Engineering Licensing in Longboat Key, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensers for any person who offers or practices engineering services in the state. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, engineering is defined as professional services involving the application of mathematical and physical sciences to design, construct, and improve public and private works. This includes structures, machines, apparatus, and processes.

If you plan to provide engineering services in Longboat Key—whether designing systems, certifying construction plans, or offering professional engineering advice—you must hold a valid Florida Professional Engineer license.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issues professional engineer licenses through the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Requirements:
- Meet education and experience qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically requires a degree from an accredited engineering program plus relevant work experience under a licensed professional engineer
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your engineering discipline
- Apply through DBPR with proof of qualifications

Military Credit:
If you have relevant military training or education in engineering, you may receive credit toward licensing requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131. Provide documentation of military service credentials with your application.

Submit applications and exam applications directly to DBPR at their website or office.

Local Requirements

Longboat Key is located in Manatee County, Florida. Engineering work in the town is governed by both state law and the Longboat Key Municipal Code, available at https://library.municode.com/fl/longboat_key.

Building permits for projects requiring engineering must be obtained through the Longboat Key Building Department. Contact the Town of Longboat Key Building Department to determine permit requirements specific to your project and for any local amendments to state licensing standards.

All engineering plans and certifications submitted to Longboat Key must comply with both state licensing laws and any local design standards in the municipal code.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from Florida engineering licensure requirements, including:
- Work performed by employees of the federal government or state and local governments acting in their official capacity
- Certain construction and maintenance work performed by contractors holding appropriate construction licenses
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer

Consult the full text of § 489.103 for a complete list of exemptions applicable to your situation.

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
• Longboat Key Municipal Code

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