- Rating
- 5.0 / 5.0 from 2 reviews
- Address
- 2285 Trescott Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32308
- Website
- cowlesla.com/
- Service area
- Tallahassee, North Florida
- Phone
- (850) 545-7035
Landscape Architecture and Certified Arborist Consultation
About
Cowles Landscape Architecture provides landscape architecture services and Certified Arborist consultation for land development and management in North Florida and beyond. The firm combines artistic vision with ecological knowledge and technical expertise, grounded in horticulture, design theory, and a deep understanding of the Florida landscape, particularly the North Florida region including coastal areas.
Services span beyond traditional landscape architecture into erosion control, grading, irrigation system design, environmental permitting (including preparation of NFI and EIA plans), FDOT and FDEP permitting, NPDES permitting, tree mitigation reports, cost-estimating, and construction administration. The practice is guided by hands-on field experience balanced with technical competency.
Cowles Landscape Architecture holds Florida registration number LA6666917 and maintains ISA Certified Arborist credentials (FL-5314A). The firm operates Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Contact (850) 545-7035 or visit cowlesla.com for consultation.
Services
- Landscape architecture
- Certified arborist consultation
- Irrigation system design
- Environmental permitting
- Tree mitigation reports
- Construction administration
- Erosion control
- FDOT and FDEP permitting
Service Area
Serving Tallahassee, North Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credentials does Cowles Landscape Architecture hold?
The firm holds Florida registration number LA6666917 and maintains ISA Certified Arborist credentials, number FL-5314A.
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Does Cowles Landscape Architecture handle environmental permitting?
Yes, the firm provides professional environmental permitting services, including preparation of NFI and EIA plans and narratives, as well as FDOT, FDEP, and NPDES permitting.
What experience does the firm have in North Florida?
The landscape architectural knowledge is rooted in horticulture and design theory with a specialized understanding of the Florida landscape, particularly the North Florida region including coastal areas.
Hiring a Landscape Architect in Tallahassee, Florida
In Florida, landscape architects and arborists may be regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Construction Industry Licensing Board. Before hiring, verify that your contractor holds the appropriate credential—such as a registered landscape architect license—and confirm its current status through the state licensing portal. You can search by name, license number, or city on the DBPR website to ensure the contractor is in good standing.
Landscape architecture projects often involve environmental permitting, grading, irrigation design, and site preparation. Depending on your project scope, you may need permits from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), or compliance with stormwater management rules. Ask your contractor about their experience with these permitting processes and whether they will handle environmental documentation or coordinate with permitting agencies.
When contracting for landscape work, clarify the project scope in writing—whether it is a one-time design or installation, ongoing maintenance, or construction administration. Discuss how the contractor handles site conditions specific to Florida, such as drainage, coastal protection, or native plantings. Request references and ask about their experience with the North Florida region's climate and soil conditions.
How do I verify a landscape architect's license in Florida?
Use the DBPR license search portal at myfloridalicense.com. You can search by the contractor's name, license number, or city. The search will show their current license status and registration type. [1, 2]
What is the difference between a registered and certified contractor in Florida?
A certified contractor holds a statewide certificate of competency and may work in any Florida jurisdiction. A registered contractor has registered with the state to meet a specific jurisdiction's competency requirements and may only contract in those jurisdictions. [1]
What permits might I need for a landscape architecture project in Florida?
Depending on your project, you may need environmental permits from FDEP, transportation permits from FDOT, or stormwater permits under NPDES rules. Your contractor should discuss permitting requirements during the planning phase. [1, 3]
Should my landscape contractor carry workers' compensation coverage?
Yes. Florida requires contractors to maintain workers' compensation coverage. You can verify a contractor's coverage status through the Construction Policy Tracking Database maintained by the Florida Department of Financial Services. [1]
What should I ask about a contractor's experience with Florida building codes?
Ask whether the contractor is familiar with the current Florida Building Code and any local amendments in your area. The contractor should understand how code requirements apply to your specific project, particularly regarding drainage, erosion control, and environmental protections. [1, 3, 4]
What makes North Florida landscape work different from other regions?
North Florida has distinct climate, soil, and coastal conditions. Ask your contractor about their specific experience with native plants, drainage solutions, and coastal protection measures suited to this region. [1]
Sources
- Florida DBPR — Construction Industry Licensing Board (read 2026-09-19)
- Florida DBPR — license search (read 2026-09-19)
- Florida Building Code Online (BCIS) (read 2026-09-19)
- Florida Building Code — FAQ (read 2026-09-19)