Florida Form DBPR LA-1 is the Application for Licensure as a Landscape Architect that every person seeking a Florida landscape architect license must file with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) through the Board of Landscape Architecture. The form opens three different doorways into licensure — examination, endorsement, and reactivation — and the wrong checkbox on page one can route your file into a months-long review queue.
Florida processes more than 150 new landscape architect applications each year, and the Board reports that roughly one in three first-time LA-1 submissions gets a “deficiency notice” within 30 days because of missing transcripts, blank affidavits, or wrong fee amounts. Getting it right the first time saves you the $145 re-review wait, keeps your LARE exam window from closing, and protects your start date with your future employer.
Here is what this guide gives you:
- 📋 A field-by-field walkthrough of every box, line, and signature block on the current LA-1 form
- 🧑🎓 Three named-applicant scenarios — exam path, endorsement path, and military spouse path — showing the exact entries
- 💰 The current fee math, including the $145 application fee and the $5 unlicensed activity surcharge
- 🚩 The 10 most common rejection triggers DBPR examiners flag, with the consequence of each
- ✅ A pre-filing checklist of 8+ documents you must gather before opening the application
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
Form DBPR LA-1 is the gateway document that the Florida Board of Landscape Architecture uses to decide whether you may lawfully practice landscape architecture in Florida. The statute behind it is Chapter 481, Part II, Florida Statutes, which makes it a third-degree felony to offer landscape architectural services in the state without a license. The rules that govern how the Board reviews your LA-1 live in Rule Chapter 61G10, Florida Administrative Code.
Three groups of filers use this exact form. The first group is applicants by examination — recent graduates of an accredited landscape architecture program who need Board approval to sit for the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). The second group is applicants by endorsement — landscape architects already licensed in another U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province who want a Florida license without retaking the LARE. The third group is reactivation and military spouse filers seeking expedited licensure under Section 455.213001, Florida Statutes.
The Board itself is a seven-member body appointed by the Governor under the Florida Board of Landscape Architecture authority. The Board meets quarterly, and your LA-1 must reach DBPR at least 30 days before a scheduled meeting if your file needs Board ratification rather than staff approval. A common misconception is that the LA-1 is only for the LARE — in fact, the same form handles endorsement and military spouse paths, just with different checkboxes and attachments.
If you are caught practicing without first getting your LA-1 approved, the unlicensed activity statute authorizes DBPR to issue cease-and-desist orders and impose civil penalties up to $5,000 per incident. That is why the $5 unlicensed activity fee shows up on every LA-1 — it funds enforcement against people who skipped the form entirely.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before you open the LA-1 PDF or log into the online portal, pull every document below into one folder. DBPR examiners process files in the order they arrive, so a single missing attachment bumps you to the back of the queue.
- Government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license or passport with your full legal name. Missing this means your fingerprint Livescan results cannot be matched to your file.
- Social Security number. Required under Section 559.79, F.S. for licensing purposes. If you have an ITIN instead, attach the federal exemption affidavit or the Board cannot issue a license number.
- Official sealed transcript. Must come directly from your university registrar to DBPR. A student copy or an opened envelope is treated as unverified and triggers an automatic deficiency.
- CLARB Council Record (endorsement filers). Order it from CLARB and have it transmitted electronically to Florida. Without it, the Board cannot verify your out-of-state license or LARE scores.
- Experience verification form. A supervising licensed landscape architect must sign off on your post-graduate experience hours under Rule 61G10-11.005. Self-reported experience is not accepted.
- Fingerprint Livescan receipt. Use an approved Livescan vendor and submit fingerprints under ORI code FL924020Z. Wrong ORI sends prints to the wrong agency and you start over.
- Court documents for any criminal history. Certified copies of charging documents, judgments, and proof of completed sentences. Omitting these when you check “yes” on the criminal history question is grounds for denial under Section 455.227, F.S..
- Name change documentation. Marriage certificates, divorce decrees, or court orders if your transcript name differs from your application name.
- Military spouse documentation. A copy of your spouse’s military orders to Florida and your marriage certificate, if applying under the military spouse path.
- Payment method. A credit card, debit card, or check for $150 total ($145 application fee + $5 unlicensed activity fee). Cash is not accepted at any channel.
