Engineering Licensing in Memphis CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals who offer to perform or who perform engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means providing professional services or creative work involving application of engineering principles and data. This includes designing structures, systems, and facilities; performing engineering surveys and studies; and preparing plans, specifications, and estimates for construction projects.

Not all work in the built environment requires an engineer's license. Work that falls outside the regulated definition—such as routine maintenance, minor repairs, or work performed by unlicensed technicians under direct supervision—may be exempt.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

Engineering licensure in Florida is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The board sets qualifications and examination requirements.

To become licensed, you must meet the qualifications in Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which typically requires:

1. Specific education (usually a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program)
2. Relevant work experience under a licensed engineer
3. Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and Professional Engineer (PE) exam
4. Application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board

Veterans with relevant military training or education may receive credit toward experience or education requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

You must apply directly to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, not to Memphis CDP. Contact the board through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Permit requirements and local amendments vary by jurisdiction. Because Memphis CDP is in Manatee County, Florida, you must check the Memphis Municipal Code for any local permitting or licensing provisions specific to the town.

Contact the Memphis CDP Building Department to confirm:
- Whether local permits are required for engineering work
- Which county or municipal authority reviews and approves engineering plans
- Whether additional local credentials or registrations are needed beyond the state license

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 provides exemptions from engineering licensure. Exempt work includes:

• Work performed by employees of the owner if it relates to property owned or leased by that person
• Certain maintenance and repair work not involving design or structural modification
• Work performed by licensed contractors within the scope of their specific trade license
• Other specific exemptions detailed in the statute

Verify whether your specific work falls within an exemption before proceeding without a license.

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
• Memphis Municipal Code

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