Engineering Licensing in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Who Needs a License

Engineering work in Florida is regulated under the Construction Industry Licensing Board framework. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, engineering services that constitute "construction" or design work affecting public safety, structural integrity, or life safety systems require licensure. This includes but is not limited to structural design, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and civil engineering that impacts site development or building performance.

Not all engineering consultation requires a license—only work that directly involves design, preparation of plans, or specifications for construction projects regulated under Florida's construction licensing statutes.

How to Get Licensed

Florida's Construction Industry Licensing Board (established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107) does not directly issue professional engineer licenses. Professional engineering licensure in Florida falls under the purview of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, which operates separately under Chapter 471, Florida Statutes.

To practice professional engineering in Florida:

1. Meet qualifications under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, which requires demonstrated competency through education and experience
2. Obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (not the Construction Industry Licensing Board)
3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and the Professional Engineer (PE) exam through NCEES
4. Document relevant education and work experience as required by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers

Veterans with relevant military training may receive credit for military education and training per Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Local Requirements

Palm Beach Gardens falls under Palm Beach County jurisdiction for permitting. Engineering work in Palm Beach Gardens requires:

• Building permits issued by the City of Palm Beach Gardens Building Department
• Compliance with the Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code (available at https://library.municode.com/fl/palm_beach_gardens)
• Review and approval of engineering plans by the city's engineering review staff before permit issuance

Contact the Palm Beach Gardens Building Department to confirm current local amendments, fee schedules, and submission requirements for engineering plans and specifications.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from Florida's construction licensing requirements, including:

• Work performed by employees of property owners on their own property (with limitations)
• Work performed by governmental agencies
• Certain minor alterations or repairs not affecting structural integrity or life safety

Engineering work—even if minor—that involves design, plan preparation, or professional judgment typically does not qualify for exemptions and requires licensure.

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
• Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Code

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