Engineering Licensing in University CDP (Hillsborough County), Florida

Who Needs a License

Engineering work in University CDP is regulated under Florida Statute § 489.113, which restricts who may practice engineering. Any person offering to perform, or performing, engineering services—including design, analysis, consulting, or construction oversight—must hold an active Florida professional engineer (PE) license unless an exemption applies.

The definition of "practice of engineering" under Fla. Stat. § 489.105 includes services that require the application of engineering principles and that affect public safety, health, or welfare.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113: You must have a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, complete required years of responsible charge experience under a licensed PE, and pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.

2. Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers engineering licensure under the Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107).

3. Submit required documentation including your engineering degree, FE exam passage, work experience records, and references from supervising PEs.

4. Pass the PE exam administered through the NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying).

If you have relevant military training or education, you may claim credit under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Applicants should contact the DBPR directly for current fees, application forms, and exam schedules.

Local Requirements

University CDP falls within Hillsborough County, Florida. Engineering work in the municipality is also subject to the University CDP (Hillsborough County) Municipal Code. Contractors must check this code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional standards beyond state law.

For local permits and inspections related to engineered projects, contact the Hillsborough County Building Department or the local authority having jurisdiction in University CDP. Permit requirements may vary by project scope.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work and persons are exempt from licensing:

• Employees of licensed PEs performing work under that PE's direct supervision
• Work that does not meet the statutory definition of "practice of engineering"
• Specific exemptions for certain utility, agricultural, or routine technical work (review the statute for complete details)

The exemptions are narrowly construed. When in doubt, obtain a 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
• University CDP (Hillsborough County) Municipal Code

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