Engineering Licensing in Venice city, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensure for individuals who offer or perform engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means providing professional services or creative work requiring engineering education, training, and experience. This includes design, construction administration, consulting, and expert analysis of engineering problems.

If you perform engineering work in Venice city, Sarasota County, you must hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state unless you qualify for an exemption.

How to Get Licensed

Apply to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Construction Industry Licensing Board oversees professional engineering licensure under Fla. Stat. § 489.107.

Requirements under Fla. Stat. § 489.113:
- Hold a degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program (or equivalent)
- Obtain a Professional Engineer in Training (EIT) certification or pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
- Complete a minimum of 4 years of work experience under a licensed engineer
- Pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam
- Meet character and fitness standards

Military Credit: If you have relevant military training and education, Fla. Stat. § 489.1131 allows credit toward experience requirements. Submit military documentation with your application.

Submit your application directly to DBPR. Current exam schedules, application fees, and forms are available through the DBPR website.

Local Requirements

Permits: Venice city contractors and engineers must obtain permits through the Venice city Building Department before starting regulated work. Contact the Venice city Building Department for local permit requirements, fees, and procedures.

Municipal Code: Review the Venice Municipal Code for any local amendments or additional requirements beyond state law. Local ordinances may impose supplementary qualifications or administrative procedures.

Sarasota County may also have county-level requirements; verify with both the city and county before beginning work.

Exemptions

Under Fla. Stat. § 489.103, the following are exempt from licensure:

• Employees of the federal, state, or local government performing engineering work within their official duties
• Contractors performing work under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer
• Manufacturers designing products for their own use
• Employees of professional engineering firms performing non-licensed support functions
• Certain routine or minor work as defined by statute

Review § 489.103 in full to determine if your specific work qualifies for 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
• Venice Municipal Code

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