A nuance many filers miss: DBPR will hold your file open for 90 days after issuing a deficiency notice. After day 91, your application is closed, your fee is forfeited, and you must start a new LA-1 from scratch.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official LA-1 lives on the DBPR landscape architecture page as a fillable PDF download. Always pull a fresh copy each time you start — DBPR updates revision dates without sending notice, and an outdated form is rejected on intake. Check the bottom-right corner of page one for the revision date and confirm it matches what is currently posted.
The online channel sits inside MyFloridaLicense Online Services. You create a free account, choose “Apply for a New License,” then select “Landscape Architecture” and the appropriate path (Examination, Endorsement, Reactivation, or Military Spouse). The portal walks you through the same fields as the paper LA-1, but it autosaves your progress every two minutes, which paper cannot do.
If you prefer paper, print the LA-1 single-sided on plain white 8.5×11 letter paper. Do not staple. DBPR scans every page into its OnBase document management system, and staples jam the scanner, which delays your file by up to a week. Mail the completed packet to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783.
A misconception worth correcting: some filers think the paper form is “more official” than the online portal. Both paths land in the same OnBase queue and receive the same Board review — the only difference is processing speed, with online files typically reaching an examiner 5–7 business days sooner.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form DBPR LA-1 Line by Line
The LA-1 is organized into a cover page, eight numbered sections, and a notarized affidavit. Work top to bottom and never skip a field — write N/A if a question does not apply to you, because a blank box reads to the examiner as “missed” rather than “not applicable.”
Section 1, Box 1: Method of Licensure
This is the first decision on the form, and it routes your entire file. The form asks which path you are applying under and lists four checkboxes: Examination, Endorsement, Reactivation, and Military Spouse.
To answer, check exactly one box. If you are a new graduate who has not yet passed the LARE, check Examination. If you hold a current license in another U.S. state or Canadian province, check Endorsement. If your Florida license went null and void and you want it back, check Reactivation. If your active-duty spouse received orders to Florida, check Military Spouse.
For example, Maria Lopez, a 2025 University of Florida BLA graduate, checks Examination because she has never sat for the LARE. Carlos Rivera, who has held a California landscape architect license since 2018, checks Endorsement. Jasmine Wright, whose Army-officer husband was just stationed at MacDill AFB, checks Military Spouse.
A nuance: if you previously sat for the LARE in another state but never got licensed anywhere, you still file under Examination and ask CLARB to transmit your scores. The endorsement box requires an active out-of-state license, not just exam history.
The most common mistake on this field is checking both Examination and Endorsement “to be safe.” DBPR reads conflicting boxes as an incomplete election and issues a deficiency that costs you 30 days. The misconception is that endorsement waives all education review — it does not, because Florida still verifies your degree even on the endorsement path.
Section 1, Box 2: Full Legal Name
The form asks for your full legal name as it appears on your government ID. Enter it in the order Last Name, First Name, Middle Name, Suffix in all capital letters using black ink if filing on paper.
Maria writes LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA in the name box, with no nicknames and no initials in place of the middle name. Carlos writes RIVERA, CARLOS ANTONIO even though he goes by “Tony” professionally, because the Board prints licenses from this field exactly as you type it.
A nuance applies to hyphenated names — write the full hyphenated last name (GARCIA-MARQUEZ) rather than splitting it across the last and middle boxes. If your legal name has changed since your transcript was issued, attach the court order or marriage certificate as supporting documentation.
The common mistake is using a nickname or a preferred name. The consequence is that your printed license, your seal, and your future stamp will all read the wrong name, and replacing a Florida seal costs more than the original application. The misconception is that you can “fix it later” — once issued, name changes require a separate DBPR 0090 form and a $25 fee.
Section 1, Box 3: Social Security Number
This box asks for your nine-digit SSN. Write it in XXX-XX-XXXX format with dashes, in the small boxes provided.
Maria enters 123-45-6789 in the SSN boxes. The Board uses the SSN to satisfy Title IV-D child support enforcement cross-checks and to report your license to the IRS.
A nuance: if you do not have an SSN because you are a non-resident alien with an ITIN, leave the box blank and attach a sworn statement requesting an exemption under Section 559.79, F.S. Do not write your ITIN in the SSN box, because the field is electronically validated against SSA records.
