FCLC Designation

The FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) program is the only standard for measuring the knowledge of practicing landscape contractors in Florida. The program was designed to promote professionalism and raise the standards of Florida’s landscape industry. FCLC also provides a way for government agencies, landscape architects, companies and individuals to choose qualified professionals in a state that does not require licensing of landscape contractors. In fact, FCLC has been included in the specifications of agencies, requiring that anyone bidding on particular jobs hold FNGLA’s FCLC designation. It is provided by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). The FCLC exam requires that applicants first complete both the FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) written exam and the FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) field exam before sitting for the FCLC written exam.

FNGLA’s FCLC program is designed for owners, managers and supervisors of landscape contracting, landscape management or design build firms, as well as government agencies, parks departments and developers. Those qualified to sit for the FCLC exam must have a minimum of three years’ experience in the horticulture/landscape industry with one of those years in Florida. FNGLA’s FCLC certification is valid for a three-year period. During that time, FCLCs are required to earn 30 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in order to renew. If you hold more than one certification, these CEUs will apply to all certifications you hold.
In the absence of the required number of CEUs, the certified professional will be required to retake the exam.

Certification is a great way to distinguish yourself as a knowledgeable landscape professional. It provides a set of standards developed, maintained and administered by industry. These standards establish a minimum level of competency for professional members of the industry. Certification is voluntary and helps regulate the industry by providing a means by which consumers can identify industry members who have demonstrated their skills and abilities. FNGLA certification provides Florida’s nursery and landscape industry personnel the opportunity to earn professional accreditations distinguishing themselves from others. Other certifications for landscapers include:

• FCHP
• FCLT
• FCLMT
• FCLD

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