Engineering Licensing in Newberry, Florida

Who Needs a License

Professional engineering work in Florida is regulated under state law. Any person offering to perform or performing engineering services that affect public safety, health, or welfare must hold a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state.

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience in applying special knowledge of mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such professional services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, or responsible supervision of construction in connection with any public or private utilities, buildings, machines, equipment, processes, work, or public works.

The scope of regulated practice is broad and includes design of structures, systems, and facilities. If your work falls under these definitions, licensure is required before you can legally offer or perform such services in Newberry or anywhere in Florida.

How to Get Licensed

Professional Engineer licensure in Florida is administered by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, created and governed under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps to licensure:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program (or equivalent)
3. Four years of progressive experience in engineering work
4. Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

5. Passage of the Professional Engineer (PE) exam

6. Apply through the state, not the city. Contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for application materials, exam schedules, and fee information.

7. Military credit: If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience requirements. Document your military service record with your application.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Newberry city requires compliance with local permitting and code review.

Building permits for engineering projects must be obtained through the Newberry Building Department. Contact the Building Department to determine which permits apply to your specific project and to obtain copies of applicable local codes.

The Newberry Municipal Code governs local construction standards and permitting procedures. Review the Newberry Municipal Code for any local amendments or requirements beyond state law.

Alachua County may also have additional requirements depending on project location and scope. Verify with both the city and county before beginning work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work and persons from professional engineering licensure, including:

• Work performed by employees of licensed engineers under direct supervision
• Certain routine maintenance and repair work
• Work by government employees within their official duties
• Design and construction of certain structures of limited complexity

Review the statute directly to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

State Licensing Board Contact

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

References

• Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Newberry Municipal Code

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