Engineering Licensing in Ona CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, professional engineering work requires licensure under state law. Fla. Stat. § 489.113 establishes that no person may practice professional engineering or offer such services without holding a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state.

Work requiring a PE license includes designing structures, systems, or processes; preparing engineering plans and specifications; and certifying construction documents. Fla. Stat. § 489.105 defines the scope of professional engineering practice.

How to Get Licensed

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers regulates licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Required steps:

1. Education: Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent).
2. Examination: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to become an Engineer in Training (EIT).
3. Experience: Accumulate four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE.
4. Final Exam: Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.
5. Application: Submit your application directly to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers through the state's licensing portal.

Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 provides credit for relevant military training and education that may reduce experience requirements.

Local Requirements

Ona CDP is located in Hardee County and is an unincorporated community. Engineering work in the area falls under county jurisdiction.

Before beginning any project requiring engineering design, obtain a building permit from the Hardee County Building Department. County staff will verify that submitted plans bear the seal and signature of a licensed Florida PE. Contact the Hardee County Building Department directly for current permit procedures and fees.

Check the Ona Municipal Code for any local amendments or supplementary requirements. As an unincorporated CDP, local regulations may be limited, but county codes apply.

Exemptions

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

• Minor work: Work of a minor or routine nature.
• Employed engineers: Engineers employed by a firm holding a Construction Contractor license may perform design work under that license's scope without individual PE licensure, subject to conditions.
• Non-engineered structures: Simple or one-story structures of limited size and risk may be exempt depending on classification.

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific project qualifies for 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. § 489.105 — 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
• Ona Municipal Code

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