What Florida Engineering Firms Need to Account For
Florida requires businesses offering engineering services to register with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and be qualified by a Professional Engineer licensed in Florida. The Florida Board of Professional Engineers reports more than 5,600 qualified businesses in its Engineering Business Registry.
The state’s engineering economy reaches well beyond conventional building design. Aerospace and aviation, maritime, manufacturing, defense, logistics, energy, life sciences, infrastructure, and other technical industries all have a significant presence in Florida.
01
Engineering Business Registration
Make sure the firm is properly registered and connected with a Florida-licensed PE who qualifies the engineering business.
02
Professional Liability
Review limits and policy terms against your disciplines, clients, project values, contracts, and the consequences of a professional claim.
03
Workers’ Compensation
Florida’s workers’ compensation threshold depends on the industry. Non-construction employers generally reach the requirement at four employees, while construction employers face different rules.
04
Public and Transportation Work
Engineering consultants pursuing applicable FDOT work may need technical prequalification and project-specific professional liability coverage.
05
Specialized Project Exposure
Aerospace, maritime, coastal, infrastructure, manufacturing, defense, and other specialized work can introduce very different contracts and professional exposures.
How We Help Florida Engineering Firms
Florida firms should build insurance around the professional work they perform and the clients they serve. A small consulting practice may have very different exposures than a firm involved in transportation, aerospace, industrial, coastal, or multidisciplinary projects.
Questions Florida Engineering Firms Ask
Does an engineering firm have to register to offer engineering services in Florida?
Yes. Businesses offering engineering services in Florida must be registered with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation and qualified by a Florida-licensed Professional Engineer. The requirement also applies to out-of-state businesses seeking to perform engineering services in Florida.
When does a Florida engineering firm need workers' compensation?
For non-construction businesses, Florida generally requires workers' compensation at four or more employees, including certain owners or officers. Construction-industry employers are generally subject to coverage requirements at one or more employees. The classification of the firm’s work matters.
Does FDOT require professional liability insurance?
FDOT professional-services advertisements can specify minimum professional liability insurance requirements, and selected consultants must provide acceptable proof of coverage before contracting. The required amount depends on the project.
What insurance should a Florida engineering firm consider?
Professional liability is a central consideration for professional engineering work. General liability, workers' compensation, a Business Owner’s Policy, cyber insurance, and other coverage may also be relevant depending on employees, property, vehicles, technology, and contracts.
Why does the type of Florida engineering project matter for insurance?
Different project types create different professional and contractual exposures. Transportation, aerospace, maritime, industrial, structural, civil, environmental, and multidisciplinary work should not automatically be treated as the same risk.
