BY JAMES GONZALEZ, FBPE Chair (2026)
If you have frequented this newsletter in recent months, you have undoubtedly read about growing concerns over the misuse of an engineer’s seal. Whether via attempted forgeries, electronic counterfeits, or any of a number of other misuses, engineers throughout the state are reporting an increase in misuse of their seals. This article focuses on the legalities of misusing an engineer’s seal.
Under Florida law, misuse of a professional seal (whether by the engineer or by someone else) is treated as a serious regulatory and legal violation. In Florida, the authority and responsibility tied to an engineering seal are defined primarily in Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61G15, Florida Administrative Code. Because the seal signifies accountability for public safety, misuse is treated as a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
Florida law recognizes several violations involving misuse of an engineer’s seal. Florida law prohibits anyone from presenting another person’s engineering license or credentials as their own. Examples include:
- Forging an engineer’s seal or signature
- Using an engineer’s seal without permission
- Using the seal of a deceased or retired engineer
- Submitting engineering documents under another engineer’s license number.
These actions may constitute unlicensed practice of engineering, fraud or misrepresentation, and/or forgery or criminal impersonation. The Florida Board of Professional Engineers routinely investigates such cases. Penalties for seal forgery or misuse can be severe. Typical enforcement actions may include:
- Administrative fines (potentially thousands of dollars)
- Cease-and-desist orders
- License suspension or revocation
- Permanent bans from licensure
- Possible criminal prosecution for fraud or forgery.
An important concern for engineers is whether they are liable if their seal is stolen. Generally speaking, if an engineer did not authorize the use of their seal and had no involvement, they typically are not legally responsible for the engineering work itself.
Engineers can significantly reduce risk by following several best practices recommended by regulators and professional organizations. Engineers can store physical seals in a locked location, limit access to administrative staff, and destroy old seals when retiring or replacing them. As for digital seals, engineers can use secure and password-protected digital signatures issued by certified authorities and avoid sharing editable sealed files.
Engineers should also periodically search for unauthorized use of their name or PE number online and verify that projects using their seal actually were authorized.
If an engineer discovers misuse of their seal, they should act quickly. They should notify the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, notify affected clients or agencies, document the incident, consult legal counsel, and issue corrected documents if necessary.
An engineering seal is both a professional privilege and a legal obligation. Protecting the seal is not just a matter of administrative practice; it is an essential component of professional responsibility and public safety.
If you suspect an issue with your seal, reach out to the appropriate authorities.
Additionally, Florida Building Officials who have concerns about potential forgeries related to engineering documents should contact FBPE’s lead investigator, Wendy Anderson, at (850) 521-0500, ext. 119, or wanderson@fbpe.org.
James Gonzalez of Jacksonville, is a co-founder of Cobb & Gonzalez, P.A. He was appointed to the Board as a public member in 2022 and served as vice chair in 2025.