This bill amends section 471.033 of the Florida Statutes to impose escalating fines for individuals who engage in the unlicensed practice of engineering. Specifically, it establishes a new subsection (4) that outlines penalties for repeat offenders, with fines increasing from $10,000 for a second violation to $25,000 for a fifth or subsequent violation. Additionally, the bill creates a new section, 471.056, which establishes the Engineering Student Loan Assistance Program, managed by the Florida Engineers Management Corporation. This program aims to address critical engineering shortages in the state by providing financial assistance for loan repayments to qualified engineering graduates employed by state agencies or water management districts.

To qualify for the loan assistance program, candidates must have graduated from an accredited engineering program, obtained a Florida professional engineer license or intern status, and be currently employed by a state agency or water management district. The program will fund loan principal repayments of up to $4,000 per year for a maximum of four years, contingent upon continued employment in the designated sectors. The funding for this program will come from the Professional Regulation Trust Fund, and the Board of Professional Engineers is tasked with adopting necessary rules for its administration. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.