Engineering Licensing in Miami Beach city, Florida

Who Needs a License

In Florida, any person who offers to perform or performs engineering work must hold a professional engineer (PE) license issued by the state. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means any service or creative work requiring the application of engineering principles and data. This includes design, analysis, evaluation, and consultation for public or private projects.

However, not all work requires licensure. Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain activities, including work performed by employees of licensed engineers acting under direct supervision, and routine maintenance or repair of existing structures that do not alter their fundamental design or function.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licenses professional engineers through the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Requirements (per Fla. Stat. § 489.113):
- Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Experience: Typically 4 years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed engineer
- Examination: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, then the Professional Engineer (PE) exam
- Application: Submit to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers licensing for the CILB

Military Credit: Veterans may receive credit for relevant military training and education toward experience requirements per Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Apply directly with the Florida DBPR. Processing times and current fees are available on the state's official licensing website.

Local Requirements

Miami Beach projects require permits through the City of Miami Beach Building Department. Before beginning any engineering work, you must obtain local building permits and approvals. The Miami Beach Municipal Code governs local design standards, zoning, and construction procedures. Review the Miami Beach Municipal Code for chapters addressing construction, building permits, and professional licensing requirements specific to the city.

Contact the Miami Beach Building Department for specific permit requirements, local design guidelines, and any municipal amendments to state law.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts:
- Employees of licensed professionals acting under direct supervision
- Routine maintenance and repairs that do not alter fundamental design
- Certain work performed by government employees
- Consultation by manufacturers regarding their own products

Engineers working in Miami Beach must still comply with all local permit requirements even if state-level exemptions apply.

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
• Miami Beach Municipal Code

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