Engineering Licensing in Lake Wales, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates professional engineers under Chapter 489 of the Florida Statutes. Any person who offers to perform or performs engineering services—including design, analysis, and consultation on public works, structures, or systems—must hold a current professional engineer license issued by the state.

The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board defines engineering practice in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. Work that requires licensure includes designing buildings, infrastructure, mechanical systems, and other projects where public health, safety, or welfare depend on professional judgment. If your work involves these services, you need a license before soliciting clients or performing the work.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
Per Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must:
- Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent)
- Complete the required work experience under a licensed professional engineer
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience requirements.

Step 2: Apply to the State
The Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107, processes all professional engineer applications. Applications are filed with the state—not the city of Lake Wales.

Step 3: Obtain Local Authorization
Once licensed by the state, contact the Lake Wales Building Department to register as a professional engineer authorized to work in Lake Wales. They will advise on any local filing requirements before you begin projects.

Local Requirements

Lake Wales follows the Lake Wales Municipal Code. Review the current code at https://library.municode.com/fl/lake_wales to confirm any local amendments, permit procedures, or additional engineering documentation requirements specific to the city.

Permits for engineered projects are pulled through the Lake Wales Building Department. Verify whether your project requires a city building permit, site plan review, or other local approvals before commencing work.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts certain work from licensure, including:
- Employees of licensed engineers performing work under direct supervision
- Certain utility company employees working on utility systems
- Contractors performing work not requiring professional engineering judgment

Review § 489.103 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

• 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
• Lake Wales Municipal Code

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