The common mistake is transposing two digits. The consequence is a child-support cross-check hit on a stranger’s record, which freezes your file until you submit a sworn correction affidavit. The misconception is that the SSN is optional — it is not, except under the narrow ITIN exemption.
Section 1, Box 4: Date of Birth
The form asks for your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format.
Maria writes 03/14/1998 in the date-of-birth boxes. Use leading zeros — 3/14/1998 without zeros causes OCR misreads in the OnBase scanner.
A nuance: if your transcript shows a different DOB than your driver’s license, fix the transcript first by going back to your registrar. Mismatched DOBs across documents are the second-most-common reason for endorsement deficiencies.
The common mistake is writing the date in DD/MM/YYYY format if you were trained outside the U.S. The consequence is that an examiner reading 14/03/1998 will flag the file as “invalid date” because there is no 14th month. The misconception is that the date format does not matter — it absolutely does, because automated checks reject anything that is not MM/DD/YYYY.
Section 1, Box 5: Mailing Address
The form asks for your current mailing address where DBPR can send official correspondence. Enter street, city, state, ZIP, and country on the lines provided.
Maria writes 2401 SW 13TH ST, APT 4B, GAINESVILLE, FL 32608. Carlos, who still lives in California while waiting on his endorsement, writes 1455 OCEAN AVE, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401.
A nuance: a P.O. Box is acceptable for mailing, but if you only list a P.O. Box, you also must list a physical address elsewhere on the form so the Board can verify residence for jurisdictional purposes. International addresses are fine — write the country name in full on its own line.
The common mistake is listing a parents’ address “just in case” and then never checking the mail there. The consequence is that DBPR mails your deficiency notice, you never see it, and on day 91 your file closes with the fee forfeited. The misconception is that an email address replaces a mailing address — it does not, because formal Board orders go by certified mail.
Section 1, Box 6: Phone and Email
The form asks for a daytime phone number and an email address. Use a number you actually answer and an email you check daily.
Maria enters (352) 555-0142 and maria.lopez@gmail.com. The Board’s licensure examiners call applicants when a deficiency is small enough to fix verbally, and the email is where DBPR sends portal notifications.
A nuance: use a personal email, not a school email that expires when you graduate. Many UF, FAU, and FIU email addresses are deactivated 90 days after graduation, and that is exactly when DBPR is most likely to email you about LARE eligibility.
The common mistake is listing a work phone where you cannot take personal calls. The consequence is missed deficiency calls and a slower file. The misconception is that DBPR only communicates by mail — in practice, examiners prefer email and phone for fast fixes.
Section 2: Education
This section asks where you earned your landscape architecture degree, the degree title, and the graduation date. List every accredited program you attended, even if you transferred.
Maria writes University of Florida, Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, 05/2025. Carlos writes Cal Poly Pomona, Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, 06/2017. Both must arrange for the registrar to mail an official sealed transcript directly to DBPR — a transcript handed to you in a sealed envelope and then forwarded by you is not “official” under Rule 61G10-11.0035.
A nuance: Florida requires graduation from a program accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) at the time you graduated. If your program lost or gained accreditation around your graduation year, attach a letter from the program confirming its status on your degree date.
The common mistake is forgetting to request the transcript at the same time you submit the LA-1. The consequence is that your file sits in “awaiting transcript” status for weeks. The misconception is that an unofficial transcript “to get started” satisfies the requirement — it does not, and the file will not move until the sealed copy arrives.
Section 3: Experience
This section is required for endorsement and military spouse paths and optional for examination filers. List every landscape architecture position you have held, the employer, the supervising licensed landscape architect, dates of employment, and hours per week.
Carlos lists Olin Studio, Los Angeles, CA, Supervised by Susan Cheng, LA #5421, 06/2017 – present, 40 hrs/week. He attaches a notarized experience verification form signed by Susan Cheng confirming the hours under Rule 61G10-11.005.
A nuance: only experience earned under the direct supervision of a licensed landscape architect counts. Design-build work supervised by an architect, engineer, or contractor does not qualify, no matter how relevant. If your supervisor has retired or died, the Board accepts an affidavit from the firm’s current principal under Rule 61G10-11.0051.
