A Practice Act for Structural Engineering in Florida
Here is an article published by The Florida Structural Engineers Association that discusses the need for a transition into specific licensing for Structural Engineers in Florida. Currently, the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) offers a 16-hour comprehensive examination in the field of Structural Engineering that an applicant must passed to be licensed as a professional structural engineer (SE). Current Florida law allows those with a professional engineering (PE) license to practice structural engineering; however, does not define what specific structures require design by a structural engineer.

The current Florida law concerning the practice of structural engineering does not define which structures or buildings require design by a structural engineer. A proposal by the Florida Structural Engineers Association (FSEA) would better define the practice of structural engineering by explicitly stating which buildings or structures have the complexity and are of significant importance to the life, safety and welfare of the public to warrant the added expertise of licensed structural engineers. The International Building Code, which is the basis of the Florida Building Code, classifies
structures according to their occupancy with the intent of requiring increased care in the design of certain structures. Hospitals, schools, and buildings housing large numbers of occupants are deemed important and the code requirements for their design are consequently elevated.

The type of structures referenced above are among those defined in the proposed Practice Act for Structural Engineering.

Why is a Practice Act for Structural Engineering necessary?

With the adoption of the 2010 Florida Building Code, Florida is continuing to provide for the safety of its people. State hurricane wind-force requirements continue to increase as does the complexity of the structures to be designed. To maintain the integrity of the design of buildings and other structures, higher levels of competency and design experience are necessary.

For the full article please visit flsea.com