Engineering Licensing in Jacksonville city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates professional engineers under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. A license is required if you offer or practice engineering services in Jacksonville. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means any professional service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.

The specific scope depends on your engineering discipline (civil, electrical, mechanical, structural, etc.). Work that affects public safety, structural integrity, or involves design of public infrastructure typically requires licensure.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
You must satisfy education and experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Generally, this requires:
- A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, OR
- Equivalent education and relevant work experience
- Documented engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer

Step 2: Apply to the Florida Board
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) administers professional engineering licenses per Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Submit your application to the CILB, not to Jacksonville directly. The CILB reviews your education and experience documentation.

Step 3: Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam
You must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain the required years of work experience under a licensed engineer, then pass the PE exam in your discipline.

Step 4: Military Credit (if applicable)
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131, relevant military training and education may count toward qualification requirements if you served as a military engineer.

Contact the Florida Board of Professional Engineers for current exam schedules, application forms, and fees.

Local Requirements

In Jacksonville, building permits and engineering plan review are handled by the Jacksonville Building Department. Before practicing, confirm your license is recognized by the City of Jacksonville under the Jacksonville Municipal Code. Review the Jacksonville Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional local regulations affecting professional engineers.

Contact the Jacksonville Building Department for specific local permitting procedures and any city-level documentation requirements for engineering work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts:
- Employees of licensed engineers working under direct supervision
- Certain employees of utility companies and government agencies
- Routine maintenance and repair work not involving design
- Work performed by unlicensed persons under specific limited conditions

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
• Jacksonville Municipal Code

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