The common mistake is listing experience without naming the supervising licensed LA. The consequence is that the experience is treated as zero hours. The misconception is that “any design experience counts” — it does not, because Florida is strict about who supervised the work.
Section 4: Examination History
This section asks whether you have taken the LARE, in which jurisdiction, and which sections you have passed. Endorsement filers must show LARE passage; examination filers leave this blank or write N/A.
Carlos writes LARE passed, California, Sections 1–4, 12/2018 and asks CLARB to transmit his official score record to Florida. Maria writes N/A because she has not yet sat for the LARE.
A nuance: Florida accepts LARE passage from any U.S. or Canadian jurisdiction as long as the scores were valid at the time of passage. Older paper-and-pencil LARE results from before 2013 are still accepted but must be verified by CLARB.
The common mistake is self-reporting scores rather than having CLARB transmit them. The consequence is that self-reported scores are unverifiable and ignored. The misconception is that “passed” is enough — the Board needs the official CLARB transmittal showing date and section-by-section results.
Section 5: Other State Licenses
This section asks whether you have ever held, or currently hold, a professional license in any other U.S. state, territory, or Canadian province. Answer Yes or No for each question and list every license in detail if yes.
Carlos lists California Landscape Architect #5421, issued 03/2019, current and in good standing. He orders a letter of good standing from the California Landscape Architects Technical Committee sent directly to DBPR.
A nuance: this includes licenses in other professions, not just landscape architecture. If you also hold a Florida real estate license or a contractor’s license, list those too — DBPR cross-checks all DBPR-issued credentials.
The common mistake is forgetting to disclose a lapsed license from a decade ago. The consequence is treated as material omission under Section 455.227, F.S., which is grounds for denial. The misconception is that “expired” means “never held” — it does not, and you must still disclose it.
Section 6: Criminal History and Disciplinary History
This is the most consequential page on the LA-1. You must answer Yes or No to questions about felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions related to the practice, pending charges, and any prior professional discipline.
If you answer Yes to any question, attach a personal explanation letter, certified copies of charging documents and judgments, and proof of completion of any sentence, probation, or restitution. Carlos answers No to every question. Jasmine Wright answers Yes to one misdemeanor DUI from 2019 and attaches the certified disposition and proof of completed probation.
A nuance: traffic infractions that are not criminal (speeding tickets, parking tickets) do not need to be disclosed. But a DUI, even a misdemeanor, must be disclosed because it is a criminal offense under Florida law.
The common mistake is answering No when you have a sealed or expunged record. The consequence is that DBPR’s fingerprint background check still finds the underlying record, and the discrepancy is treated as fraud on the application. The misconception is that expunged records “do not exist” — for licensing purposes under Section 943.0585, F.S., licensing boards see them.
Section 7: Affirmation and Signature
The final section is a sworn affirmation that everything in the application is true. Sign in blue or black ink in the presence of a notary public if filing on paper, or use the portal’s electronic signature if filing online.
Maria signs Maria E. Lopez in cursive on the signature line and dates it 05/12/2026. A Florida notary then completes the notarial certificate, including the notary’s commission number and expiration date.
A nuance: out-of-state notaries are accepted under Section 92.50, F.S., but the certificate must comply with the notary’s home-state format. Online filers using the portal do not need a separate notary because the portal’s identity verification satisfies the same requirement.
The common mistake is signing before the notary watches. The consequence is that the notarization is invalid and the entire LA-1 is returned. The misconception is that a witness can substitute for a notary — it cannot, because the statute requires a notarial act.
Section 8: Fingerprint Information
The last numbered section asks for your fingerprint Livescan transaction control number (TCN) and the date prints were taken. Submit prints through an FDLE-approved Livescan vendor using ORI code FL924020Z so results route to DBPR.
Maria writes TCN: F1234567890, Date: 05/05/2026. The vendor charges roughly $58 for the Livescan service, which is paid separately from the LA-1 fee.
A nuance: fingerprints expire after 12 months. If your file sits in deficiency status for more than a year, you must reprint at your own cost. Schedule your Livescan within 90 days of submitting the LA-1 to give yourself maximum runway.
