Engineering Licensing in Tampa city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires a professional engineer (PE) license for any person who offers to perform engineering services or who, by word, sign, advertisement, letterhead, business card, or in any other way represents themselves as an engineer. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means performing or offering to perform services in the planning, design, or inspection of any public or private improvement.

In Tampa, if you design, plan, or inspect infrastructure, buildings, or systems that affect public safety, you must hold an active Florida PE license issued by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

How to Get Licensed

1. Education & Experience Requirements
   Meet the qualifications in Fla. Stat. § 489.113: typically a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program plus four years of engineering experience under a licensed PE. Alternative paths exist with non-ABET degrees or military training credits under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

2. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
   Apply through the Florida Board of Professional Engineers and pass the FE examination.

3. Gain Documented Work Experience
   Complete the required years of engineering experience and have it verified by a licensed PE.

4. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam
   Submit your experience documentation and pass the PE examination for your engineering discipline.

5. Apply to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers
   The Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, processes all licensing applications and maintains the register of licensed engineers.

Local Requirements

Obtain your Tampa building permit through the City of Tampa Building Department before beginning any covered engineering work. Permit requirements and amendments specific to Tampa are found in the Tampa Municipal Code. Review the local code for any local design standards, inspection protocols, or additional documentation required by the city.

Hillsborough County may also have jurisdiction depending on the project location and type. Confirm with the City of Tampa Building Department which permitting authority has jurisdiction over your specific project.

Exemptions

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

• Employees of the federal, state, or local government performing engineering services within the scope of employment
• Contractors, builders, or owners performing work on their own property (with limitations)
• Certain routine or minor work that does not involve public safety or welfare
• Persons teaching engineering in accredited educational institutions

The exemptions are narrowly defined. If your work involves design or inspection affecting public safety, licensing is required regardless of employment status.

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
• Tampa Municipal Code

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