Engineering Licensing in Key Biscayne village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensing for individuals who offer or perform professional engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means performing or offering to perform engineering services or work, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, or supervision of construction.

If you design, plan, or supervise engineering projects in Key Biscayne—whether structural, mechanical, electrical, or civil—you must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state. This applies regardless of project size or client type.

How to Get Licensed

1. Meet qualifications: Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must have a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, plus four years of relevant experience under a licensed engineer, or equivalent education/experience combinations.

2. Apply to the state board: The Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107) administers PE licensing. Submit your application through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

3. Pass the PE exam: You must pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gain the required experience, then pass the Professional Engineer (PE exam).

4. Military credit: If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows you to request credit toward experience requirements.

Local Requirements

In Key Biscayne, all construction work—including engineering—requires local permits issued by the Key Biscayne Building Department. Contact the Building Department to determine which permits and approvals your specific project requires before commencing work.

Review the Key Biscayne Municipal Code for local amendments, design standards, and project-specific requirements that may apply beyond state licensing rules.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure:

• An employee performing engineering work solely for their employer (not offering services to the public)
• Routine maintenance and repair of existing structures
• Work performed by a licensed contractor within their scope of practice

These exemptions do not eliminate the need for local building permits in Key Biscayne.

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
• Key Biscayne Municipal Code

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