Engineering Licensing in University CDP (Orange County), Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates professional engineers under the Construction Industry Licensing Board framework. If you perform engineering work in University CDP, you must hold a professional engineer license issued by the State of Florida. This includes design, analysis, and consultation on construction projects, public works, and infrastructure.

The term "engineer" in Florida means a person who offers or performs services requiring professional judgment and skill, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, or supervision of construction for public and private clients.[^1]

How to Get Licensed

State-Level Application & Examination:

1. Apply to the Construction Industry Licensing Board under the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Board issues all professional engineer licenses in Florida.

2. Education Requirements: You must have a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent qualification as defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.[^2]

3. Experience: Typically four years of progressive professional engineering experience under a licensed engineer, though requirements vary by discipline.

4. Examination: Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam administered by the NCEES (National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying).

5. Military Credit: If you have relevant military training and education, you may receive credit toward experience or examination requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.[^3]

Refer to Fla. Stat. § 489.113 for complete qualification requirements, restrictions on scope of practice, and any discipline-specific rules.

Local Requirements

Permits and Building Department:

Engineering work in University CDP falls under Orange County jurisdiction. Contact the Orange County Building Department or the University CDP local building authority to determine permit requirements for your specific project.

Consult the University CDP (Orange County) Municipal Code for any local amendments, additional engineer qualifications, or project-specific requirements that may exceed state minimums.

Exemptions

Certain work and individuals are exempt from licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.103. Common exemptions include:[^4]

• Employees of licensed engineers performing work under direct supervision
• Certain routine design work on single-family residential structures (with limits)
• Federal employees performing engineering work for the federal government
• In-house engineers employed by corporations for internal projects only

Review Fla. Stat. § 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

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105 — Definitions
[^2]: Fla. Stat. § 489.113 — Qualifications for practice; restrictions
[^3]: Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 — Credit for relevant military training and education
[^4]: Fla. Stat. § 489.103 — Exemptions

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