Engineering Licensing in Lighthouse Point, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who offers to perform or performs engineering services must hold a professional engineer (PE) license issued by the state. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] defines the scope of regulated work and establishes that unlicensed practice of engineering is prohibited.

Engineering work includes designing structures, systems, or processes; preparing plans and specifications; and providing professional consultation on engineering matters. If you are offering these services to the public in Lighthouse Point, a state license is required.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), under authority of the Construction Industry Licensing Board [Fla. Stat. § 489.107], oversees professional engineer licensure.

Steps:

1. Meet qualifications: You must satisfy education and experience requirements set by [Fla. Stat. § 489.113]. Typically, this includes a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program and relevant work experience under a licensed engineer.

2. Military credit: If you have relevant military training or education, [Fla. Stat. § 489.1131] allows credit toward licensing requirements. Submit documentation to DBPR.

3. Pass the PE exam: Register with the DBPR and sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam administered by NCEES.

4. Apply for licensure: Submit your application, exam results, and documentation to the DBPR. Pay the required fees.

5. Receive your license: Once approved, you receive your PE license and can legally practice engineering in Florida, including Lighthouse Point.

For specific application procedures and current fees, contact the Florida DBPR directly.

Local Requirements

Lighthouse Point is in Broward County, Florida. Engineering work in the city is subject to local building codes and permitting requirements. Consult the Lighthouse Point Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and any additional requirements beyond state law.

Contact the Lighthouse Point Building Department to determine permitting requirements for your specific engineering project and to confirm any local restrictions or conditions.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] provides exemptions from licensure for certain limited activities, such as:

• Engineering work performed by employees under a licensed engineer's direct supervision
• Certain work by contractors or builders that does not constitute "practice of engineering" as defined in statute
• Work for federal or state government agencies under specific conditions

Review [Fla. Stat. § 489.103] in full to determine if your 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. § 489.107 — Construction Industry Licensing Board
• Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
• Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
• Lighthouse Point Municipal Code

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