Engineering Licensing in South Miami city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires a professional engineer license for individuals who offer or perform engineering services, including design, analysis, consultation, and responsible charge of engineering projects. [Fla. Stat. § 489.105] defines engineering as offering services that involve the application of principles of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geology to design and construct structures, machinery, and systems.

Work requiring licensure includes:
- Design of buildings, bridges, water systems, and infrastructure
- Preparation of engineering plans and specifications for construction
- Supervision and inspection of engineering work
- Consultation on engineering matters affecting public safety

Persons offering these services to the public in South Miami must hold a valid Florida Professional Engineer license.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Educational Requirements
You must have a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program. [Fla. Stat. § 489.113] sets educational qualifications for practice.

Step 2: Gain Required Experience
Complete four years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer, or equivalent.

Step 3: Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
This is a prerequisite before gaining work experience.

Step 4: Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) Exam
After meeting experience requirements, you must pass the Florida PE exam.

Step 5: Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
Submit your application, transcripts, experience verification, and exam results to DBPR. The Construction Industry Licensing Board [Fla. Stat. § 489.107] oversees engineering licensure.

Military Credit
If you completed relevant military training or education in engineering, you may receive credit toward experience requirements. [Fla. Stat. § 489.1131]

Local Requirements

In South Miami, building permits and engineering approvals are handled by the South Miami Building Department. Contact the city directly for permit submission procedures and local review requirements.

Review the South Miami Municipal Code at https://library.municode.com/fl/south_miami for any local amendments, local design standards, or additional requirements beyond state law that apply to engineering work in the city.

Exemptions

[Fla. Stat. § 489.103] exempts certain work from licensure, including:
- Work on single-family residential buildings (limited scope)
- Employees working under direct supervision of a licensed engineer
- Routine maintenance and repair work
- Work performed by engineers licensed in other states on temporary projects

State Licensing Board Contact

Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE)
- Phone: 850-521-0500
- Website: https://fbpe.org/

References

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