Engineering Licensing in Kensington Park CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida regulates professional engineering under Chapter 489. Work that requires a professional engineer's license includes design, consultation, and oversight of construction projects where public safety, health, or welfare depends on engineering judgment.[^1] The specific scope is defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.105, which establishes what constitutes "practice of engineering" requiring licensure.

Kensington Park CDP is an unincorporated community in Sarasota County. Building and engineering work in the CDP is regulated by Sarasota County, not a municipal government. You must determine whether your specific project triggers Florida's engineering licensure requirement under state law.

How to Get Licensed

Apply to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB), the state agency that issues professional engineer licenses. The Board is created and governed under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Qualifications:
- Meet education and experience requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113
- Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam
- Provide proof of graduation from an ABET-accredited engineering program or equivalent
- Complete required years of engineering experience under a licensed professional engineer

Military Credit:
If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward licensure requirements. Submit documentation of your military service record to the CILB with your application.

Apply directly to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which administers CILB. The state application, exam schedules, and detailed requirements are available through DBPR's website.

Local Requirements

Kensington Park CDP falls under Sarasota County jurisdiction. Building permits and engineering project approvals are handled by the Sarasota County Building Department, not a municipal building office.

Check the Kensington Park Municipal Code for any local amendments or supplementary requirements beyond state law. Since Kensington Park is an unincorporated CDP, Sarasota County regulations take precedence. Contact the Sarasota County Building Department to determine permit requirements and whether a licensed engineer's seal is required for your specific project.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 lists exemptions from licensure, including:
- Work performed on a single-family residence (with limitations)
- Certain minor alterations and repairs
- Work by employees of the property owner, when not offered to the public as a service

Review § 489.103 carefully to confirm your work qualifies for an exemption before proceeding without a license.

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
• Kensington Park Municipal Code

[^1]: Fla. Stat. § 489.105

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