Engineering Licensing in Lake City, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals who offer or perform engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means any service or creative work involving the application of engineering principles and data to provide public and private services or structures. This includes design, analysis, and consultation on construction projects, infrastructure, and systems affecting public safety.

If you plan to offer engineering services in Lake City, you must hold a valid Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license or fall within a statutory exemption.

How to Get Licensed

Professional Engineer licensure in Florida is governed by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Steps:

1. Meet Education and Experience Requirements: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must hold a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program and complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer, or meet alternative combinations of education and experience approved by the board.

2. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board: Submit your application with documentation of education, experience, and references through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: You must pass the FE exam before or concurrently with gaining required experience.

4. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam: After meeting experience requirements, pass the PE exam in your engineering discipline.

5. Receive Your License: Upon passing both exams and final board approval, you receive your PE license from the state.

Military Credit: If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 provides credit toward experience requirements.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Lake City is subject to both state licensing and local permitting through the Lake City Building Department.

Consult the Lake City Municipal Code for local amendments, permit requirements, and additional building standards that may apply to your engineering work. Local code may establish design standards, submission procedures, or additional certifications beyond state law.

Contact the Lake City Building Department for specific local application procedures and current permit fees.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, licensure is not required for:

• Work performed by full-time employees of federal, state, or local government agencies within their official duties
• Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer
• Routine work on residential structures of one to three stories (subject to limitations)
• Certain utility and infrastructure work performed by utility employees in their regular capacity

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
• Lake City Municipal Code

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