Engineering Licensing in Hill 'n Dale CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Under Florida law, any person who offers to perform or performs engineering work in Florida must hold a professional engineer license issued by the state. Work requiring licensure includes designing structures, systems, and infrastructure projects that affect public safety, health, or welfare.

Florida Statute § 489.105 defines "engineering" and establishes which services fall under regulated practice. The statute requires licensure for individuals who practice as professional engineers or offer engineering services to the public.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
  2. Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  3. Complete the required years of relevant work experience (typically 4 years under supervision)
  4. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

  5. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your engineering discipline

  6. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers professional licensure statewide.

  7. If you have relevant military training and education, you may receive credit toward experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, referenced in Fla. Stat. § 489.107, oversees contractor licensing; however, professional engineer licensure is separate and handled directly by DBPR.

Local Requirements

Hill 'n Dale CDP is located in Hernando County. Permits for engineering work must be pulled through the Hernando County Building Department or the appropriate jurisdiction overseeing your project.

Consult the Hill 'n Dale Municipal Code for local amendments, permit procedures, and any additional requirements beyond state law. Contact the Hill 'n Dale Building Department or Hernando County Building Department to confirm local zoning, plan review, and permitting requirements for your specific project.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure, including:
- Engineering work performed by full-time employees of a company for that company's internal use (not offered to the public)
- Certain routine maintenance and repair work
- Work performed by licensed contractors within their scope of practice

Check § 489.103 to determine whether your specific work qualifies for exemption.

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)
- Phone: 850-521-0500
- Website: https://fbpe.org/

References

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