You may apply for licensure as a Professional Engineer in Florida once you:

You should use the Application for Licensure as Professional Engineer, below, to apply for:

  • Initial PE licensure in Florida, or
  • PE licensure in Florida if you hold a current, active PE license in another state. (Florida does not license by reciprocity or comity.)

Also, applicants for PE licensure must complete the Board’s Laws and Rules Study Guide with a score of 90 percent or greater.

The Board will not issue a license to anyone who is under investigation in another state for any act that would constitute a violation of Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, or Chapter 455, F.S., until such time as the investigation is deemed complete and disciplinary proceedings have been terminated.

If you previously held a PE license in Florida and allowed it to become null and void because of non-renewal, please use the Change of Status Application instead.

The NCEES Records Program: The NCEES Records program allows engineers to store and easily transmit professional records to any state board when applying for licensure. Using the NCEES Records program when applying for your Professional Engineer license in Florida will significantly speed up the licensure process.

Having passed the NCEES exams does not constitute having an NCEES Record. You have an NCEES account to create a Record. NCEES Records allows you to document transcripts, exam results, employment experience, and professional references. Create a MyNCEES account on the NCEES website.

APPLICATION FOR LICENSURE AS PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER – $230 $180 FEE

As a result of HB 1091 becoming law on July 1, 2023, initial PE licensure fees are reduced by 50 percent for Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The total amount to be submitted with this application has been reduced from $230 to $180.

Please mail the completed application and payment to: FBPE, 2400 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PE APPLICATION

Click to expand one of the categories below to see commonly asked questions and their answers.

If you have questions not addressed below, please contact the appropriate licensure analyst listed at the top of the column at right. Correspondence by email will speed up application processing. Please note: All email addresses are public records pursuant to Chapter 119.011(12), Florida Statutes.

Can I use an old application when applying with FBPE?

No. FBPE requires that the most current application be used. Current applications are available on the FBPE website.

Do I have to pass the Fundamentals of Engineer exam before I can take the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam?

Yes, you must pass the FE exam before you can register to take the PE exam.

What is the FBPE Study Guide?

Applicants for both Engineer Intern certification and Professional Engineer licensure in Florida must complete the FBPE Laws and Rules Study Guide with a score of 90 percent or greater. During the application process, you will receive an automatically generated email with your Study Guide login information. The Study Guide contains multiple-choice questions on Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, and Division 61G15, Florida Administrative Code. You have unlimited attempts to pass the Study Guide. However, following 15 attempts, you will be locked out until you contact FBPE staff to reset your account. (See Rule 61G15-20.0016, F.A.C., Laws and Rules Examination.)

Will I be licensed in the discipline in which I passed my PE exam?

No. Florida does not license by engineering discipline, but you must be competent in the fields in which you practice. The Board can restrict you from practicing in certain fields or require you to take a PE exam in another engineering discipline, but that is usually the result of a disciplinary action.

I have a PE license in another state. Does Florida offer licensure through reciprocity or comity?

No. Florida offers licensure through endorsement, which means that you must meet the requirements for licensure in Florida. Florida recognizes passage of the FE and PE exams elsewhere, but other criteria for licensure may be different from other states. If you hold a current and active PE license in another state, you must complete the Application for Licensure as Professional Engineer to apply for licensure in Florida.

Why do I need to provide an email address on my application?

All correspondence, including renewal notices and the FBPE newsletter, are typically sent by email.

Regarding your application, here is what will be sent to your email address by the Board:

  • Notice that your application has been received;
  • Notice of application status within 30 days from date received;
  • Laws and Rules Study Guide (which is required to complete your application); and
  • Notice of Approval or Notice of Denial.

Email addresses are public records pursuant to Chapter 119.011(12), F.S. If you wish to receive correspondence by email, a valid email address must be provided.

The Laws and Rules Study Guide is available in an online format only accessible via hyperlink. Even if you do not wish to receive correspondence by email, you must provide a valid email address in order to receive the secure hyperlink to the Study Guide.

Why must I provide my Social Security number?

Social Security numbers are mandatory pursuant to Title 42, United States Code, Sections 653 and 654; and Sections 455.203(9), 455.213(1), 409.2577, and 409.2598, Florida Statutes. Social Security numbers are used to allow efficient screening of applicants and licensees by a Title IV-D child support agency to assure compliance with child support obligations.

