Engineering Licensing in Virginia Gardens village, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals who offer to perform or perform professional engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "professional engineering" means services or work requiring professional judgment where the public welfare is at risk, including design, construction administration, and consultation on infrastructure, buildings, and public works projects.

Not all technical work requires a professional engineer license. Routine construction or maintenance by licensed contractors (electricians, plumbers, general contractors) may proceed without engineering involvement. However, if the work involves structural design, calculations affecting public safety, or expert testimony regarding engineering principles, a licensed engineer must sign and seal the plans or documents.

How to Get Licensed

Florida licensure is administered by the Construction Industry Licensing Board under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Step 1: Verify Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program and have relevant work experience (typically 8 years for bachelor's degree holders, 6 years for master's degree holders). Military training and education may provide credit toward experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Step 2: Apply to the State Board
Submit your application to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board. You will need to provide documented proof of education and professional experience.

Step 3: Pass the Professional Engineer Exam
Pass the Florida Professional Engineer (PE) examination, which tests knowledge of engineering principles and Florida-specific laws.

Step 4: Receive Your License
Once approved, you receive your Florida professional engineer license and seal. This license permits you to practice and seal engineering work in Florida.

Local Requirements

Permit applications for engineering work in Virginia Gardens village must be submitted to the Miami-Dade County Building Department, as the village operates within county building jurisdiction.

Review the Virginia Gardens Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or additional application requirements beyond state law. The municipal code will specify local permit fees, plan review procedures, and any village-specific standards for engineering work.

Contact the Virginia Gardens Building Department or Miami-Dade County Building Department for permit submission procedures and current fees.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, exemptions include:

• Work performed by employees of the federal, state, or local government in their official capacity
• Certain routine construction or maintenance performed by licensed contractors within their scope
• Design of single-family residential structures (under specific conditions)
• Work on structures or systems not affecting public safety

Review the full exemption language in Fla. Stat. § 489.103 to determine if your specific work qualifies.

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
• Virginia Gardens Municipal Code

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