Engineering Licensing in Bonita Springs, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensers for professional engineering work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "professional engineering" means performing or offering to perform engineering services or work that involves the public welfare, safety, or interest. This includes designing structures, systems, and infrastructure; preparing plans and specifications; and providing engineering consultation.

Work that affects public safety, structural integrity, or utility systems in Bonita Springs requires a licensed professional engineer. General construction, maintenance, and routine repairs typically do not require engineering licensure unless they involve design or engineering judgment on regulated projects.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet education and experience requirements. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must have:
- A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent education; and
- Four years of responsible charge experience under a licensed engineer

Step 2: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam if required by your experience pathway.

Step 3: Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam specific to your engineering discipline.

Step 4: Apply with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). DBPR administers licensure; the Construction Industry Licensing Board (referenced in Fla. Stat. § 489.107) oversees professional regulation.

Military training and education may count toward experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131—provide documentation with your application.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Bonita Springs must comply with the Bonita Springs Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/bonita_springs. Review this code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or design standards that exceed state minimums.

Permit applications and engineering plan review are handled by the Bonita Springs Building Department (located in Lee County). Contact the Building Department for:
- Permit application procedures
- Local code compliance requirements
- Plan review timelines and fees
- Certificate of Occupancy issuance

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from engineering licensure, including:
- Work performed by government employees acting within their official capacity
- Work on single-family residential structures (subject to limitations)
- Routine maintenance and repairs not involving design or structural modification
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer

Always confirm exemption eligibility with the Building Department before proceeding without licensure.

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
• Bonita Springs Municipal Code

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