Engineering Licensing in Dunedin city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law requires licensure for individuals who offer to perform, or who do perform, engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "engineering" means professional services or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience in the application of special knowledge of mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences to such professional services or creative work as consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction for the purpose of assuring compliance with specifications and design.

If you design, plan, or supervise engineering work in Dunedin, you must hold a Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license. This applies whether you are self-employed or working as an employee.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
You must satisfy the requirements in Fla. Stat. § 489.113. Typically, this requires:
- A degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Four years of progressive engineering experience under a licensed PE
- Passing the Professional Engineer (PE) exam

Applicants with relevant military training or education may claim credit under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131.

Step 2: Apply with the State Board
The Construction Industry Licensing Board (per Fla. Stat. § 489.107) administers PE licensing in Florida. Apply directly to the state board—not to Dunedin or Pinellas County. Submit your application, transcript verification, and exam results to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR).

Step 3: Receive Your License
Once approved, your PE license is valid statewide, including in Dunedin.

Local Requirements

Engineering work in Dunedin is subject to the Dunedin Municipal Code. Before beginning any engineering project, pull all required permits from the Dunedin Building Department. Contact the Dunedin Building Department to determine which permits apply to your specific project and whether local amendments impose additional requirements beyond state licensure.

Your PE license satisfies state requirements, but local permitting, inspections, and code compliance are separate obligations under municipal law.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure, including:
- Employees of licensed engineers acting under direct supervision
- Drafting or design work that does not constitute the practice of engineering
- Engineering work performed for a company solely for that company's internal use (not offered publicly)
- Certain routine technical work that does not require professional judgment

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)