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TALLAHASSEE, Florida (May 29, 2026) – On Friday, May 22, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill (SB) 800 into law, a bipartisan measure establishing escalating financial penalties on individuals practicing unlicensed engineering activities. SB 800, sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Melbourne) and Representative Lauren Melo (R-Naples), was priority legislation championed by the Florida Engineering Society (FES) and American Council of Engineering Companies of Florida (ACEC Florida) during the 2026 Legislative Session.

 

Unlicensed engineering threatens health and safety, hinders economic growth and diminishes quality of life for Floridians. Under current law, penalties for individuals that practice engineering without a license range from $1,000 – $5,000. SB 800 expands existing law by imposing progressively higher fees for subsequent offenses. For example, a second violation will now result in a $10,000 fine, with financial penalties ratcheting up to $25,000 for a fifth violation.

“Licensed engineers have a direct impact on public safety and quality of life across our state. By increasing penalties for unlicensed practice, this legislation reinforces the importance of professional licensure and helps ensure critical infrastructure projects are entrusted to qualified professionals,” said Senator Debbie Mayfield.

“Floridians deserve to know that the roads they drive, the bridges they cross and the water coming out of their taps meet the highest safety standards. Licensed engineers make that possible. Protecting licensure requirements is how we protect Florida jobs and the workers and families who depend on them,” said Representative Lauren Melo. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the House and Senate for their leadership on this issue and to Governor DeSantis for signing SB 800 into law.”

“Passage of SB 800 signals the Legislature’s, and Governor DeSantis’, commitment to the public health, safety and welfare of all Floridians by increasing the penalties for practicing engineering without a license,” said David Keough, P.E, President of FES, which advocates for licensure, education and the ethical practice of engineering. “We commend the sponsors, Senator Mayfield and Representative Melo, for moving this legislation forward this year.”

“Senate Bill 800 reflects bipartisan support for engineering licensure, which is a priority for the engineering profession,” Rick Acree, P.E., President of ACEC Florida, which is the voice of engineering companies in Florida. “Special thanks to bill sponsors Senator Mayfield and Representative Melo for their leadership, and Governor DeSantis for signing this measure into law.”

SB 800 takes effect July 1, 2026.