Engineering Licensing in Apollo Beach CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals who offer to perform or perform professional engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "professional engineering" means any service or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience to safeguard public health, safety, and welfare.

If you design structures, systems, or infrastructure in Apollo Beach CDP or provide engineering consultation for public or private projects, you must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state of Florida.

Work exempt from licensing requirements exists but is narrowly defined. Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain employees of licensed engineers working under direct supervision, and specific industrial/manufacturing work performed in certain contexts. However, when in doubt, licensure is required.

How to Get Licensed

1. Educational Requirement: Earn a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent approved by the state).

2. Experience: Complete four years of progressive engineering work experience under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer, per Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

3. Exam: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then the Professional Engineering (PE) exam specific to your discipline.

4. Apply to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers: Submit your application through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees engineering licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

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

Contact the Florida DBPR for current application fees, exam schedules, and detailed requirements.

Local Requirements

Apollo Beach CDP is located in Hillsborough County. Building permits and engineering plan reviews are processed through the Hillsborough County Building Department, not a municipal department (Apollo Beach is an unincorporated CDP).

Review the Apollo Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments or design standards that may apply to engineering work within the CDP. County codes also govern permitting and construction standards.

Contact the Hillsborough County Building Department for permit applications and to confirm whether your engineering work requires local approval in addition to state licensure.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts:
- Employees of licensed engineers performing work under direct supervision
- Certain work on industrial plants and manufacturing facilities (narrowly defined)
- Work performed by government employees within their official duties

These exemptions are limited. Most professional engineering services performed for the public require a PE license.

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
• Apollo Beach Municipal Code

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