FL Engineering/Surveying Board

2026 Florida Legislative Session Updates Affecting Professional Engineers

FBPE Executive Director Zana Raybon summarizes outcomes from the 2026 Florida Legislative Session. CS/SB 800 (awaiting Governor's signature) would establish escalating fines for repeat unlicensed practice violations: $10,000 for 2nd offense, $15,000 for 3rd, $20,000 for 4th, and $25,000 for 5th and subsequent violations. CS/HB 803 would include engineers in the 'private provider' definition, authorizing them to approve building plans, perform inspections, and serve as authorized representatives for permitting. HB 607 died in committee.

Florida Engineers Report Increased Seal Misuse Under Law

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers issued guidance on seal misuse under Chapter 471, Florida Statutes, and Rule 61G15, Florida Administrative Code. Engineers are reporting increased misuse through forgeries, electronic counterfeiting, and unauthorized use. Violations may result in administrative fines, cease-and-desist orders, license suspension or revocation, permanent bans from licensure, and potential criminal prosecution.

FL Board Rules Committee to Discuss Threshold Inspection Changes

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers' Rules Committee will meet via Zoom at 1 p.m. on May 5, 2026, to discuss two proposed rule updates currently in development. The Board is considering a new Special Inspector category for existing threshold buildings under Chapter 61G15-35 and clearer rules of responsibility for engineers assessing storm-damaged structures under proposed Chapter 61G15-38. Parties wishing to join must send requests to Board@fbpe.org by April 24.

Two Proposed Rule Updates, Comment by March 31st

The Florida Board of Professional Engineers requests public comment on two proposed rules: Chapter 61G15-35 would create a new Special Inspector category for existing threshold buildings with elevated expertise requirements, and Chapter 61G15-38 would establish Rules of Responsibilities for engineers assessing storm-damaged existing buildings with technical evaluation criteria. Comments are due by March 31.

Florida Building Code Binding Interpretation 318: Window and Door Replacements in Threshold Buildings Require Threshold Inspections

The Florida Building Commission, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, and Building Officials Association of Florida issued Binding Interpretation 318 on January 26, 2026, clarifying that replacement of windows and doors in Threshold Buildings constitutes a modification of the building's structural system. Threshold Buildings are defined as buildings exceeding three stories or 50 feet in height, or assembly occupancies over 5,000 square feet with more than 500 occupants. Such replacements now require compliance with Section 110.8.1, including submission of a structural inspection plan at permitting and inspections by a certified Special Inspector. The interpretation is binding and not subject to local building official approval.