Local Guide · Structural engineers
When do you need a structural engineer for your home?
Only licensed engineers can practice engineering in Texas and Florida. Texas exempts most private homes from engineering requirements; your building department decides what needs sealed plans.
Hire a licensed professional engineer when your building department requires sealed structural plans, or when you're dealing with foundation movement, removing load-bearing walls or storm damage. Texas engineers are licensed by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Florida engineers are licensed through the Florida Board of Professional Engineers, verified on DBPR's license search.
Key facts
- Texas says a person may not engage in the practice of engineering unless licensed.
- Texas exempts people who don't offer engineering services to the public when they build or draw plans for a private dwelling.
- Texas's exemption also covers one-story buildings up to 5,000 square feet with no clear span over 24 feet on the narrow side, under conditions.
- Florida says no one other than a licensed engineer may practice engineering or use the title professional engineer.
- Florida's DBPR directs the public to its license search for up-to-the-minute verification of professional engineers.
- Florida's Board of Professional Engineers runs a Structural Engineering Recognition Program directory.
- Houston says state boards require some buildings to be designed by a registered design professional, but not every project.
Who can practice engineering?
Only licensed engineers. Texas says a person may not practice engineering without a license (Occupations Code 1001.301). Florida says no one other than a licensed engineer may practice engineering or use titles like professional engineer (Florida Statutes 471.003).
When does a house need an engineer?
It depends on your building department. Texas exempts people who don't offer engineering to the public when building or drawing plans for a private dwelling, small apartment buildings and certain small one-story buildings (1001.056). Houston notes that some buildings must be designed by a registered design professional but not every project (Houston Permitting Center).
Ask the permit office before work starts. Foundation repair, removing load-bearing walls and storm repairs often trigger engineering review.
How do you verify an engineer?
In Texas, use the TBPELS engineering rosters. In Florida, DBPR points to its license search for up-to-the-minute verification, and the Florida Board of Professional Engineers publishes directories, including its Structural Engineering Recognition Program.
What should an engineering report include?
Ask for the scope of the inspection, findings, recommendations and whether the engineer will seal repair plans. Make sure the report names the property and the licensed engineer who prepared it.
How to choose a provider
- Ask your building department whether sealed plans are required.
- Verify the engineer's license on the state lookup.
- Get the scope and deliverables in writing.
- Ask whether the engineer will seal repair plans and inspect the finished work.
- Keep a copy of the sealed report.
Structural engineers guides by state and city
Questions people ask
Who licenses engineers in Texas?
The Texas Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Who licenses engineers in Florida?
The Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Verify licenses on DBPR's license search.
Does a Texas house need an engineer?
Texas exempts private dwellings from its engineering law when no engineering services are offered to the public, but your building department may still require sealed plans for certain work.
Can anyone call themselves an engineer?
Not a professional engineer. Florida bars the title for anyone not licensed, and Texas bars practicing engineering without a license.
How do I find a structural specialist in Florida?
The Florida Board of Professional Engineers publishes a Structural Engineering Recognition Program directory.
Does a remodel need an engineer?
It depends on the work and your building department. Load-bearing changes and foundation repairs often do.
Sources
- Texas Occupations Code 1001.301, engineering license required
- Texas Occupations Code 1001.056, exemption for certain buildings
- TBPELS, Engineering Rosters
- Florida Statutes 471.003, engineering qualifications and exemptions
- Florida DBPR, Engineers Public Records
- Florida DBPR license search
- Houston Permitting Center, Top 10 Things to Know About Permitting (March 2024)
This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.