Social Security numbers must also be recorded on all professional and occupational license applications, and will be used for licensee identification pursuant to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (Welfare Reform Act), 104 Pub.L.193, Sec. 317.

Social Security numbers are not public record, and cannot be accessed by the public.

How will my name appear on my license?

Your name will appear exactly as it appears on your application. Be sure that it is correct on your application.

Why do I need to provide my previous names?

Because records from your university or from previous exam attempts, as well as your EI certificate, maybe in a previous or maiden name.

What is the fee for a Professional Engineer license?

The total is $230 $180*, and includes an application fee, initial licensure fee, and unlicensed activity fee (collected by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation).

You must submit the total fee with your application. FBPE accepts personal and business checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Checks must be made payable to FBPE. FBPE does not accept credit cards or cash.

See Rule 61G15-24.001, F.A.C., Fee Schedule.

* As a result of HB 1091 becoming law on July 1, 2023, initial PE licensure fees are reduced by 50 percent for Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-25.

Is any of the fee refundable?

Only the initial licensure fee may be refundable.

Can I pay by credit card or over the phone?

No. FBPE only accepts personal and business checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders.

Are any fee waivers available?

Yes. FBPE has leeway regarding fees for low-income individuals and for U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. For more information, please see Military & Low-Income Fee Waivers.

What are the education requirements for FBPE?

To qualify for licensure, you must be able to demonstrate a Board-approved engineering or engineering technology degree. If you do not have a Board-approved degree, then you must have your education reviewed by a Florida-approved evaluation company to demonstrate that your education is substantially equivalent to an EAC/ABET- or ETAC/ABET-accredited degree. The Board will make the final determination.

Please see Section 471.013(1)(a), F.S., and Rules 61G15-20.007 or 61G15-20.008, F.A.C.

If I have already submitted an evaluation because I took my FE in Florida or attempted the PE previously, do I need to submit another one?

We can use the one on file if it is less than 5 years old.

If I have a credentials evaluation used for licensure in another state or for another profession, do I have to have a new one for my Florida application?

Yes. Because the educational requirements for Florida licensure may be different from those required in other states, you must have a credentials evaluation performed for Florida purposes, which ensures the evaluating agency uses the correct criteria and standards.

What states does Florida have reciprocal agreements with?

None. You must meet Florida’s requirements for licensure. Please refer to the education requirements in Rules 61G15-20.007 and 61G15-20.008, F.A.C., and the experience requirements in Rule 61G15-20.002, F.A.C., regarding eligibility for licensure in Florida.

I have a foreign degree that was accepted in another state through the Washington Accord to quality for licensure. Does Florida recognize the Washington Accord to qualify for licensure, or do I need an education evaluation?

Florida does not recognize any of the education agreements, such as the Washington Accord, for individuals applying for licensure through examination or endorsement. Interested applicants must have an education evaluation completed by one of the two FBPE-approved education evaluators: Josef Silny & Associates or NCEES Credentials.

Does the university send FBPE my transcript, or can I?

You cannot send FBPE your transcript. Official transcripts must be sent by your university in a sealed envelope to the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, 2400 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

What happens if my official transcript and references are sent to FBPE before I mail my application and fee?

FBPE holds onto transcripts and supporting documents for up to six months. If they are not matched with an application within six months, they are deleted.

Do I have to take the Florida Laws and Rules Study Guide?

Yes, you must take the Study Guide and score at least 90 percent to pass.

How do I receive the Study Guide?

After your application has been received, FBPE will email you a link to the online Laws and Rules Study Guide. Follow the link and complete the Study Guide. Even if you do not wish to receive correspondence by email, you must provide a valid email address to receive the link; all email addresses are public records pursuant to Chapter 119.011(2), F.S.

Is the Study Guide available in paper format?

No, the Laws and Rules Study Guide is only available online via hyperlink.

What happens after I complete the Study Guide?

With each attempt to complete the Study Guide, your results will be sent directly to FBPE for inclusion in your file. You will receive a Certificate of Completion once you have successfully completed the Study Guide.

Will the Study Guide count as continuing education?

