Engineering Licensing in Carrollwood CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates professional engineers under Chapter 489, Florida Statutes. If you perform work that constitutes "practice of engineering"—designing structures, systems, or infrastructure; preparing plans and specifications; or offering such services to the public—you must be licensed.

The state defines "practice of engineering" in Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and establishes who must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license before performing regulated work in Carrollwood or Hillsborough County.

How to Get Licensed

State Board: The Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees engineer licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Basic Requirements (Fla. Stat. § 489.113):
- Meet education requirements (typically a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent)
- Complete required years of work experience under a licensed engineer
- Pass the Florida Professional Engineer examination

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

Application Process:
Contact the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or the Construction Industry Licensing Board for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees. They maintain the official application portal and process all state licenses.

Local Requirements

Carrollwood CDP is located in Hillsborough County. Building permits for engineering work are issued by the Hillsborough County Building Department, not a municipal office, since Carrollwood is an unincorporated CDP.

Consult the Carrollwood Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional requirements beyond state law. Contact the Hillsborough County Building Department for current permit applications, fees, and submission procedures specific to engineering work in the Carrollwood area.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements, including:
- Work on single-family residential construction (limited scope)
- Certain minor alterations or repairs
- Work performed by employees of licensed engineers under direct supervision
- Specific government employees

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your work qualifies for an 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)