Engineering Licensing in Alachua city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Professional engineering work in Florida requires licensure under state law. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines the practice of engineering as offering services to the public involving the application of engineering principles to public or private utilities, structures, machines, processes, work, or projects.

If you design, plan, or supervise construction or infrastructure projects in Alachua city, you must hold a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state. Work that falls under engineering practice—including site design, structural engineering, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and civil infrastructure—requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The state Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees professional engineering licensing.

Requirements include:

  1. Education: A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent
  2. Experience: Typically 4 years of responsible charge experience under a licensed engineer
  3. Examination: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then the Professional Engineering (PE) exam
  4. Application: Submit your record directly to DBPR with exam results and references

Fla. Stat. § 489.113 specifies qualifications for practice and restrictions on use of the PE title.

Veterans with relevant military training may qualify for education or experience credit—see Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Local Requirements

Alachua city is located in Alachua County. Building permits for engineered work must be pulled through the appropriate local jurisdiction. Contact the Alachua city Building Department to determine whether your project requires a city permit, county permit, or both.

Consult the Alachua Municipal Code for local land development regulations, site plan requirements, and any municipal amendments to state licensing requirements. Local codes may impose additional design standards or submission requirements for engineering work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensure. These include work performed by employees under direct supervision of a licensed engineer, certain routine maintenance and repairs, and work on single-family residential structures (with limitations).

However, exemptions are narrow. When in doubt whether your work requires a PE license, contact DBPR or the Alachua city Building Department before proceeding.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)
- Phone: 850-521-0500
- Website: https://fbpe.org/

References

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)