No, the Laws and Rules Study Guide does not count toward your continuing education requirements.

Do I need to fill out the Verification of Licensure section?

You need to fill out the Verification of Licensure section if:

  • You don’t have an NCEES Records account,
  • You took the FE and PE exams prior to 2010, or
  • You are certified or licensed in a state that does not send verifications electronically.

If I need to submit the Verification of Licensure section, to whom do I send the form?

You send this form to a state that does not send licensure verifications electronically.

Do I put all of my engineering work experience on the application?

Yes, you must list all of your engineering work experience.

(See Chapter 61G15-20.002, Florida Administrative Code.)

What about time that I was not doing engineering work? Do I put that on the application?

Yes, include all work experience after receiving your undergraduate degree in the Work Experience Summary part of the application. You must have no gaps, so include everything: whether or not you were employed, and whether or not your employment was related to the practice of engineering.

Non-engineering experience does not require verification unless the Board requests it when reviewing your application.

Should I list my work in chronological order?

Yes, start with your earliest experience and end with your most recent employment (include any periods of unemployment).

Who can verify my engineering experience?

Your work experience must be verified by an employer or a supervisor employed in the engineering profession or who is a Professional Engineer.

(See Chapter 61G15-20.002, Florida Administrative Code.)

What kind of information should I list for my work experience?

List the work you performed in clear and concise descriptions. Don’t provide marketing information or excessive materials in the packet. Your description should enable the Board to determine what activities you performed and whether they qualify as engineering experience.

What constitutes engineering experience?

The engineering experience that you claim must be of a character indicating competence to be in responsible charge of engineering. Engineering experience can be gained through: investigation, evaluation, planning, and design of engineering works and systems; planning the use of land and water; teaching principles and methods of engineering design; performing engineering surveys; or the inspection of construction for the purpose of determining if the work is proceeding in compliance with drawings and specifications.

Engineering experience must:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of engineering mathematics, physical and applied science, properties of materials, and the fundamental principles of engineering design;
  • Demonstrate the application of engineering principles in the practical solution of engineering problems; and
  • Be progressive, on engineering projects of increasing quality and requiring greater responsibility.

(See Section 471.005(7) and 471.015(2)(a)1 & 2, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61G15-20.002(1), Florida Administrative Code.)

Can I claim part-time work?

No, you only get credit for full-time work.

Can I claim work that I did while I was going to school for my advanced degree?

You can claim either the work experience or the experience equivalents of the advanced degree, but not both.

Can I claim foreign work experience?

To claim foreign work experience, you must provide to the Board verifiable evidence of the engineering experience under the supervision of the equivalent to a U.S. licensed Professional Engineer. It will then review the evidence to determine if it meets requirements.

(See Chapter 61G15-20.002, Florida Administrative Code.)

OTHER APPLICATIONS

PRINCIPLES & PRACTICE ADDITIONAL DISCIPLINE EXAMINATION – NO CHARGE

If you are a PE licensed in Florida and have passed an additional PE exam in another discipline, you may request, using the form below, that your public license record at myfloridalicense.com reflect the additional discipline modifier. All exams will be verified through NCEES, so you must have an NCEES Record. There is no charge to establish an NCEES Record.

  • Please list the additional PE exam that you wish to add to your current Florida PE license. (It will be verified through your NCEES Record.)
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

 TEMPORARY ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION – $155 $142.50 FEE

As a result of HB 1091 becoming law on July 1, 2023, temporary PE licensure fees are reduced by 50 percent for Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The total amount to be submitted with this application has been reduced from $155 to $142.50.

Please mail the completed application and payment to: FBPE, 2400 Mahan Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32308.

Note: Make sure to open the PDF files using Adobe Reader, rather than your web browser, for the interactive forms to work properly.

Questions?

PE Last Names: A-K

Angie Henricks
Licensure Analyst
(850) 521-0500, ext. 105

PE Last Names: L-Z

Lisa Metcalf
Licensure Analyst
(850) 521-0500, ext. 115

LICENSURE FEES

Application and licensure fees are set by Rule 61G15-24.001, Florida Administrative Code. Fees are non-refundable except where noted. FBPE only accepts checks and money orders. They must be made payable to FBPE in the exact amount. No credit cards or cash are accepted.