The common mistake is using the wrong ORI code. The consequence is that prints route to the wrong agency, DBPR never receives them, and you pay again to reprint. The misconception is that an FBI fingerprint card from another state’s licensing agency transfers — it does not, because Florida requires its own Livescan transmittal.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
These three named applicants — Maria, Carlos, and Jasmine — show what a clean LA-1 looks like from cover page to signature.
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez, Recent UF Graduate Applying by Examination
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1, Method of Licensure | Examination |
| Section 1, Full Legal Name | LOPEZ, MARIA ELENA |
| Section 1, SSN | 123-45-6789 |
| Section 1, Date of Birth | 03/14/1998 |
| Section 1, Mailing Address | 2401 SW 13TH ST APT 4B, GAINESVILLE, FL 32608 |
| Section 2, Education | University of Florida, BLA, 05/2025 |
| Section 4, Examination History | N/A — not yet taken |
| Section 6, Criminal History | No to all questions |
| Section 7, Signature | Maria E. Lopez, notarized 05/12/2026 |
| Section 8, Fingerprint TCN | F1234567890, taken 05/05/2026 |
Scenario 2: Carlos Rivera, California Licensee Applying by Endorsement
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1, Method of Licensure | Endorsement |
| Section 1, Full Legal Name | RIVERA, CARLOS ANTONIO |
| Section 1, Date of Birth | 07/22/1992 |
| Section 1, Mailing Address | 1455 OCEAN AVE, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401 |
| Section 2, Education | Cal Poly Pomona, BSLA, 06/2017 |
| Section 3, Experience | Olin Studio, supervised by Susan Cheng LA #5421, 06/2017 – present |
| Section 4, Examination History | LARE Sections 1–4 passed, CA, 12/2018 |
| Section 5, Other State Licenses | California LA #5421, current, good standing |
| Section 6, Criminal History | No to all questions |
| Section 7, Signature | Carlos A. Rivera, notarized 04/30/2026 |
Scenario 3: Jasmine Wright, Military Spouse Path
| Form Section | What Jasmine Enters |
|---|---|
| Section 1, Method of Licensure | Military Spouse |
| Section 1, Full Legal Name | WRIGHT, JASMINE NICOLE |
| Section 1, Date of Birth | 11/02/1990 |
| Section 1, Mailing Address | 3812 BAYSHORE BLVD, TAMPA, FL 33611 |
| Section 2, Education | Texas A&M University, BLA, 05/2014 |
| Section 3, Experience | Studio Outside, Dallas TX, supervised by Tary Arterburn LA #2255, 2014–2025 |
| Section 4, Examination History | LARE Sections 1–4 passed, TX, 09/2016 |
| Section 5, Other State Licenses | Texas LA #4012, current |
| Section 6, Criminal History | Yes — 2019 misdemeanor DUI, completed probation, disposition attached |
| Section 7, Signature | Jasmine N. Wright, notarized 05/10/2026 |
| Military Spouse Attachment | Copy of PCS orders to MacDill AFB + marriage certificate |
A fourth named filer worth noting is Aisha Patel, a foreign-educated applicant from India whose CLARB Council Record included a credential equivalency evaluation. A fifth is Marcus Bell, a Florida licensee whose license went null in 2023 and who is now using LA-1 to reactivate under Rule 61G10-12.001.
How to File the Completed Form
Florida gives you three filing channels, and your choice affects how fast your file reaches an examiner. Pick the channel that matches your urgency and document situation.
Online Portal. Log into MyFloridaLicense Online Services, select “Apply for a New License → Landscape Architecture,” and complete the LA-1 fields in the portal. Pay the $150 total ($145 application + $5 unlicensed activity) by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or e-check. Your proof of filing is the on-screen confirmation page and the email receipt — save both. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days to first examiner review.
Mail. Print the completed LA-1 single-sided, do not staple, attach a check or money order for $150 payable to Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and mail to DBPR, 2601 Blair Stone Road, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0783. Use USPS certified mail with return receipt for proof of filing. Processing time is typically 10–15 business days because the file must first be scanned into OnBase.
In Person. Walk-in submission is accepted at the same Tallahassee address during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday. Pay by check, money order, or credit card — no cash. Your proof of filing is the date-stamped receipt the front desk hands you. Processing time matches the mail channel because in-person filings still queue for scanning.
