Engineering Licensing in Hilliard town, Florida

Who Needs a License

Professional engineers in Florida who offer or practice engineering services must hold a valid license issued by the state. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means performing services or work involving the application of engineering principles. This includes design, analysis, and consultation on projects that affect public safety, health, or welfare.

If your work involves preparing engineering plans, specifications, or reports for construction projects in Hilliard, you must be licensed. The specific scope of regulated work is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105.

How to Get Licensed

  1. Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which oversees engineering licensure statewide.

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

  3. Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, or equivalent education
  4. Complete the required years of responsible charge experience (typically four years under a licensed professional engineer)
  5. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam

  6. Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

  7. Military credit: If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience and education requirements. Include documentation of military service with your application.

  8. Submit your application to DBPR with proof of education, experience, exam scores, and fees. Processing occurs at the state level, not locally.

Local Requirements

Permits for engineering work in Hilliard are issued through the Hilliard Building Department or Nassau County, depending on the project type. Before beginning work, confirm permit requirements with the Building Department.

Check the Hilliard Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or submission requirements that may apply beyond state law. The municipal code may contain local provisions governing engineering plans, inspections, or certifications required for projects within town limits.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure:
- Engineering work performed by salaried employees for their employer (if the work does not involve public contract work)
- Routine or minor repairs and maintenance that do not require engineering analysis
- Work performed under the direct supervision of a licensed professional engineer

Verify your specific situation against § 489.103, as exemptions are narrow and fact-dependent.

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)