Engineering Licensing in Sharpes CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensing for persons who offer to perform or perform engineering services for the public. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means professional services or creative work requiring application of principles and methods of science and mathematics to design, construct, or operate public or private utilities, structures, machines, processes, or systems.

If you design, plan, or supervise construction projects in Sharpes CDP that involve structural, civil, mechanical, or electrical systems, you likely need licensure. Work that constitutes the practice of engineering without a license is prohibited under Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

How to Get Licensed

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers engineering licenses under the Construction Industry Licensing Board authority established by Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Complete an ABET-accredited engineering degree (or equivalent)
4. Satisfy experience requirements (typically 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed engineer)
5. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

6. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

7. Military credit: If applicable, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit for relevant military training and education toward experience requirements.

8. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, exam passage, and work experience documentation.

Local Requirements

Sharpes CDP is located in Brevard County. Building permits and engineering plan reviews are typically handled through the Brevard County Building Department rather than a municipal office, as Sharpes is a census-designated place without its own municipal government.

Consult the Sharpes Municipal Code for any local amendments or supplemental requirements. Brevard County may have additional standards for engineered plans submitted with permit applications.

Contact the Brevard County Building Department for current permit procedures and local plan review requirements.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure requirements, including:
- Minor alterations or repairs that do not change structural integrity
- Work performed by employees under direct supervision of a licensed engineer
- Routine maintenance or operation of existing systems
- Work by federal or state government employees performing their official duties

Exemptions are narrowly construed. When in doubt, obtain licensure before offering services.

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
• Sharpes Municipal Code

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