Engineering Licensing in Holmes Beach, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates professional engineers under Chapter 489. Any person offering or providing engineering services—including design, analysis, consultation, or management of engineering projects—must hold a valid professional engineer (PE) license issued by the state. This applies to work performed in Holmes Beach regardless of project scope.

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means professional services or creative work involving mathematics, physics, or applied science to public or private utilities, structures, machines, processes, devices, or systems. The specific disciplines covered include civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and structural engineering among others.

How to Get Licensed

1. Education & Experience: Meet the requirements of Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program plus relevant work experience under a licensed engineer (typically 4 years for degree holders).

2. Examination: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, followed by the Professional Engineer (PE) exam specific to your engineering discipline.

3. Application: Apply through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing under authority of Fla. Stat. § 489.107 via the Construction Industry Licensing Board.

4. Military Credit: If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows you to petition for credit toward experience requirements.

Submit applications and exam requests directly to DBPR. The state board, not local authorities, issues PE licenses.

Local Requirements

Permits for engineering work in Holmes Beach are issued by the Holmes Beach Building Department. Contact the city building department to determine whether your specific project requires a local permit in addition to state licensure.

Refer to the Holmes Beach Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional requirements applicable to engineering work within city limits.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Work performed by or under the direction of a federal, state, or local government employee acting within the scope of employment.
• Routine maintenance, repair, or minor alterations that do not affect safety or structural integrity.
• Engineering work performed on property owned solely by the person or employer performing the work (with limitations).
• Certain teaching and research activities at accredited institutions.

Work that affects public safety or structural integrity is not exempt and requires a licensed engineer.

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
• Holmes Beach Municipal Code

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