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Florida Land Surveyor — Requirements & Free Practice

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Surveyor and Mapper Intern / Surveyor in Training

Intern designation based on the Fundamentals of Surveying examination; it does not replace the degree requirements for professional licensure.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · Application information

Intern designation — degree program and 25 credit qualification
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Board approval
Board approval of FDACS-10055 permits the FS examination; submit official transcripts or the institutional letter of good standing, experience verification if applicable, and foreign equivalency if applicable. Submit the completed application at least 45 days before a scheduled Board meeting.
Education
In good standing in, or a graduate of, a bachelor’s degree program or equivalent/higher at an accredited institution; at least 25 semester hours in the subjects named in § 472.013(3)(a).
Fee
Testing fees are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval.
Scope
Intern qualification does not substitute for the professional-license degree requirement under § 472.013(2).
Intern designation — 15 credit and two year experience qualification
Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam
Board approval
Board approval of FDACS-10055 permits the FS examination; submit official transcripts or the institutional letter of good standing, experience verification if applicable, and foreign equivalency if applicable. Submit the completed application at least 45 days before a scheduled Board meeting.
Education
At least 15 semester hours in the subjects named in § 472.013(3)(b), from an accredited institution.
Experience
At least two years of surveying and mapping experience subordinate to a registered surveyor and mapper, with verification under Rule 5J-17.020.
Fee
Testing fees are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval.
Scope
Intern qualification does not substitute for the professional-license degree requirement under § 472.013(2).

Professional Surveyor and Mapper

Individual license to practice surveying and mapping in Florida.

Licensing authority: Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services · Application information

