Engineering Licensing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida

Who Needs a License

Work that constitutes "engineering" under Florida law requires a professional engineer (PE) license. Florida Statute § 489.105 defines the scope of regulated engineering practice. If you are offering engineering services—including design, analysis, or professional consultation on construction projects—you must be licensed by the state unless your work falls within a specific exemption.

Most construction and infrastructure projects in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea that involve engineering work will require a licensed professional engineer to prepare plans, specifications, or certifications.

How to Get Licensed

Professional engineering licensure in Florida is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Florida Statute § 489.107.

Steps:
1. Meet qualifications under Florida Statute § 489.113, which requires:
- A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent)
- Relevant work experience (typically four years under a licensed engineer)
- Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Passage of the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

2. Submit documentation of education, experience, and exam results.

Veterans with relevant military training and education may receive credit toward experience requirements under Florida Statute § 489.1131.

Contact the DBPR or visit their website for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Permit applications and engineering plan reviews in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea are handled by the town's Building Department. All engineering work must comply with local codes and ordinances.

Consult the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code for local building standards, design requirements, and any amendments to state law. Contact the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Building Department to confirm permit requirements and submission procedures for your specific project.

Exemptions

Florida Statute § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensure for certain work, including:
- Employees of licensed engineers acting under their direct supervision
- Work performed for the federal government in certain capacities
- Certain routine or minor tasks not constituting "practice of engineering"

Review the statute to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption. When in doubt, obtain licensure.

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
• Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Municipal Code

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