Continuing education is a vital part of maintaining professional licensure and staying competitive in today’s evolving engineering landscape. For professionals working in the Sunshine State, Florida engineers continuing education requirements are clearly outlined by the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE). For those in the electrical engineering discipline, meeting these requirements is not only a legal obligation but also an opportunity to expand expertise, adapt to new technologies, and improve safety and performance in their field.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why electrical engineering continuing education matters, what Florida requires for licensed engineers, and how professionals can find the right courses to stay compliant and advance their careers.
Why Continuing Education is Essential for Electrical Engineers
Technology in the electrical engineering field evolves rapidly. From renewable energy systems and smart grids to electric vehicles and automation, new developments are reshaping how electrical engineers work. Continuing education helps professionals keep up with:
Regulatory changes and safety standards
Advancements in tools, materials, and processes
Best practices in energy efficiency and sustainability
Emerging trends like AI integration and IoT in electrical systems
Beyond technical skills, ongoing education also helps improve communication, project management, and ethical decision-making—critical competencies in engineering.
Florida Engineers Continuing Education Requirements
In Florida, the continuing education (CE) requirements for professional engineers are enforced by the FBPE under Chapter 61G15 of the Florida Administrative Code. The goal is to ensure licensed engineers remain competent throughout their careers.
Here’s a breakdown of what Florida requires:
Total Hours: 18 continuing education hours (CEHs) every two years
Ethics and Laws: 1 hour in professional ethics and 1 hour in Florida laws and rules
Area of Practice: 4 hours in the licensee’s area of practice—such as electrical engineering
General Hours: The remaining 12 hours can be in topics relevant to engineering practice
All CE courses must be provided by Board-approved providers, and engineers must retain completion records for at least four years in case of an audit.
Tailoring Continuing Education to Electrical Engineering
While Florida sets general requirements for continuing education, electrical engineers can benefit most by choosing courses that align with their specific field of work. Here are some recommended focus areas for electrical engineering continuing education:
National Electrical Code (NEC) updates
Power systems and energy storage
Electric vehicle infrastructure
Solar and wind power integration
Building automation and control systems
Smart grid design and cybersecurity
Courses in these areas not only satisfy CE requirements but also give professionals a competitive edge in high-demand sectors.
Choosing the Right CE Provider
To ensure compliance with Florida law, engineers must choose a FBPE-approved continuing education provider. When selecting a course, make sure the provider:
Has current approval from the Florida Board of Professional Engineers
Offers clear documentation of course hours and completion
Specializes in engineering-related topics
Provides content relevant to your discipline, such as electrical engineering
Online platforms have made CE more accessible, allowing engineers to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Benefits Beyond Compliance
While many engineers view continuing education as a requirement, it can also be a powerful tool for professional growth. Here's how electrical engineering continuing education can benefit your career:
Stay ahead of technological changes
Meet qualifications for advanced certifications
Increase your marketability for higher-paying jobs
Develop expertise in emerging specializations
Network with peers and industry leaders
Investing in knowledge and skill development shows a commitment to excellence and can open new career paths in both technical and managerial roles.
Final Thoughts
Meeting the Florida engineers continuing education requirements is more than just ticking a box—it’s a chance to evolve as a professional. Whether you're brushing up on ethics or diving into the latest electrical code updates, continuing education keeps your skills sharp and your license in good standing.
If you’re an electrical engineer licensed in Florida, now is the time to plan your continuing education path. Choose high-quality courses tailored to your field, stay organized with your CE records, and view each learning opportunity as a step forward in your engineering journey.
