The board shall receive, evaluate, and process all applications for a firm registration issued under the authority of the Surveying Act. Applications for firm registration shall be accepted from all firms offering to engage or engaging in the practice of professional land surveying for the public in Texas. For the purposes of this section, the term "public" includes but is not limited to political subdivisions of the state, business entities, and individuals. The board has the authority under the Surveying Act to issue an annual firm registration to applicants that, subsequent to review and evaluation, are found to have met all requirements of the Surveying Act and board rules. The board has the authority under the Surveying Act to deny a firm registration to any applicant found not to have met all requirements of the Surveying Act and board rules.