Engineering Licensing in Tavares City, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for individuals offering or performing engineering services that affect public health, safety, or welfare. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" includes consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction related to public or private utilities, structures, machines, processes, and systems.

If you are offering engineering services in Tavares or Lake County, you must hold a current Florida engineering license unless your work falls within a statutory exemption.

How to Get Licensed

The Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, does not directly license engineers. Instead, Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) administers engineering licensure through the Board of Professional Engineers.

Steps to obtain an engineering license:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113: hold a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program (or equivalent), document four years of progressive engineering experience, and satisfy any additional requirements set by the Board.

2. Apply to DBPR — Submit your education and experience documentation for review. You may claim credit for relevant military training and education under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

3. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam — The DBPR administers the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the PE exam through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

4. Receive your license — Once you pass the required exams and meet all qualifications, DBPR issues your Florida PE license.

For specific application procedures, deadlines, and exam details, contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation directly.

Local Requirements

Tavares enforces building and permitting requirements through the City of Tavares Building Department. Before beginning engineering work or construction projects in Tavares, consult the Tavares Municipal Code to confirm any local amendments, permit requirements, or additional restrictions that may apply beyond state law.

Contact the Tavares Building Department to determine permit requirements and to verify that your engineering scope of work complies with local codes and ordinances.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain activities are exempt from licensure requirements, including:

• Work performed by employees under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer
• Certain routine maintenance and minor alterations that do not affect structural integrity or public safety
• Work performed by individuals in specific government positions

Review the full statute to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

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
• Tavares Municipal Code

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