Fax filing is not accepted for LA-1, despite older guides suggesting otherwise. The DBPR fax intake was retired in 2022. A misconception is that overnight mail “skips the line” — it does not, because all incoming mail is sorted in the order received regardless of carrier.
What Happens After You File
Once DBPR receives your LA-1, the file is logged into OnBase and assigned an application number, usually within 48 hours. You can track status anytime through the License Lookup tool by entering your name or application number.
A licensure examiner reviews the file against the Rule 61G10-11 checklist. If everything is complete, examination applicants are approved to sit for the LARE within 10–15 business days, and the approval is transmitted directly to CLARB. Endorsement and military spouse applicants are placed on the next Board meeting agenda, with the Board meeting roughly every quarter.
If anything is missing, DBPR issues a deficiency notice by email and certified mail listing every item you must cure. You have 90 days from the date of the notice to respond. Cure deficiencies through the portal by uploading the missing document, or by mailing the document with your application number written on every page.
After Board approval, DBPR issues your license number and mails your wall certificate within 7–14 business days. You may then order your official Florida landscape architect seal — a misconception is that DBPR sends the seal, but you must buy it separately from any seal vendor that complies with Rule 61G10-12.003.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
These ten errors cause the majority of LA-1 rejections each year, according to DBPR’s quarterly deficiency reports. Each one is fixable up front and disastrous when missed.
- Checking two method-of-licensure boxes. Routes your file into manual review and adds 30 days.
- Leaving fields blank instead of writing N/A. Examiners read blanks as missed and issue a deficiency.
- Submitting an unsealed or hand-delivered transcript. The file freezes in “awaiting transcript” until the registrar mails a sealed copy.
- Using the wrong fingerprint ORI code. Prints go to a different agency and you pay to reprint.
- Writing the SSN in the wrong format. Triggers child-support cross-check failures and a sworn-correction affidavit requirement.
- Forgetting to disclose a sealed or expunged record. Treated as fraud on the application and grounds for denial.
- Submitting self-reported LARE scores. Self-reported scores are ignored — only CLARB transmittals count.
- Skipping the notary on paper filings. Invalidates the entire application and forces a refile.
- Paying the wrong fee amount. Anything other than $150 total causes the file to bounce back unprocessed.
- Ignoring the 90-day deficiency cure window. On day 91, the file closes and the fee is forfeited under Rule 61G10-12.001.
A misconception worth flagging: many filers think they can “amend” the LA-1 after submission to fix mistakes. In practice, only deficiency cures are accepted — material changes (like switching from Examination to Endorsement) require a new application and a new fee.
Do’s and Don’ts
These rules of thumb keep your LA-1 moving and your file out of the deficiency queue.
- Do pull a fresh LA-1 PDF each time, because revision dates change without notice and old versions are rejected.
- Do request your transcript and CLARB record on the same day you start the LA-1, because both take weeks to arrive.
- Do keep a scanned copy of everything you submit, because DBPR will not return originals.
- Do check the portal weekly, because deficiency notices sometimes arrive only by email and not certified mail.
- Do answer every criminal-history question honestly, because the fingerprint background check sees everything regardless.
- Do budget $250 total for fees and Livescan, because the headline $145 fee is not the full cost.
- Don’t sign before the notary watches, because that invalidates the notarization and the application.
- Don’t use a school email address you will lose access to within 90 days.
- Don’t mail and online-file the same application — duplicate filings confuse OnBase and slow both copies.
- Don’t staple, paperclip, or hole-punch a mailed LA-1, because it jams the scanner.
- Don’t wait until day 89 to respond to a deficiency notice, because mail and processing time will push you past day 91.
- Don’t assume your supervisor will remember to mail the experience verification — call and confirm.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Most LA-1 filers complete the form themselves, but some hire a licensure consultant or attorney, especially when criminal history or foreign credentials are involved.
Pros of filing on your own:
- Saves $500–$2,500 in consultant or attorney fees, because the form itself is straightforward.
- Builds your familiarity with DBPR processes you will use again at renewal.
- Gives you direct control over the portal account, which is yours for life.
