Think of the most significant occasions in life, and there are flowers in abundant profusion.
Floral arrangements are part of our shared vision of weddings, funerals, bridal showers, parties, baby showers, anniversaries, events, and milestone birthdays.
It’s here that superb flower arrangements add to the celebration’s beauty.
Floral designers blend artistry, botany, and technical skill to create arrangements that mark life’s most significant moments.
If you have a gift for creating beauty, this profession can be a fantastic avenue for professional growth.
The job demands exactitude—handling perishable products, working with sharp tools, following plant-care protocols, and working with event-industry logistics.
Although floral designers create the magic and tableaus on some of the most important occasions in our lives, arranging live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery creates decorative displays, there are few licensure, certification, or apprenticeship requirements in most of the U.S.
The Difference Between Being a Florist and a Floral Designer
A floral designer describes the artisans who work magic with flowers, specializing in creating one-of-a-kind floral pieces and environments for special occasions.
The floral designs are often unique and custom-designed to the client’s specifications.
This process differs from a florist’s because, with a floral designer, it’s necessary to order the flowers in advance so they can prep them and ensure they’re at their peak for that special day.
They’re also involved with the overall design of the event, taking into consideration everything from the color of the candles to the table settings.
Many floral designers work out of a home-based studio, not an actual storefront.
They also work in retail settings, such as in flower shops and grocery stores, as well as in their own independent businesses.
And many floral designers have inventory to complement their designs, including vases, arches, candles, and tabletop accessories.
One advantage of hiring a floral designer is that they have knowledge of the logistics that go into wedding-day delivery/set up/tear down, and often perform these services.
A florist sells, on the other hand, arranges plants, and cuts flowers.
They generally have a physical storefront and a range of stock design styles used repeatedly when creating and delivering arrangements daily, rather than custom creations for special occasions.
Florist’s arrangements are often made to last a week, so they may not be fully open when they first arrive.
They usually have a storefront but not necessarily the team to deliver, set up, and tear down for significant events.
Accreditations and Certifications
Achieving certifications shows your commitment to ongoing learning and can boost your confidence, inspiring trust in potential clients or employers.
While obtaining certifications is optional, they can help a candidate demonstrate professionalism, advance a career in floral design, and nurture it to blossom fully.
The American Institute of Floral Designers offers professional credentials such as:
Certified Floral Designer (CFD®) involves completing coursework and passing a hands-on design evaluation and online test.
Membership in the Accredited in Floral Design (AIFD) is very selective.
To join the AIFD, the steps include:
- Earn the CFD designation.
- Pass the Professional Floral Design Evaluation (PFDE).
- Demonstrate advanced skill.
- Receive an invitation to join AIFD.
Both CFD and AIFD certifications require renewal. For CFD, this is 25 continuing education units every three years.
AIFD membership must be renewed every five years.
The Society of American Florists, the only national trade association for all segments of the U.S. floral industry, offers two certifications, the Certified Floral Designer (CFD®) and the AAF.
Members of SAF can apply for admission to the American Academy of Floriculture and the AAF designation.
The AAF designation honors members who’ve committed time and energy to the floral industry and to their communities.
Educational background
- Formal education: While not strictly required, a high school diploma or equivalency is often the base educational attainment. Some candidates in floral design pursue degrees or certificates in business management, marketing, and floriculture.
- Hands-on experience: Many florists gain necessary skills through internships, part-time work, or apprenticeships in flower shops.
How to get started
- Gain experience: Start by working in a flower shop to learn the day-to-day operations and develop your skills.
- Take courses: Enroll in courses offered by AIFD education partners to prepare for the CFD exam and learn about design principles, plant care, and business management.
- Study and practice: Utilize resources such as books, online videos, and the AIFD Guide to Floral Design for the online exam and practice creating arrangements.
State requirements
There is no single federal license required for floral designers, and requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
These requirements often include getting a business license or a seller’s permit if you decide to open a shop.
Louisiana eliminated its florist licensing and testing requirements in 2024 through the passage of House Bill 933, replacing the license and exam with a simple permit process.
This opened new opportunities in Louisiana, making floral design more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers, and joining the other 49 states that do not require state-mandated licenses for floral designers.
Business and local requirements
- Business license: If a candidate plans to open their own shop, they will likely need a general business license from the city or county.
- Seller’s permit: Required for businesses that sell tangible goods and allows you to collect and remit sales tax.
Job Outlook
Approximately 5,100 floral designer openings are projected each year over the decade, and the median annual wage for floral designers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, was $36,120 in 2024.
States That Require a License for Floral Designers
Only one state—Louisiana—ever planted a professional licensing requirement for floral designers and florists.
Its laws were famous (or infamous) for being the most stringent in the nation.
However, in 2024, that changed, and Louisiana now blossoms as a supportive environment for floral designers.