Election of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
An existing licensee may choose inactive status at renewal by notice to FDACS and payment of the required fee. Practice on an inactive license is prohibited.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Licensure by endorsement — substantially equivalent original criteria
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Eligibility
Hold a valid surveying and mapping license issued by another US state or territory under substantially the same criteria as Florida used when that license was issued.
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Jurisdictional exam
All endorsement applicants must pass the Florida law and rules examination before licensure under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(5)(b).
Licensure verification
Provide verification of the out-of-state license and prior examinations, education, and experience as applicable through FDACS-10050.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Prior exam equivalence
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(5)(a) permits the stated substantially equivalent prior examination or original licensing criteria. Examinations of another state are applicant evidence and never Florida route leaves. FS/PS are the currently offered national examinations identified by Rules 5J-17.031 and 5J-17.034; previously passing them excuses reexamination. The statutory endorsement qualifications and accepted equivalencies determine the applicant’s individual exemption; the FDACS licensing page describes sitting only the Florida Jurisdictional Examination after Board approval.
Licensure by endorsement — license issued before July 1, 1999
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Eligibility
Hold a valid surveying and mapping license issued by another US state or territory before July 1, 1999; have passed a substantially equivalent national, regional, state or territorial licensing examination; have at least eight years of subordinate experience including six indicating responsible charge.
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Jurisdictional exam
All endorsement applicants must pass the Florida law and rules examination before licensure under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(5)(b).
Licensure verification
Provide verification of the out-of-state license and prior examinations, education, and experience as applicable through FDACS-10050.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Prior exam equivalence
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(5)(a) permits the stated substantially equivalent prior examination or original licensing criteria. Examinations of another state are applicant evidence and never Florida route leaves. FS/PS are the currently offered national examinations identified by Rules 5J-17.031 and 5J-17.034; previously passing them excuses reexamination. The statutory endorsement qualifications and accepted equivalencies determine the applicant’s individual exemption; the FDACS licensing page describes sitting only the Florida Jurisdictional Examination after Board approval.
Licensure by examination — ABET accredited surveying degree
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education and experience
Bachelor’s degree, equivalent or higher, in surveying and mapping or a similarly titled ABET-accredited program recognized by the Board; at least four years of qualifying subordinate surveying and mapping experience indicating responsible charge. Education-related work does not count as responsible-charge experience.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Licensure by examination — non ABET surveying degree
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education and experience
Bachelor’s degree, equivalent or higher, in a Board-recognized surveying and mapping or similarly titled non-ABET program. Rule 5J-17.021(2) requires at least 18 semester credits in communications/social science/humanities, eight in physical or biological science, six in mathematics, 30 in surveying and mapping, and coverage of at least five of the seven named science areas. At least four years of qualifying subordinate surveying experience indicating responsible charge; education-related work does not count.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Licensure by examination — degree in another field
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education and experience
Bachelor’s degree, equivalent or higher, in another course of study at an accredited institution; at least six years of subordinate surveying and mapping experience, including five indicating responsible charge; at least 25 semester hours in the named surveying/mapping or related subjects. Hours outside the degree may be approved at Board discretion. Education-related work does not count as responsible-charge experience.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Licensure of foreign trained exiled professionals
Practice and Principles examination for licensure of foreign-trained exiled professionals (practice unavailable)
Degree
Show an appropriate professional or occupational degree with documentation verified by the professional association in exile; the Department cannot require Cuban documentation (§ 472.0101(1)(d); Rule 5J-17.204).
Exam alternative
Rule 5J-17.203(2) permits an examination equivalent to the Department-prepared Practice and Principles examination. The unidentified equivalent is an applicant condition; no extra identity is inferred.
Examination on request
The Department must conduct the written practical examination upon a qualifying applicant’s request and payment. The academic and preprofessional fundamentals are not tested (§ 472.0101(2)).
Experience
At least three years of lawful professional practice, continuous or noncontinuous, with required local licensure where applicable, and documentary verification under Rule 5J-17.206.
Fees
Rule 5J-17.210 states a $100 application fee, Department-determined development and administration fees, and a $200 licensing fee after passing.
Historical course
Before 1980, successfully completed an approved course under chapters 74-105 and 75-177, Laws of Florida (§ 472.0101(1)(f)).
Immigration
Immigrated for political reasons from a Western Hemisphere country without US diplomatic relations; resided in Florida immediately before applying (§ 472.0101(1)(a),(c)).
Investigation
No initial issuance or renewal while an investigation or prosecution for conduct violating Chapter 472 remains pending (§ 472.0101(6)).
Pre exam training
Certificate of successful completion of an approved examination-preparation continuing education program under Rule 5J-17.208, with at least 90% attendance and diagnostic evaluation; a program completed within two years before applying can qualify on approved documentation.
Translation
A native-language examination may be provided when available and when the applicant bears translation costs.
Licensure under the special approved course immigrant qualification
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Language
Examination is in English unless at least 15 qualifying applicants request a reexamination in their native language; applicants bear the cost of foreign-language reexamination.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Qualification
Successfully completed or currently enrolled in a course created under chapters 74-105 and 75-177, Laws of Florida, as stated in § 472.0165. The statute also directs programs for persons who were resident nationals of Cuba and Florida residents on July 1, 1977. These are historical applicant qualifications, not additional examination leaves.
Maintenance of good standing during active military service
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
US Armed Forces member in good standing and entitled to practice when entering active duty.
Period
Maintained in good standing without registration, fees or other acts during active duty and for two years after discharge.
Private practice
For private for-profit practice in Florida during that period, all renewal provisions still apply except the waived renewal fee.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reactivation after military spouse renewal exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Apply for inactive-to-active status without the reactivation fee or reactivation conditions, including continuing education. Reactivation of a delinquent exempt license also carries no Rule 5J-17.070 fee.
Eligibility
Existing inactive license placed under the qualifying military-spouse exemption.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Military spouse renewal exemption
