BY ZANA RAYBON, FBPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FEMC PRESIDENT
Artificial intelligence, remote work, and digital transformation are changing engineering in ways that Florida’s current regulatory framework wasn’t built to handle.
Licensure has always existed to protect the public and uphold professional standards, but today’s technologies and global practices are testing those traditional models.
AI-powered tools can now perform tasks from load calculations to predictive maintenance. These tools save time, but they also raise tough questions: If an AI-generated design fails, who is responsible? Can an engineer truly “review and approve” something produced by an algorithm?
Florida law is clear: Only a licensed Professional Engineer in responsible charge can take responsibility for engineering work. That means AI can assist your work, but it cannot replace your professional judgment or accountability. As the tools evolve faster than the rules, PEs must use them carefully.
Engineering is no longer confined to a single office — or even a single country. It’s common for Florida firms to outsource technical work to out-of-state or overseas teams. But Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, requires that all engineering services offered to the public in this state be performed under the responsible charge of a Florida PE.
That means even if drafting or analysis is done elsewhere, a Florida-licensed engineer must review, oversee, and seal the final work. In today’s hybrid, global model, ensuring compliance has never been more challenging.
For years, FBPE has allowed electronic sealing and signing of engineering documents. With remote work now standard, the risk of misuse has grown. Stamping drawings without meaningful oversight isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a legal and ethical risk.
Meanwhile, engineers are increasingly designing systems that are exposed to cyberattacks, ranging from infrastructure controls to smart building systems. Yet cybersecurity remains largely outside the scope of Florida’s current engineering codes and licensure requirements.
Regulatory bodies, such as FBPE and NCEES, are beginning to study how AI, digital workflows, and globalized workforces are impacting the profession. But innovation is moving faster than regulation. For Florida PEs, the best way to prepare is to stay informed, not just on engineering fundamentals, but also on the legal, ethical, and technological issues shaping the profession.
Continuing education can help bridge the gap. The Murdough Center for Engineering Professionalism at Texas Tech, for example, now offers courses on AI ethics in engineering, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and professional responsibility.
Your license is more than a credential; it’s a commitment to public trust. As technology and practice evolve, upholding that trust has never been more important.