States That Do Not Require Licensure but Mandate Certification or Training
These states do not require a florist license, but they do mandate one of the following:
- State-recognized certification
- Employer-verified training
- Registration in a statewide database
- Mandatory safety or handling training
These requirements vary but typically focus on pesticide handling, nursery sales, or horticultural retail operations rather than pure floral design.
Alaska
Requirements:
No florist license, but greenhouse or nursery operations may require state plant-health certification for handling imported plant materials.
Employer obligations:
Employers often require training in cold storage management and plant-care standards.
Arizona
Requirements:
There is no need for a license in Arizona, but floral businesses selling live plants may need nursery dealer registration.
Employer obligations:
Training in refrigeration, wiring, and event-prep safety is standard in a state that is famous for its warmth.
Arkansas
Requirements:
Retailers in Arkansas selling nursery stock need to be registered with the Arkansas Department of Agriculture.
Employer obligations:
Employers may require plant-care orientation for employees.
California
Requirements:
No floral license is necessary in the Golden State, but a Nursery Stock License is required for those growing or selling certain regulated plants.
Employer obligations:
Many shops require certification from the California State Floral Association or AIFD coursework.
Colorado
Requirements:
No license is required; however, in Colorado, shops selling pest-sensitive nursery products may need limited agricultural certifications.
Employer obligations:
Event-based florists in the Centennial State typically require training in transport and installation safety.
Connecticut
Requirements:
Connecticut floral designers can create without a license, but certain plant retailers must follow state inspection and registration laws.
Employer obligations:
Training often includes wilt-prevention techniques and cold-chain management.
Delaware
Requirements:
Delaware demands that nursery and plant dealers be registered; floral designers working in regulated nurseries must follow state plant-health rules.
Employer obligations:
Retailers often require training in floral foam, knife handling, and preservation.
Florida
Requirements:
In the Palm Tree State, there’s no need for floral designers to be licensed, but strict agricultural rules require plant sellers to register.
Employer obligations:
Event and wedding florists typically require in-house certification in tropical-weather floral care.
Georgia
Requirements:
Georgia requires nursery/plant dealers to hold a state license.
Employer obligations:
Shops require basic design skills testing, customer service training, and safety training for delivery prep.
Hawaii
Requirements:
In Hawaii, because agriculture is heavily protected, sellers of live plants must register with the Department of Agriculture.
Employer obligations:
Training in invasive-species compliance is mandatory for most employers.
Idaho
Requirements:
In the Gem State, nursery retailers need to be licensed by the state.
Employer obligations:
Most florists require hands-on training for wiring, taping, and bouquet mechanics.
Illinois
Requirements:
Illinois mandates that plant-seller licensing applies to businesses selling regulated plant material.
Employer obligations:
Large Chicago floral houses may require advanced certification from AIFD-approved schools.
Indiana
Requirements:
In Indiana, nursery dealer licensing is required for shops selling certain live plants.
Employer obligations:
Training in floral hygiene and event-day logistics is common.
Iowa
Requirements:
In Iowa, plant dealers need a nursery license.
Employer obligations:
Shops often require completion of a short course in design fundamentals.
Kansas
Requirements:
Because Kansas cares, nursery dealer certificates are mandated for many plant retailers.
Employer obligations:
Training in bouquet construction and stem-processing standards.
Kentucky
Requirements:
In the Bluegrass State, nursery and plant sellers must be state-registered.
Employer obligations:
Employers offer in-house apprenticeships for design techniques.
Louisiana
Requirements:
Louisiana has recently changed its law to a new “floral dealer” permit:
Permit fees are still in place, with a floral dealer permit costing $100 annually per location.
Employer obligations:
Assistants often perform basic prep work under a licensee’s supervision.
Maine
Requirements:
In Maine, nursery stock regulations apply to plant sellers.
Employer obligations:
Sea-air floral preservation training is often required due to the climate.
Maryland
Requirements:
In Maryland, Nursery dealer licenses are required.
Employer obligations:
Many employers require training on floral foam safety and pesticide-free care.
Massachusetts
Requirements:
No need for a florist license in Massachusetts, but nurseries and plant shops must be registered.
Employer obligations:
Floral design coursework is often required in Boston-area studios.
Michigan
Requirements:
Plant sellers in Michigan must be registered; greenhouses must meet additional standards.
Employer obligations:
Certification in cooler management and sanitation is typical.
Minnesota
Requirements:
In the Water Wondertland State, nursery stock dealer certificates are mandatory.
Employer obligations:
Considering the climate, training in winter floral preservation techniques makes perfect sense.
Mississippi
Requirements:
In Mississippi, nursery dealer licenses apply.
Employer obligations:
Larger shops often require guided apprenticeships.
