Laws and Rules for Florida Engineers (Valid for Renewal 2/28/27)
In Laws and Rules for Florida Engineers (Valid for Renewal 2/28/27), you'll learn ...
- Key changes made between March 1, 2023, and February 28, 2025, to Florida Statutes affecting engineering licensure, continuing education, and disciplinary actions.
- The structure and authority of the Florida Statutes (Chapters 455 and 471) and the Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 61G15) as they apply to professional engineers.
- The details and outcome of a recent disciplinary case.
Overview
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and regulatory framework governing professional engineering practice in Florida. It is designed to meet the state’s continuing education requirement for 1 PDH of Laws and Rules credit. Valid for the 2025–2027 renewal cycle, the course offers an in-depth overview of key statutes, rules, and administrative procedures that govern the engineering profession in Florida.
The course is structured into five sections:
- 1. Brief overview of the Florida Administrative Code and Florida Statutes applicable to professional engineers; the role of the Board; and the Florida Engineering Management Corporation (FEMC)
- 2. Changes to Chapter 455, F.S., Relating to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation made between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2025
- 3. Changes to Chapter 471, F.S., The Florida Engineer Licensure Law made between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2025
- 4. Changes to Rule 61G15-22.0105(2)(c), The Rules of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers made between March 1, 2023 and February 28, 2025
- 5. Example of Disciplinary Action
The course begins with an explanation of the Florida Statutes (particularly Chapters 455 and 471) and the Florida Administrative Code (specifically Chapter 61G15), emphasizing their distinct purposes. While statutes establish broad legislative authority and requirements, the administrative code contains detailed rules developed by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE). The Board is empowered to adopt rules, determine licensure eligibility, and take disciplinary action. The Florida Engineers Management Corporation (FEMC), a nonprofit entity, provides administrative and investigative services but does not make final regulatory decisions.
Key topics include licensure qualifications, exemptions from licensure, and procedures for sealing engineering documents. Recent updates to Chapters 455 and 471 and 61G15 are reviewed, along with new requirements for digital signatures and continuing education. The course outlines how continuing education providers and courses are approved and monitored, including mandatory and optional course content.
A real-world disciplinary case is analyzed to illustrate how violations of statutory and rule-based obligations can result in fines, probation, and remedial education. This case reinforces the importance of understanding and complying with professional standards. Overall, the course equips Florida engineers with the knowledge needed to maintain licensure and uphold ethical and legal standards in their practice.
Specific Knowledge or Skill Obtained
This course teaches the following specific knowledge and skills:
- The structure and authority of the Florida Statutes and Florida Administrative Code as they apply to the engineering profession
- The roles and responsibilities of the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) and the Florida Engineers Management Corporation (FEMC)
- Differences between the Florida Statutes (Chapters 455 and 471) and the Florida Administrative Code (Chapter 61G15) in terms of content and legislative authority
- The licensure requirements for professional engineers in Florida, including education, experience, and examination
- The exemptions from licensure under Chapter 471.003, F.S., and their limitations.
- The application and approval process for licensure, including requirements for endorsement and substantial equivalency
- The procedures and legal basis for disciplinary action against licensed engineers in Florida
- The requirements and acceptable methods for digitally signing and sealing engineering documents
- The criteria for continuing education course approval and the responsibilities of course providers
- The rules governing board-approved continuing education providers, including eligibility and application requirements
- The role of the FEMC in investigating and prosecuting disciplinary cases, and the limits of its authority
- Common deficiencies in engineering documents that can lead to disciplinary action, using real case examples
- The penalty guidelines and processes for citation, noncompliance notices, and administrative fines
- Example of a real-world disciplinary case which demonstrates the implications of negligence and non-compliance in engineering practice
Certificate of Completion
You will be able to immediately print a certificate of completion after passing a multiple-choice quiz consisting of 12 questions. PDH credits are not awarded until the course is completed and quiz is passed.
This course is applicable to professional engineers in: | ||
Florida (P.E. Laws & Rules) |