A person can practice residential interior design or decoration without registration requirements."

I've looked and I know for a fact neither statement appears in HB5005.

Can you point to any language in the bill that supports your claim? No need to quote; HB5005 has page and line numbers, so just tell me where it is.

[IFThinkers]

@psherman31 In FL Bldg Code - 106.1 states that "Construction documents, a statement of special inspections and other data shall be submitted in one or more sets with each application for a permit. The construction documents shall be prepared by a registered design professional where required by Chapter 471, Florida Statutes or Chapter 481, Florida Statutes." FL Statute 481 states that prepared docs have to be signed/sealed & that you have to be in supervision of the project. Pretty simple.

[djdudemanhey]

Florida has relatively clear definitions as to the scope of work that a registered ID'er can submit documents for permit. Georgia has a permitting statute as does Colorado. And Nevada and Louisiana also have practice acts. the 45 other states do not have clearly defined scope of ID permittable documents. Bottom line if a set of permit documents is required in Florida, Architects and P.E.'s will be the only ones allowed to sign, seal and submit drawings for a project.

[snarkus13]

I've read HB 5005, and I see that it would deregulate interior design. But I see nothing in the bill that would allow only architects to sign and seal documents, and I know for a fact that unlicensed interior designers in other states (Texas, for example, where I have some very successful designer friends who are unregistered) are able to do so when the scope of work is appropriate. So how is Florida different?

[FLYME2THEM00N]

@snarkus13:

So in the bill where it reads: “deleting provisions permitting the practice of or offer to practice interior design through certain business organizations” How is that not clear that Interior Designers will no longer be able to sign their own documents, leaving only architects to work in the field? "Deleting provisions" means that they are removing Interior Designers right to sign their own documents in the State of Florida. I hope that helps you understand the Bill better.

[avarae89]

There are posts I was trying to make for my friend, sorry you had to take the links out.

[FLYME2THEM00N]

On the full document of HB5005, the Bill proposes to deregulate Interior Design from line 23 on page 1 through line 45 on page 2. Specifically where it states (from line 31-33 on page 2) that “ 481.203, F.S.; revising definitions relating to the practice of architecture and deleting definitions relating to the practice of interior design...” This allowing only Architects to sign & seal documents which means all registered Interior Designers would not be allowed to operate their own business.

[FLYME2THEM00N]

You can search and view all the Interior Designers currently registered and licensed in the state of Florida on: My Florida Licence .com

[snarkus13]

@avarae89: Well, you say that's "the fact of the matter," and Mr. Davis says the same thing, but what I'm looking for is some objective support for that claim so folks can have a look and decide for themselves whether it holds up.

[avarae89]

@snarkus13 I am trying to post the bill and some other things but it wont let me

[avarae89]

There are posts I was trying to make for my friend, sorry we had to take the links out, but I put up how to look up the bill

[avarae89]

@snarkus13

Go to the Florida Senator website and search for HB 5005

[snarkus13]

Could you provide some documentation to support the statement that deregulating interior design in Florida "would effectively prevent over 3,000 registered interior design professionals from continuing in their current profession"? I have seen this claim made repeatedly, but have not been able to find anything to substantiate it. Thanks!

[avarae89]

@snarkus13: the fact of the matter is that if this is passed, we as designers could no longer sign and seal construction documents allowing our designs to be used in commercial spaces. Architects, engineers, and contractors would have to oversea all of the work of an interior designer once again, because of this the 900 firms across the country would have to close down or may be forced to hand their company over to someone who can sign off on those document in a commercial space.

[avarae89]

@avarae89 so in the end, my design, may not be mine anymore... since it does not have my registered seal on it.

[deregulateID]

@avarae89 I agree with @snarkus13. Where's the proof? It makes no sense that the government would try to pass a bill that would put 3000 people out of work. Our legislators are not stupid. The only people that are making that claim are those that fear the competition that will be created when interior design is deregulated.

[SAnneB1946]

Finally, some truth! What are you people gaining by taking away our rights to sign and seal drawings? You will gain nothing!!!

Now you will just have to compete with us more educated, qualified designers for only residential jobs. Bring it on!! We challenge you.

I have no sympathy for a small group of people who don't want to work hard to accomplish their goals. Stop trying to line your pockets by destroying our businesses. We will win in the end. There are more of us. Get real!

[deregulateID]

This video seems to make a lot of broad assertions without substantiation. In contrast, this, video youtube.com/watch?v=C_4U3VehaW­4 provides accurate facts backed up with volumes of indisputable supporting evidence.