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Spouse of a US Armed Forces member absent from Florida because of the member’s duty; submit the military orders showing the duty-station change.
Expiry
Without reactivation or renewed exemption, the license becomes delinquent.
Status
FDACS places the license in inactive status without a fee; the exemption lasts up to two renewal cycles and may be renewed by current orders.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Renewal fee waiver — military spouse or surviving spouse
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Conditions
The renewal fee is waived; otherwise meet the applicable license-renewal conditions.
Eligibility
Spouse present in Florida because of the member’s active duty, or surviving spouse of a member who died on active duty within two years before renewal.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New application after a null and void license
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Eligibility
Meet all requirements for initial licensure, instead of pursuing the illness-or-hardship reinstatement procedure under Rule 5J-17.048 (Rule 5J-17.039(3)(b)).
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Prior status
License became null and void by failure to restore active or inactive status before the end of the delinquent biennium.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Reactivation of an inactive license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency discretion
§ 472.0202(9) authorizes reasonable competency conditions after more than two inactive biennia, excluding full reexamination and mentioning a part of a national or special-purpose examination. No particular currently offered examination is identified or mandated by the implementing reactivation rule; this discretion is an applicant condition.
Continuing education
Rule 5J-17.040 requires one continuing education credit per inactive month for an inactivity exceeding one year, capped at 48 credits, completed within one year before applying, including at least six Standards of Practice hours. § 472.0202(10) also requires the continuing education applicable to active licensees for all inactive biennia.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
An inactive licensee may seek active status at any time after satisfying active-status requirements and paying additional license, reactivation and outstanding fine or cost amounts.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement of null and void license — illness or unusual hardship
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Eligibility
Board discretion applies after a good-faith effort to comply failed due to illness or unusual hardship; submit FDACS-10067 with statements, supporting records, and a chronological timeline to obtain eligibility approval.
Fees
$125 eligibility application fee and $255 for each biennium not renewed; otherwise remain eligible for renewal.
Final application
After eligibility approval, submit FDACS-10052, the eligibility final order, required background statements, and evidence of one surveying-and-mapping CE credit for each delinquent month under Rule 5J-17.042.
Final order
The license is reinstated only after all requirements are satisfied and the Board issues its final reinstatement order.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal — active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
At least 24 continuing education hours in the preceding two years; up to 12 excess hours can carry forward. Rule 5J-17.041(4) excuses CE before the first renewal.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
Renew an active individual license; an active status license is required for practice.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Biennial renewal — inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
Renew while inactive; no practice is authorized. Apply and pay the applicable inactive fee before expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of delinquent license — active status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Satisfy the continuing education for the missed and current biennia; FDACS-10068 describes a total of 48 credits for the previous and current biennia.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
During the delinquent biennium, submit a complete application, renewal and delinquency fees, and satisfy active-status requirements before the license becomes null and void.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Restoration of delinquent license — inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal process
Biennia start March 1 in odd-numbered years. Renew online or on FDACS-10068 before expiration under Rule 5J-17.039; missed deadlines cause delinquency and then null-and-void status.
Status
During the delinquent biennium, submit a complete application with renewal and delinquency fees and elect inactive status before expiration of that biennium; no practice is authorized.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Return from retired status — current endorsement qualification
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Eligibility
Hold a qualifying out-of-state license under the pre-July-1999 and experience alternative or the substantially equivalent original-criteria alternative.
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Prior equivalence
The statutory accepted prior licensure and examination equivalencies govern exemption; the FDACS licensing page describes sitting only the Florida Jurisdictional Examination after Board approval.
Prior status
Formerly approved for retired status; a new application must satisfy the current endorsement criteria under § 472.015(5).
Return from retired status — current examination qualification
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Eligibility
Meet the current examination education and experience criteria in § 472.013(2) and Rule 5J-17.021; eligible ABET, non-ABET surveying-degree or other-degree qualifications remain applicant conditions.
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Prior status
Formerly approved for retired status; seek active practice.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Reapplication after revocation
Application fee
FDACS-10050 states a $255 examination or endorsement application fee. Testing fees for FS and PS are paid directly to NCEES after Board approval. The military initial-license fee waiver is subject to Fla. Stat. § 472.015(3)(b) documentation and does not waive examination fees.
Board approval
Submit a complete FDACS-10050 application at least 45 days before the scheduled Board meeting; Board approval precedes examinations (Rules 5J-17.029 and 5J-17.030).
Board conditions
Comply with prior fines and conditions; personally appear before the Board; meet all current licensure requirements including examination. The Board may impose probation, education, or therapy to demonstrate competence (Rule 5J-17.014).
Character
Good moral character under Fla. Stat. § 472.013(5); the Board may refuse certification for violations of § 472.031.
Education proof
Provide official transcripts or an NCEES Record directly from the issuing institution. Foreign degrees require an evaluation under Rule 5J-17.026; the Board makes the final qualification decision.
Experience proof
Employers or supervisors who are licensed surveyors and mappers verify the quality and character of experience; a knowledgeable licensed surveyor and mapper or an NCEES Record may supply acceptable evidence. A year means 12 months at at least 32 hours per week; responsible-charge experience before age 18 requires a Board exception (Rule 5J-17.020).
Investigation
Fla. Stat. § 472.015(6) permits refusal of initial licensure during an investigation and prohibits endorsement issuance until investigations and disciplinary proceedings terminate.
Previous ncees passes
Previously passed currently offered FS and PS examinations remain examination references. Rule 5J-17.031(2) states: (2) Re-examination in the Principles and Practice Examination and the Fundamentals Examination will not be required for licensure if the applicant has successfully completed those NCEES portions previously; however, the Florida Jurisdictional Examinations will be required of all applicants.
Separate scores
Rule 5J-17.034(6)(c) requires separate passing scores, which need not be obtained in one sitting.
Social security number
Initial licensure and renewal applicants provide their social security number under Fla. Stat. § 472.015(15).
Waiting period
At least seven years since the later of the final revocation order or the final appellate mandate affirming revocation.

Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round in testing windows at NCEES-approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based test, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES FS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); includes alternative item types (AITs) in addition to traditional multiple-choice questions; uses both SI and U.S. Customary units
Exam questions
110 questions
Time limit
6-hour appointment: nondisclosure agreement (2 minutes), tutorial (8 minutes), exam (5 hours and 20 minutes), scheduled break (25 minutes)
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$225 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Surveying Processes and Methods (16–24 of 110 questions)
    • A. Instrumentation (e.g., GNSS/GPS, levels, total stations, robotic total stations, scanners, UAS)
    • B. GNSS/GPS surveys (e.g., static, kinematic, OPUS, real-time networks)
    • C. Control surveys (e.g., horizontal, vertical, network design, accuracy standards)
    • D. Cadastral (e.g., Public Land Survey System [PLSS], boundary, metes and bounds, land title)
    • E. Topographic surveys
    • F. Construction surveys (e.g., layout, as-built, quantity)
    • G. Land development (e.g., subdivision design/platting, land use, environmental, flood plains, wetlands)
    • H. Field record keeping and documentation (e.g., procedures, field books, raw data files)
  • 2. Mapping Processes and Methods (14–21 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic mapping concepts (e.g., scaling, symbols, features, legend, contours, cartography)
    • B. Types of maps (e.g., plan and profile, cross section, plat, record of survey, ALTA, topographic, planimetric)
    • C. CAD (e.g., 2-D, 3-D, building information modeling [BIM])
    • D. GIS (e.g., feature collection, map projections, coordinate systems, metadata, database design and management, spatial data analysis, GIS applications)
    • E. Digital terrain model (e.g., machine control, triangulated irregular network [TIN], digital surface model, digital elevation model)
    • F. Photogrammetry and remote sensing (e.g., close range, conventional, softcopy, ground control, quality control, flight planning, project planning, UAS, drone, LiDAR, satellite, digital image analysis and processing)
  • 3. Boundary Law and Real Property Principles (19–29 of 110 questions)
    • A. Public records and descriptions (e.g., land descriptions, mineral rights, ownership rights, weighting evidence)
    • B. Common law principles (e.g., controlling elements, unwritten rights, adverse possession)
    • C. Easements (e.g., granted, implied/prescriptive)
    • D. Simultaneous and sequential conveyances
    • E. Metes and bounds
    • F. PLSS
    • G. Water law (e.g., riparian, littoral rights, water marks/levels)
    • H. Sources of law (e.g., federal/state/local, administrative, common, citations, legal research)
    • I. Encumbrances (e.g., restrictive covenants, mortgages, liens)
    • J. Real property law (e.g., deeds, chains of title)
  • 4. Surveying Principles (13–20 of 110 questions)
    • A. Basic surveying (e.g., horizontal surveys, vertical surveys, understanding of historical methods and instruments, route surveying, magnetic declination)
    • B. Geodesy (e.g., spherical trigonometry, geometric, physical, geodetic coordinates, orthometric corrections, convergence, geodetic reductions, gravity modeling, geoid modeling)
    • C. Applied geodesy (e.g., datums and datum conversions, latitude/longitude, coordinate transformations, state plane coordinate system [SPCS], map projections, control networks, reduction of observations, deflection of vertical, satellite coordinate systems)
  • 5. Survey Computations and Computer Applications (17–26 of 110 questions)
    • A. Coordinate geometry
    • B. Traverse closure and adjustments
    • C. Leveling (e.g., differential, trigonometric, reciprocal, precise)
    • D. Least squares adjustments
    • E. Area
    • F. Horizontal curves
    • G. Vertical curves
    • H. Volume (e.g., mass diagrams, earthwork)
    • I. Spreadsheets
    • J. Slopes and grades
  • 6. Business Concepts (11–17 of 110 questions)
    • A. Project planning (e.g., resource management, scheduling, cost estimation, tracking)
    • B. Safety (e.g., signage, basic first aid, safety equipment)
    • C. Liabilities (e.g., negligence, employee behavior, errors and omissions)
    • D. Contracts (e.g., basic elements, scope of work, specifications)
    • E. Supervision (e.g., survey team leadership, personnel management)
    • F. Project documentation and record management
    • G. Ethics
    • H. Communication (e.g., written communication, oral communication, alternate forms of communication, conflict resolution)
  • 7. Applied Mathematics and Statistics (10–15 of 110 questions)
    • A. College mathematics (e.g., trigonometry, analytical geometry and calculus, linear algebra and matrix theory)
    • B. Probability and statistics (e.g., mean, median, mode, hypothesis testing, normal distribution, linear regression)
    • C. Measurement science (e.g., error analysis, error propagation, positional tolerance, positional accuracy, random/systematic/blunder errors, unit conversions)
    • D. Quantitative reasoning (e.g., critical thinking, data analysis and validation, blunder detection, data quality, redundancy)
Examination sources