- Avoids miscommunication between you and a third party about your facts.
- Lets you respond to deficiencies the same day they arrive.
Cons of filing on your own:
- No professional review catches mistakes before submission.
- You learn the rules under deadline pressure rather than with leisure.
- Criminal history and foreign-credential issues are unforgiving when self-handled.
- You bear 100% of the rework cost if the file is rejected.
- You may misread Board case law or rule changes that a specialist tracks daily.
A nuance: if your LA-1 involves any yes answer in Section 6, getting a Florida-licensed attorney to draft your explanation letter is usually worth the fee, because Board denials are difficult to reverse on appeal.
Online Filing vs. Paper Filing at a Glance
The two non-walk-in channels differ on more than just speed.
| Feature | Online Portal vs. Paper |
|---|---|
| Processing time | 5–10 business days online; 10–15 business days paper |
| Notary required | No (portal handles ID verification); Yes (must be notarized) |
| Payment methods | All major cards + e-check; check or money order only |
| Autosave during entry | Yes, every 2 minutes; No, one shot |
| Document upload | Drag-and-drop PDF; mail originals only |
| Status tracking | Real-time portal dashboard; email + License Lookup only |
| Best for | Most filers, especially exam path; filers with complex attachments who want a paper trail |
FAQs
Is Form DBPR LA-1 the only application I need to become a Florida landscape architect?
Yes. LA-1 is the single application that covers examination, endorsement, reactivation, and military spouse paths under Chapter 481, Part II, F.S., with the path you choose dictating which attachments you add.
Do I have to file LA-1 if I already passed the LARE in another state?
Yes. Passing the LARE elsewhere does not grant a Florida license. You still file LA-1 under the Endorsement path and request CLARB to transmit your scores.
Can I file LA-1 before I graduate?
No. Florida requires that your accredited degree be conferred before the Board approves you for the LARE, so you must wait for your final transcript reflecting the conferral date.
What if I leave Box 1 blank because I am not sure which path applies?
No path is selected if Box 1 is blank, and DBPR will return the file with a deficiency. Always pick exactly one method-of-licensure box.
Do I write my maiden name or my married name in the Full Legal Name field?
Yes — use whichever appears on your current government-issued ID. If your transcript has a different name, attach a marriage certificate or court order showing the change.
Should I list a P.O. Box or a street address in Section 1, Box 5?
Yes to either, but if you list only a P.O. Box, add a physical address elsewhere on the form so the Board can verify residence.
Do I have to disclose a sealed or expunged criminal record on the LA-1?
Yes. Under Section 943.0585, F.S., licensing boards may see sealed and expunged records, so failure to disclose is treated as fraud.
Is the $145 application fee refundable if I withdraw?
No. Application fees are non-refundable once your file is logged, regardless of whether DBPR has begun review.
Can my supervising landscape architect sign the experience verification electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures that comply with Florida’s Uniform Electronic Transaction Act are accepted by DBPR.
Do military spouses pay a reduced fee?
Yes. Under Section 455.213001, F.S., military spouses receive an expedited review and a fee waiver on the $145 application fee, though the $5 unlicensed activity fee still applies.
How long does the Board take to approve an endorsement application?
Yes, expect roughly 60–90 days because endorsement files must go before a quarterly Board meeting after staff review.
Do I need to take a Florida-specific landscape architecture exam?
No. Florida does not have a separate state exam — passing the four LARE sections under CLARB is sufficient once the Board approves your LA-1.
Can I fix a wrong fingerprint ORI code by emailing DBPR?
No. You must reprint through an approved Livescan vendor using the correct ORI FL924020Z, because fingerprint data cannot be re-routed after transmission.
Should I check “Yes” to the disciplinary question if I had a complaint dismissed?
Yes if a formal complaint was filed against any license you have held, even if it was dismissed. List it and attach the dismissal order.
Does the LA-1 expire if I take too long to respond to a deficiency?
Yes. Your file closes on day 91 after the deficiency notice, and your $145 fee is forfeited under Rule 61G10-12.001.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR ARCH-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR ATH-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR AUCT-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR CIL ATTACHMENT (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Form DBPR FCAM-1 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Florida Medical License Application (MD) (w/Examples) + FAQs