Engineering Licensing in Naples, Florida

Who Needs a License

Professional engineering work in Naples is regulated under Florida law. Any person who offers to perform engineering services or who holds themselves out as an engineer must be licensed by the State of Florida. According to Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" includes services and work requiring the application of special knowledge of mathematical and physical sciences to design, supervise, or inspect structures, machines, and systems.

Work that requires licensure includes structural design, site engineering, and professional advice on construction feasibility, safety, and compliance with applicable codes. If your work involves public safety or affects the structural integrity of a building, a licensed professional engineer (PE) is required.

How to Get Licensed

Licensure is administered by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) under oversight of the Construction Industry Licensing Board. Fla. Stat. § 489.107 establishes this board's authority.

Step-by-step process:

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
2. Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent
3. Complete four years of relevant work experience under a licensed professional engineer
4. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

5. Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam specific to your discipline

6. Apply with DBPR through their official application portal at the state level—not through Naples or Collier County.

7. Submit exam scores and documentation of education and experience.

8. Pay applicable state fees.

If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience and education requirements. Submit military documentation with your application.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Naples requires a local building permit through the Naples Building Department. Contact the Naples Building Department for permit applications and fees.

Local amendments and requirements are contained in the Naples Municipal Code. Review the Naples Municipal Code for any local design standards, site plan requirements, or additional review procedures applicable to engineering work in the city.

Collier County may also impose requirements depending on jurisdiction; confirm with the Naples Building Department whether your project falls under city or county oversight.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure:

• Routine maintenance and repair work
• Work performed by employees of the engineer who designed the project
• Certain work on residential structures (under specific conditions)
• Work that does not involve public health or safety
• Students and trainees working under supervision

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
• Naples Municipal Code

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