Engineering Licensing in Satellite Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates the practice of engineering through professional licensure. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means the practical application of the mathematical and physical sciences to the solution of practical problems. Any person who offers to perform or performs engineering services in Satellite Beach must hold a valid Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state unless they qualify for an exemption.

Work that requires licensing includes design of structures, systems, and infrastructure; preparation of engineering plans and specifications; and seal and signature on engineering documents. In-house employees performing work exclusively for their employer may have different requirements; consult Fla. Stat. § 489.113 for restrictions on practice.

How to Get Licensed

Engineering licenses are issued by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), not by a local board. The process involves:

1. Education: Meet educational requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — typically a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

2. Experience: Accumulate four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE.

3. Exam: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then later the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

4. Application: Submit your application directly to DBPR, not to Satellite Beach or Brevard County.

Military applicants may receive credit for relevant training and education per Fla. Stat. § 489.1131. Contact DBPR for military credit evaluation during application.

Local Requirements

Satellite Beach enforces building and engineering permit requirements through its municipal code. Before performing engineering work in the city, you must:

• Obtain any required city building permits through the Satellite Beach Building Department
• Comply with local zoning and construction standards in the Satellite Beach Municipal Code

Contact the Satellite Beach Building Department to determine which local permits apply to your project and to verify any municipal amendments to state engineering requirements.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure, including minor repairs and alterations that don't involve structural design, work performed by full-time employees solely for their employer, and certain surveying or other technical services that don't constitute engineering practice as defined in statute.

Review the full exemptions in the statute to confirm whether your work qualifies.

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. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Satellite Beach Municipal Code

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