Engineering Licensing in Surfside, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensers for professional engineering work. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means performing services or work requiring professional judgment where the public welfare is at risk. This includes design, analysis, and oversight of construction projects.

Whether you need a license depends on the scope of work. Consult Fla. Stat. § 489.113 to determine if your specific engineering services fall under regulated practice in Florida. The statute outlines qualifications and restrictions for licensed engineers.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) issues engineering licenses. Follow these steps:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires:
2. Specific education (typically a four-year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited program)
3. Documented work experience under a licensed engineer
4. Passage of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

5. Passage of the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

6. Apply to CILB through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

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

8. Examination and approval: CILB reviews your application, verifies experience, and clears you to sit for exams if required.

Contact DBPR for current application procedures, exam schedules, and fees.

Local Requirements

Surfside is located in Miami-Dade County. Engineering work in Surfside requires permits issued through the Surfside town government.

Permitting: Contact the Surfside Building Department to determine which permits are required for your engineering work. They enforce both state law and local codes.

Local Code: Review the Surfside Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional requirements, or restrictions on engineering practice within town limits. The municipal code may impose local standards beyond state law.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensing requirements:
- Work performed by employees of the federal, state, or local government (when acting in that capacity)
- Work that does not involve public safety or welfare
- Certain routine technical work performed under a licensed engineer's direct supervision

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific work qualifies for an exemption.

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
• Surfside Municipal Code

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