Engineering Licensing in Coral Gables, Florida

Who Needs a License

Engineering work in Coral Gables is regulated under Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board framework. Per Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineer" means a person who, by reason of knowledge of mathematics, physical sciences, and the principles of engineering, acquired by professional education and practical experience, is qualified to engage in the practice of engineering.

Work requiring licensure includes professional engineering design, analysis, and certification of construction projects. The scope depends on your engineering discipline and whether your work involves public safety or structural integrity. If you are signing construction documents, stamping plans, or certifying engineering work, you need licensure.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113: hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, complete four years of engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer, and pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline.

2. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing through the Construction Industry Licensing Board per Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

3. Military credit: If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience requirements. Submit military documentation with your application.

4. Maintain your license: Renew as required by DBPR and comply with continuing education requirements.

Local Requirements

Coral Gables enforces building and engineering standards through its Building Department. All engineering work and plans submitted to Coral Gables must comply with the Coral Gables Municipal Code.

Review the municipal code for local amendments, design standards, and permit procedures specific to Coral Gables. Submit stamped engineering plans and permits to the Coral Gables Building Department. Contact the Building Department for current local amendments, submission procedures, and any additional local engineering requirements beyond state law.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure, including minor repairs, maintenance performed by building owners on their own property, and work by employees under a licensed engineer's direct supervision. However, if you are offering engineering services to the public or signing professional documents, licensure is required regardless of exemptions.

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
• Coral Gables Municipal Code

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