Practice and Principles examination for licensure of foreign-trained exiled professionals

Provider
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Format
Written practical examination testing current professional practice; academic and preprofessional fundamentals are not tested
Passing score
70% of total possible points
Examination outline
  • Practice and Principles examination
    • Sectionalized Land
    • Metes and Bounds
    • Lot and Block
    • Water Boundary
    • Condominium
    • Right-of-Way
    • Topographic
    • Construction Layout
    • Legal Responsibilities and Records Research
    • Legal Description and Report Preparation
    • Record Plat Computations
Examination sources

Florida Surveyor/Mapper Jurisdictional Examination

Provider
FDACS / Board designee; Everblue provides online or in-person delivery
Format
100-item multiple-choice examination; equally weighted, machine-graded questions
Exam questions
100
Passing score
70% of total possible points
Examination outline
  • Platting; Coastal Mapping; Restoration of Corners
    • Platting — Chapter 177, Part I, F.S.
    • Coastal Mapping — Chapter 177, Part II, F.S.; Chapter 161, F.S.; Chapter 62B-33, F.A.C.
    • Restoration of Corners — Chapter 177, Part III, F.S.
  • Land Surveying and Mapping
    • Land Surveying and Mapping — Chapter 472, F.S.
  • Condominiums
    • Condominiums — Chapter 718, F.S.
  • Adverse Possession
    • Adverse Possession — Chapter 95, F.S.
  • Organization & Purpose; Grounds for Discipline; Continuing Education; Standards of Practice; Seals, Signatures and Certificates of Authorization; Penalties
    • Organization & Purpose — Rules 5J-17.001 to 5J-17.007, F.A.C.
    • Grounds for Discipline — Rules 5J-17.010 to 5J-17.016, F.A.C.
    • Continuing Education — Rules 5J-17.040 to 5J-17.047, F.A.C.
    • Standards of Practice — Rules 5J-17.050 to 5J-17.053, F.A.C.
    • Seals, Signatures and Certificates of Authorization — Rules 5J-17.060 to 5J-17.062, F.A.C.
    • Penalties — Rules 5J-17.080 to 5J-17.085, F.A.C.
  • Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – General Provisions; Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act
    • Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – General Provisions — Chapter 472, F.S.
    • Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act — Section 287.055, F.S.
Examination sources

