Engineering Licensing in Miami Lakes, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates professional engineering under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which defines the practice of engineering as offering or performing services for the public that involve applying scientific or engineering principles to design, plan, or supervise construction, public works, or other improvements to real property.

If you perform engineering work in Miami Lakes—including design, analysis, inspection, or construction administration—you must hold a Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license unless an exemption applies.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Education Requirements

You must hold a degree in engineering from a program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, or equivalent as determined by the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.113).

Step 2: Gain Work Experience

You must document at least four years of progressive engineering work experience under a licensed Professional Engineer. Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit for relevant military training and education toward this requirement.

Step 3: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam

You must pass the FE exam, administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Step 4: Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) Exam

After completing the experience requirement, pass the PE exam in your discipline.

Step 5: Apply with the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board

Submit your application, transcripts, work experience documentation, and exam results to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. The Board reviews all applications and issues licenses.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Miami Lakes is subject to permit and inspection by the Miami-Dade County Building Department, as Miami Lakes is unincorporated within Miami-Dade County. Before beginning any engineering project, you must obtain permits through the county's building permitting process.

For local amendments specific to Miami Lakes, consult the Miami Lakes Municipal Code. Contact the Miami-Dade County Building Department for permit requirements and local amendments that may apply to engineering work in the town.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure:

• Work performed by employees of the federal government, state, or municipalities, when performed within the scope of their employment.
• Engineering work performed on property you own, though restrictions apply if the work relates to public utilities or improvements.
• Certain on-site field engineering and technical work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.

Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.103 for the complete list 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
• Miami Lakes Municipal Code

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