BY ZANA RAYBON, FBPE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & FEMC PRESIDENT
It is amazing to realize that the Florida Engineering Management Corporation has diligently served the engineering community and the people of Florida since July 1998. In the past 26 years, FEMC has ensured the highest standards of professional engineering licensure and ethics.
Looking back, the changes are incredible. In Fiscal Year 2023-2024 alone, we approved 3,409 applications for professional licensure — a staggering 134-percent increase over the 1,499 applications approved in 1999. Notably, FEMC manages the third highest number of engineering licensure applicants in the nation, trailing only California and Texas.
The number of licensed Professional Engineers under FEMC’s purview has surged to over 49,000 — an 86-percent increase since 1998.
Since its establishment in 1998, FEMC’s annual funding has remained $2.07 million. During that time however, the landscape of professional engineering in Florida has evolved significantly.
The costs of operating FEMC have significantly increased over the years:
- Office operating costs for equipment have surged by 894 percent, from $3,229 in 1999 to $32,106 in 2023.
- Office space costs have risen by 280 percent, from $61,937 in 1999 to $235,652 in 2023.
- Expenses for staff, such as health insurance, have escalated by 317 percent, from $34,580 in 1999 to $144,076 in 2023, even as our staff has decreased from 25 to 12 full-time employees.
- Costs for legal prosecutions have risen by 107 percent, from $96,121 in 1999 to $199,169 in 2023.
- And finally, our IT costs have increased by 68 percent, from $67,185 in 1999 to $112,994 in 2023.
It is essential to consider the broader economic context. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. inflation has surged by 85 percent from 1999 to 2023, while FEMC’s funding has remained constant. This has created a tightening financial gap that FEMC has begun to address to ensure the organization can provide services with continued efficiency and effectiveness.
The FEMC is hopeful that the legislature will consider additional funding in the near future. In the meantime, we will continue to uphold our commitment to the engineering community and the people of Florida by enhancing our operations, ensuring timely reviews and approvals of licensure applications, and continuing the high level of service that Florida expects.