Short answer: A landscape architect is a state-licensed professional who can prepare construction documents for grading, drainage, structures, and irrigation. A landscape designer plans the look and layout of a landscape, including planting plans and the conceptual placement of features, and in Florida does not need a state license. Most residential projects focused on planting, outdoor rooms, and lighting are a good fit for an experienced landscape designer. You need a landscape architect, or another licensed professional such as an engineer, when a project requires sealed construction documents.
Key takeaways
- Licensure is required to practice landscape architecture in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to ASLA.
- In Florida, landscape architects are licensed by the Board of Landscape Architecture under the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).
- Florida law allows anyone to practice landscape design, but only licensed professionals may use the title "landscape architect."
- Under Florida law, construction documents for structures and irrigation systems must be designed or approved by licensed professionals as required by law.
- A landscaper or landscape contractor installs and maintains; a design-build firm both designs and installs.
What is the difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
The difference comes down to training, licensing, and legal scope.
Landscape architect
A landscape architect typically holds an accredited degree in landscape architecture, has supervised work experience, and has passed the Landscape Architect Registration Examination (LARE). Their legal scope is broad. Florida's definition in Florida Statutes section 481.303 includes setting grades, shaping land and water forms, determining drainage, providing for storm drainage and irrigation systems, siting buildings and structures, and preparing construction documents. Many landscape architects work on parks, campuses, and commercial sites as well as homes.
Landscape designer
A landscape designer focuses on how a property looks and functions: the layout of outdoor rooms, planting, materials, and lighting. Florida law defines landscape design as consultation and preparation of planting plans, including specifications and installation details for plants, soil amendments, mulch, edging, and gravel. A designer's plans may include the conceptual placement of tangible objects such as patios, pergolas, and kitchens. Training varies widely, so experience and portfolio matter more than the title.
What can a landscape designer do in Florida?
Florida draws a clear line. Under Florida Statutes section 481.329, the landscape architecture law does not prohibit anyone from practicing landscape design or from submitting planting plans to a government agency. Designers may not use the title "landscape architect," "landscape architecture," "L.A.," or any description suggesting they are one.
The Florida Board of Landscape Architecture states it directly: landscape design is not a licensed profession regulated by the state, and the term "landscape designer" carries no state requirement for education, testing, or experience.
The limit is construction documents. Section 481.303 says construction documents, details, and specifications for tangible objects and irrigation systems must be designed or approved by licensed professionals as required by law. In practice, a designer can plan where the pergola, wall, and outdoor kitchen go and what the space should feel like. When the permit office needs sealed drawings for that pergola or wall, a licensed professional prepares or approves them.
One more exemption is worth knowing: Florida law also lets property owners make plans and drawings for their own property, as long as they do not call themselves landscape architects.
How does someone become a licensed landscape architect in Florida?
According to Florida Statutes and the DBPR board, the path includes:
- Education or experience: a professional degree accredited by the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board, or at least six years of practical experience, with up to four years of credit for education.
- Examination: passing the LARE, administered by the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB).
- Practical experience: one year of experience in landscape architectural work, with an exception for applicants who hold a master's in landscape architecture and a related bachelor's degree.
Florida landscape architects receive a license number starting with "LA," and licensed firms receive one starting with "LC." You can verify any license through DBPR. As ASLA notes, every state requires licensure to practice landscape architecture.
Do I need a landscape architect for my home?
When a landscape architect or engineer makes sense
- Your building department or HOA requires sealed drawings for the landscape work.
- The project involves significant regrading, stormwater management, or drainage design.
- You are building retaining walls, large structures, or features that need engineered details.
- The property is large or complex, such as an estate with multiple structures, waterfront conditions, or new construction coordinated with a builder and architect.
When an experienced landscape designer is the right fit
- You want a new planting plan, a front yard refresh, or a full backyard redesign.
- You are adding outdoor rooms, a patio, an outdoor kitchen, or lighting, and your contractor will handle permits.
- You want a cohesive plan your contractor can price and build from.
Many projects use both. A designer sets the layout, planting, and feel, and a licensed engineer or landscape architect seals the pieces that need it.
Where do landscapers and design-build firms fit in?
Landscapers and landscape contractors install and maintain: they plant, lay sod, set pavers, and run irrigation. Some offer design, but their core skill is building. Check with your county or city about local licensing requirements for landscape and irrigation contractors, and ask for proof of insurance.
Design-build firms handle design and installation under one contract. That can be convenient, but the design is usually tied to that firm's build, which makes it harder to compare bids.
An independent designer gives you a plan you own and can take to any contractor. That is the model we use.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you a licensed landscape architect, a landscape designer, or a contractor?
- Can I see completed residential projects similar to mine?
- What exactly is in the plan: scaled layout, planting plan, plant list, materials, lighting?
- How many revision rounds are included?
- Do I own the plan, and can I take it to any contractor?
- Who prepares permit or sealed drawings if my project needs them?
- How familiar are you with Florida conditions: salt, sandy soil, storms, and watering rules?
How Sol & Arbor fits
Sol & Arbor is a virtual landscape design studio. Our designers are real, named, US-based residential landscape designers. They are not licensed landscape architects, and we do not present them as such. They are backed by more than four decades of design-build experience: founder Chuck Smith started Alpha Zeta, a landscape design and build firm in Palm City, Florida, in 1985.
That build background shapes every plan. We design for how projects actually get installed in South Florida, with a planting, stone, and lighting layout plus a plant list your contractor can price. If part of your project needs sealed drawings, your plan gives the engineer or landscape architect a clear starting point. See how it works and our guide to how a virtual design consult works.
Ready to start with the right professional? Choose a Backyard Design, Front Yard Design, or the Complete Yard package, compare all yard packages, or call us at 888-248-6072.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between a landscape architect and a landscape designer?
A landscape architect is state licensed and can prepare construction documents for grading, drainage, structures, and irrigation. A landscape designer creates planting plans and conceptual layouts and, in Florida, does not need a state license.
Do I need a landscape architect for a residential project?
Usually not, unless your project requires sealed construction documents, such as engineered grading, drainage, or retaining walls. Most planting, layout, and outdoor living projects are a good fit for an experienced landscape designer.
Is a landscape designer licensed in Florida?
No. The Florida Board of Landscape Architecture states that landscape design is not a licensed profession regulated by the state. Only licensed professionals may call themselves landscape architects.
What is the difference between a landscape designer and a landscaper?
A landscape designer plans the layout, planting, and materials. A landscaper or landscape contractor installs and maintains the landscape. Some companies do both, but you can hire them separately.
How can I check if a landscape architect is licensed in Florida?
Look up the person or firm through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Individual landscape architect license numbers start with "LA," and licensed firms start with "LC."