Principles and Practice of Surveying (PS) Exam

Provider
National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES); administered year-round via computer-based testing at approved Pearson test centers
Format
Computer-based, closed book with an electronic reference (NCEES PS Reference Handbook and the specified standards); U.S. Customary units; questions require a variety of approaches and methodologies, including design, analysis, and application
Exam questions
100 questions
Time limit
7 hours, including a tutorial and an optional scheduled break
Passing score
Results reported as pass or fail; failing examinees receive a diagnostic report by major topic
Exam fee
$375 exam fee payable directly to NCEES
Examination outline
  • 1. Legal Principles (18–27 of 100 questions)
    • A. Principles of Evidence — 1. How to search for data and for physical evidence to evaluate data; 2. How to evaluate data; 3. Parol evidence; 4. Prescriptive rights; 5. Adverse possession; 6. Acquiescence; 7. Controlling elements; 8. Easement rights
    • B. Common Law Boundary Principles — 1. Historical and current common law principles; 2. Riparian and littoral rights; 3. Sovereign rights, including both navigable waters and eminent domain; 4. Sovereign land grants
    • C. Sequential and Simultaneous Conveyance Concepts — 1. Types of conveyances; 2. Junior/senior rights; 3. Record and physical evidence
    • D. Legal Descriptions for Real Property Transactions — 1. Preparation and interpretation of legal descriptions; 2. Controlling elements and how they impact the description; 3. Unwritten rights and how they impact the description; 4. Encumbrances and how they impact the description; 5. Easements and how they impact the description
    • E. Evidence for the Perpetuation of the U.S. PLSS
  • 2. Professional Survey Practices (22–33 of 100 questions)
    • A. Public/Private Record Sources — 1. Resources for private and public records; 2. Local public records indexing and filing system; 3. Local survey office records
    • B. Documentation, Supervision, and Clear Communication of Field Procedures — 1. Field surveying techniques; 2. Field surveying practices; 3. Data collection protocols
    • C. GPS/GNSS including satellite constellations, static GPS, RTK, PPP, and virtual networks
    • D. Surveying Principles and Computations — 1. Technical computations; 2. Applicable software
    • E. Monumentation Standards — 1. Applicable monumentation criteria; 2. Monument types
    • F. Land Development Solutions — 1. Regulatory land development criteria; 2. Construction criteria; 3. Land development implementation procedures
    • G. Survey Maps/Plats/Reports — 1. Technical communications by schematic, platting, and mapping processes and procedures; 2. Communication options
    • H. GIS — 1. GIS spatial databases and metadata; 2. Datums and projections related to GIS
  • 3. Standards and Specifications (8–12 of 100 questions)
    • A. BLM Manual of Surveying Instructions
    • B. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards — 1. Current ALTA/NSPS Land Title Survey Standards; 2. State statutes regarding boundary surveys in conjunction with ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • C. FEMA Requirements — 1. FEMA specifications and instructions; 2. Horizontal and vertical datums related to FEMA flood zones; 3. Current FEMA elevation certificate; 4. FEMA Flood Insurance Study
  • 4. Business Practices (13–19 of 100 questions)
    • A. General Business Practices and Procedures — 1. Project planning and project management; 2. Deliverables; 3. Costs, budgets, and contracts; 4. Types of surveys; 5. Site features and conditions; 6. Scope of services; 7. Appropriate equipment and instruments
    • B. Risk Management Procedures — 1. Safety procedures; 2. QA/QC methods; 3. Risk management in contracts; 4. Insurance needs and requirements; 5. Potential liabilities
    • C. Professional Conduct
    • D. Communication with Clients, Staff, Related Professions, and the Public — 1. Different forms of communications; 2. Appropriate type of communication to convey concepts; 3. Related professions and their impact on client needs and deliverables
  • 5. Areas of Practice (24–36 of 100 questions)
    • A. ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys — 1. Legal documents, such as deeds, easements, and agreements; 2. Zoning information as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys; 3. Title insurance commitment letters and policies; 4. Underground features as applied to ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys
    • B. Control Networks and Geodetic Network Surveys — 1. Datums and reference frames relative to control networks; 2. Differences between local datums and geodetic datums; 3. Equipment appropriate for control surveys; 4. The Federal Geographic Data Committee Geospatial Positioning Accuracy Standards; 5. The National Geospatial Programs (NGP) Standards and Specifications—Digital Data Standards
    • C. Construction Surveys — 1. Construction plan reading; 2. Construction calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 3. Construction techniques and activities; 4. Horizontal and vertical positioning relative to a plan or datum
    • D. Boundary Surveys — 1. Physical boundary evidence; 2. Boundary reconciliations; 3. Historical measurement accuracy, equipment, and techniques; 4. Legal principles related to boundary surveys
    • E. Route Surveys for Alignments and Utilities — 1. Route alignment stationing practices; 2. Reading and interpreting roadway and utility plans
    • F. Topographic — 1. Topographic/planimetric mapping and control standards; 2. Interpretation, reconciliation, and adjustment of topographic survey data; 3. QA/QC procedures as applied to topographic surveys; 4. Ground, hydrographic, and remote sensing equipment; 5. The U.S. National Map Accuracy Standards as applied to topographic surveys; 6. Tools and techniques required to perform hydrographic, bathymetric, and remote sensing surveys; 7. Nomenclature related to utilities
    • G. Surveys to Establish New Parcels, Lots, or Units — 1. Types of subdivisions; 2. Platting; 3. Condominiums and associations; 4. Deed restrictions and restrictive covenants; 5. Zoning and subdivision ordinances
    • H. As-Built/Record Drawing Surveys — 1. As-built/record drawing calculations including slopes, grades, and plan details; 2. As-built/record drawing techniques and activities; 3. Horizontal and vertical as-built/record drawing positions relative to a plan or datum
    • I. Consultation Services — 1. Site topography and slope for development purposes; 2. Site access for development purposes; 3. Zoning standards related to new projects; 4. Floodplains as related to land development
Examination sources