Engineering Licensing in Lehigh Acres CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who offers to perform or performs professional engineering services must hold a current, active license issued by the state. Professional engineering is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105 and includes designing structures, systems, and processes that affect public safety, health, or welfare.

Work that requires an engineering license includes:
- Design of buildings, bridges, water systems, and infrastructure
- Preparation of engineering plans and specifications
- Professional consultation on engineering matters
- Certification of engineering work

If your work involves offering engineering services to the public in Lehigh Acres, you must be licensed regardless of whether you are employed or self-employed.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
You must have a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent, as defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

Step 2: Gain Work Experience
Fla. Stat. § 489.113 requires documented professional experience under a licensed engineer. The specific number of years required depends on your educational background.

Step 3: Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam
You must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the PE exam administered by the Florida Engineering Management Corporation or equivalent national board.

Step 4: Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board
Submit your application to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, which issues engineering licenses under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The Board maintains records and enforces licensing requirements.

Credit for relevant military training and education may apply under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131—contact the Board about your military background if applicable.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Lehigh Acres CDP is subject to Lee County and municipal requirements. Before beginning any engineering project:

• Permits and Plans: Submit engineering designs and calculations to the Lehigh Acres Building Department for plan review and permitting.
• Local Code Compliance: Projects must comply with the Lehigh Acres Municipal Code. Review applicable sections for local amendments, zoning restrictions, and building standards that may exceed state requirements.
• Inspection: Licensed engineers may be required to provide sealed drawings and site inspections per local code.

Contact the Lehigh Acres Building Department for specific permit procedures and local engineering standards.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from licensure for:
- Employees of the federal government performing duties as part of their employment
- Employees of state and local government performing official duties
- Certain work on residential property (limited exemptions—verify with the Board if your work qualifies)

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
• Lehigh Acres Municipal Code

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