Engineering Licensing in DeLand Southwest CDP, Florida

Who Needs a License

Florida requires licensing for persons who offer to perform or who perform professional engineering services. Under Fla. Stat. § 489.105, "practice of engineering" means providing services or creative work requiring engineering knowledge, including consultation, investigation, evaluation, planning, design, and supervision of construction.

If you perform engineering work in DeLand Southwest CDP—whether designing structures, systems, or infrastructure—you must hold a current Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the state. The license requirement applies regardless of business size or whether work is performed in-house or for external clients.

How to Get Licensed

Step 1: Meet Education Requirements
You must hold a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program (or equivalent), per Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

Step 2: Gain Experience
Complete 8 years of progressive engineering experience under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer, or qualify through alternative experience pathways defined in Fla. Stat. § 489.113.

Step 3: Pass the Fundamentals Exam
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam administered through the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

Step 4: Pass the PE Exam
After meeting experience requirements, pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam in your specific discipline.

Step 5: Apply with the State
Submit your application to the Florida Construction Industry Licensing Board (Fla. Stat. § 489.107), which oversees professional engineering licensure. Include proof of education, experience, and exam passage.

Credit for Military Training
Under Fla. Stat. § 489.1131, applicants may receive credit for relevant military training and education toward experience requirements. Submit military documentation with your application.

Local Requirements

Permits for engineering work in DeLand Southwest CDP are issued through the Volusia County building permitting system, as DeLand Southwest is an unincorporated area.

Consult the DeLand Southwest Municipal Code for any local amendments, design standards, or supplemental requirements beyond state licensing law.

Contact the Volusia County Building Department to determine whether your project requires an engineer's stamp and to obtain local permits.

Exemptions

Fla. Stat. § 489.103 exempts the following from licensing requirements:
- Employees of licensed engineers performing work under direct supervision
- Persons engaged in teaching engineering in accredited institutions
- Certain government employees performing engineering work for their employer
- Contractors and builders performing work within their scope (without offering engineering design services)

If your work falls into these categories, verify the specific exemption language in § 489.103 before proceeding without licensure.

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)