Missouri
Requirements:
In Missouri, the Show-Me State, nursery stock dealers must register.
Employer obligations:
Training in advanced mechanics (armatures, wiring, support structures) is standard.
Nebraska
Requirements:
In Nebraska, nursery licensing applies.
Employer obligations:
Shops often test basic design skills before hiring.
Nevada
Requirements:
Nevada has a rule that nursery dealers must be licensed.
Employer obligations:
Event florists usually require safety training for large-scale installations.
New Hampshire
Requirements:
New Hampshire requires registration for plant sellers.
Employer obligations:
Most shops include orientation on humidity-control and cut-flower care.
New Jersey
Requirements:
The Garden State, New Jersey, takes greenery seriously and mandates that nurseries and greenhouse operations need to be licensed.
Employer obligations:
High-end studios expect completion of recognized floral-design courses.
New Mexico
Requirements:
New Mexico requires nursery dealer registration.
Employer obligations:
Southwestern-climate floral preservation training is standard.
New York
Requirements:
In New York, nursery stock sellers need to be licensed.
Employer obligations:
NYC florists often require completion of well-known design programs (NYBG, FIT).
North Carolina
Requirements:
North Carolina demands nursery certification for plant sellers.
Employer obligations:
Shops require training in bouquet binding, hydration, and delivery.
North Dakota
Requirements:
In North Dakota, nursery dealer registration applies.
Employer obligations:
Floral-cooler management training is required at most shops.
Ohio
Requirements:
The Buckeye State requires nursery stock seller licenses.
Employer obligations:
Wedding and event florists may require assistant training in ladder, rigging, and installation safety.
Oklahoma
Requirements:
In Oklahoma, a nursery stock dealer certification is required.
Employer obligations:
Basic design-skill evaluation is common.
Oregon
Requirements:
The Pacific Wanderland mandates that plant retailers have a nursery license.
Employer obligations:
Shops value certification from the Oregon Floral Association or AIFD.
Pennsylvania
Requirements:
Pennsylvania mandates that nursery dealer certification is required.
Employer obligations:
Training in bouquet mechanics and hydration-solution handling.
Rhode Island
Requirements:
Rhode Island requires that plant retailers be registered.
Employer obligations:
Shops may require short courses in wiring and boutonnière work.
South Carolina
Requirements:
South Carolina states that nursery dealer licensing is necessary.
Employer obligations:
Event florists require training for transport in hot, humid climates.
Tennessee
Requirements:
Tennessee’s take is that a nursery certificate is required to sell regulated plants.
Employer obligations:
Most employers expect basic design competency at hire.
Texas
Requirements:
The Lone Star State mandates nursery and floral licenses for sellers of regulated nursery stock.
Employer obligations:
It’s Texas, and everything is big; Texas-sized wedding events, and florists often require safety training for large installations.
Utah
Requirements:
Utah requires nursery stock licensing.
Employer obligations:
Large shops may expect recognized design-school training.
Vermont
Requirements:
The Green Mountain State mandates that plant sellers must register in Vermont.
Employer obligations:
Hands-on training is required for cut-flower conditioning and cold storage.
Virginia
Requirements:
In Virginia, nursery certification is required for selling many live plants.
Employer obligations:
Certification from AIFD or MFSA is often preferred.
Washington (State)
Requirements:
In Washington, a nursery dealer licensing applies broadly.
Employer obligations:
Shops require training in long-distance delivery and in maintaining hydration.
West Virginia
Requirements:
West Virginia requires a nursery stock dealer permit for plant sellers.
Employer obligations:
In-house floral-design mentoring is common.
Wisconsin
Requirements:
The Copper State declares that plant sellers need to be licensed by DATCP.
Employer obligations:
Training in bouquet construction and cooler-rotation techniques.
Wyoming
Requirements:
Wyoming wants nursery stock sellers to register.
Employer obligations:
Shops generally provide on-the-job design training.
Washington, D.C.
Requirements:
No floral license is needed in Washington, D.C However, plant sellers must comply with nursery stock regulations.
Employer obligations:
Event florists require skills testing in mechanics and installation.
States With No License Requirement and No State-Mandated Certification — Employer-Based Standards Only
These states have no state-level licensing for floral designers or plant retailers.
The employer sets all expectations.
Employers typically set:
- Minimum design skill requirements
- Brand-specific training
- Safety and tool-handling procedures
- Preferred certifications (AIFD, SAF, or community-college programs)
Alabama
Employers in Alabama can choose the basic level of training.
Many shops require a short design skills test, basic customer service training, and conditioning-technique training.
Montana
In Montana, there are no state requirements.
Employers frequently train new designers in bouquet mechanics and seasonal flower care.
South Dakota
There are no license or certification laws in South Dakota.
Shops rely on in-house apprenticeships and design trials.
