Engineering Licensing in Pace CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida law regulates professional engineers under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which defines engineering practice as offering or providing services related to the design, planning, or inspection of public or private improvements. If you perform engineering work in Pace—including design, calculations, plans, or professional opinions on construction projects—you must hold a Florida professional engineer license.

The specific scope of regulated work is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105. Work that involves public safety, structural integrity, or professional judgment in design requires licensure. Violations carry penalties under state law.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Qualifications
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.113, you must:
- Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent)
- Complete the required years of responsible charge experience (typically 4 years under a licensed engineer)
- Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your discipline

If you have relevant military training or education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 provides credit toward experience requirements—apply this credit when documenting your qualifications.

Step 2: Apply with the State Board
Submit your application to the Construction Industry Licensing Board, established under Fla. Stat. § 489.107. This state board, not the town of Pace, issues professional engineer licenses.

Step 3: Maintain Your License
Comply with continuing education requirements and renewal schedules set by the state board.

Local Requirements

Pace CDP operates under Santa Rosa County jurisdiction for building permits and code enforcement. When performing engineering work in Pace, consult the Pace Municipal Code for any local amendments, permit requirements, or design standards that exceed state minimum standards.

Contact the Pace Building Department or Santa Rosa County Building Department to determine whether your specific project requires a local permit, plan review, or engineering seal on submitted documents. Local codes may impose additional requirements beyond state licensure.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, certain work is exempt from licensure, including:
- Engineering work on single-family residential construction (in many cases)
- Certain minor alterations or repairs
- Work performed by public employees in their official capacity
- Consultation on non-regulated matters

Review Fla. Stat. § 489.103 carefully to confirm whether 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
• Pace Municipal Code

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