What Is Required for Florida PE License?

Before an engineer can sign and seal a construction drawing, he must be a licensed professional engineer.

Professional engineer licensing in Florida is regulated by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers as per Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, the Engineering Registration Law. The requirements for a Florida PE license are numerous and exacting, including specific education requirements and continuing education after the license is awarded.

Function

A PE license certifies that an engineer has achieved an adequate level of expertise in her particular engineering specialty to provide a design that meets applicable quality and safety standards. This license allows an engineer to sign and seal a set of construction drawings or specifications that allow building permits to be approved so a construction project may begin.

Misconceptions

A Florida PE is not permitted to certify a design or construction document unless the type of design or construction falls within his stated area of expertise. For example, a civil engineer with no experience in design or construction of a municipal water treatment system may not certify the construction documents.

Time Frame

From the time she graduates high school and enters college, an engineer will require a minimum of four years of education in an engineering school with an approved curriculum (outlined in 61G15, Florida Administrative Code) followed by a minimum of four years of documented, progressively responsible experience before she can qualify to sit for the Florida professional engineer's exam.

References

• Florida Board of Professional Engineers: 61G15, Florida Administrative Code (pdf)
• Florida Board of Professional Engineers: Chapter 471, Florida Statutes (pdf)