Engineering Licensing in Keystone CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, a professional engineer (PE) must be licensed to practice engineering—defined as offering or providing services or creative work that requires application of engineering principles, or public statements implying such competency.[^1]

If you perform engineering work in Keystone CDP, Hillsborough County, you must hold a current Florida engineering license unless you qualify for a specific exemption.

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 work experience
- Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Minimum years of responsible charge experience (typically 4 years post-degree)
- Passage of the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

If you have relevant military training or education, you may receive credit toward licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Step 2: Apply with the State Board

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) administers engineering licensing under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. Apply directly to the state board—not the town—for your PE license. The board verifies your qualifications, manages exam administration, and issues your license.

Step 3: Register Locally

Once licensed at the state level, you may be required to register or pull permits through the Keystone CDP Building Department before performing work in the town. Contact the Keystone CDP Building Department for local registration requirements and permit procedures.

Local Requirements

Keystone CDP is governed by the Keystone Municipal Code. Review this code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional conditions that apply to licensed engineers working within town limits. Local codes may impose notification, bonding, or permit-filing obligations separate from state licensing.

Contact the Keystone CDP Building Department to confirm which local permits or approvals are needed before beginning engineering work.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, engineering licensing does not apply to:
- Employees of licensed engineers acting under direct supervision
- Work on property the engineer owns (residential only, with limits)
- Certain public employees performing engineering duties for government agencies
- Contractors performing work outside the scope of engineering practice

Consult the statute to confirm whether your specific work or role qualifies for exemption.

State Licensing Board Contact

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

References

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 (Definitions); Fla. Stat. § 489.113 (Qualifications for practice; restrictions)

• 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
• Keystone Municipal Code

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