Engineering Licensing in Duck Key CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for persons who offer to perform or who perform professional engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means any service or creative work requiring professional engineering knowledge, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction.

In Duck Key CDP, Monroe County, any individual or firm offering engineering services—whether structural design, site planning, permitting support, or construction administration—must hold an active Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license or operate under the responsible charge of a licensed PE.

How to Get Licensed

State Licensure Process:

1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers engineering licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.107 (Construction Industry Licensing Board).

2. Meet qualifications per Fla. Stat. § 489.113:

3. Complete a professional engineering curriculum from an ABET-accredited program
4. Gain four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed engineer
5. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

6. Pass the Professional Engineering (PE) exam

7. Military credit: Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit for relevant military training and education toward experience and exam requirements. Contact DBPR to apply this credit if applicable.

8. Apply through DBPR's online licensing portal and submit transcripts, work history verification, and exam scores.

Local Requirements

Permit and Inspection:

Engineering work in Duck Key CDP must comply with Monroe County building codes and Duck Key Municipal Code. Contact the Duck Key Building Department to determine whether your engineering work requires a local permit and to review current local amendments.

Refer to Duck Key Municipal Code for local ordinances governing engineering services, plan review, and construction standards specific to this municipality.

Exemptions

Per Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure requirements:

• Employees of licensed engineers acting under the direct supervision and responsible charge of that PE
• Employees of federal, state, or local government agencies performing official duties
• Persons designing structures or systems for their own use or occupancy (not for sale or public use)
• Routine maintenance and repair work that does not constitute "practice of engineering"

Exemptions are narrowly construed. If your work involves public safety, structural integrity, or client-facing design services, licensure is required.

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
• Duck Key Municipal Code

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