BY ZANA RAYBON, FBPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FEMC PRESIDENT
Now that the 2026 Florida Legislative Session has concluded, I want to share several updates that are important to the practice of engineering in Florida.
A number of bills passed during this year’s session, including CS/SB 800 (Unlicensed Activity) and CS/HB 803 (Building Permits and Inspections), are currently awaiting action by the Governor and have not yet been signed into law.
Although this session did not produce sweeping changes to Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, CS/SB 800 would reinforce the importance of licensure, strengthen enforcement, and refine disciplinary authority related to the practice of engineering. These proposed changes are consistent with the Board’s mission to protect the public by helping ensure that engineering services are performed competently and ethically.
CS/SB 800, the companion to CS/HB 839, would amend section 471.033, Florida Statutes, to establish an escalating fine schedule for repeat violations involving the unlicensed practice of engineering. Current law provides for a $5,000 fine for each count or separate office. Under the bill, that fine would increase to $10,000 for a second violation, $15,000 for a third violation, $20,000 for a fourth violation, and $25,000 for a fifth and each subsequent violation.
This proposal reflects a continued effort to protect the public and uphold the value of professional licensure. Licensed engineers and firms should ensure that engineering services are performed only by properly licensed professionals, that each team member’s role is clearly defined, and that qualifications and services are represented accurately.
HB 607, which died in committee, would have made broader changes to professional licensing boards within the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Among other things, it proposed renaming, removing, and redesignating certain boards, commissions, and councils; shifting licensing authority in some cases from individual boards to DBPR; and eliminating certain continuing education requirements.
CS/HB 803 and related construction legislation, including HB 405 (Commercial Construction Projects), would affect the broader permitting and development environment. Under HB 803, engineers would be expressly included in the definition of a “private provider.” Within the scope of their licenses, engineers would be authorized to approve building plans, perform building code inspections, and serve as duly authorized representatives in providing those services. The bill would also require local jurisdictions to reduce permit fees when an owner uses a private provider, reflecting the cost savings from plan reviews and inspections no longer performed by the jurisdiction.
Engineers serving in these roles should remain mindful of their professional responsibilities, their potential liability exposure, and the need to comply with all applicable standards and requirements.
As always, the Board will continue to monitor legislative and regulatory developments, including ongoing discussions related to professional licensing structure and oversight. Our focus remains unchanged: to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by ensuring that the practice of engineering in Florida meets the highest standards.
I encourage all licensees to remain informed, engaged, and committed to upholding the principles that define the engineering profession.