So You Wanna Be a Florida Fancy Pants Land Surveyor, Huh?
Ever dreamt of being the outdoorsy type who gets to yell "Fore!" without whacking a golf ball? Then becoming a licensed surveyor in Florida might be the perfect profession for you! Sure, it's not all sunshine and beaches (although, hey, it is Florida!), but there's a certain satisfaction in wielding fancy equipment and determining exactly where property lines lie. Intrigued? Let's break down the path to becoming a licensed surveyor in the Sunshine State.
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| How To Get A Surveyor License In Florida |
Step 1: Gettin' Book Smart (or at least Book-ish)
First things first, you gotta get yourself some knowledge. The Florida Board of Professional Surveyors and Mappers (don't worry, you can just call them the BPSM from here on out) is pretty strict. They require you to have a four-year bachelor's degree in surveying and mapping from an accredited university. Think of it like a treasure map leading to your licensure booty.
Now, if your degree wasn't exactly in "surveying and mapping" (maybe you were too busy getting a participation trophy in underwater basket weaving?), fear not, matey! You can still take a detour to licensure island. You'll just need to complete an additional 25 semester hours of coursework in approved surveying-related subjects. Think of it as extra credit to prove you're worthy of the fancy title.
Step 2: Experience is the Best Teacher (Except Maybe a Grumpy Old Surveyor)
Alright, knowledge is power, but experience is the real key. The BPSM wants to see that you can actually use that fancy degree in the real world. You'll need to rack up at least four years of experience working under a licensed surveyor. Think of it as an apprenticeship where you learn the ropes (literally, sometimes you might help hold the measuring tape!). Here's the kicker: at least five years of that experience needs to be in "responsible charge". That means you weren't just fetching coffee and dodging disgruntled landowners. You were actually making surveying decisions like a champ.
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Pro tip: Befriend a grumpy old surveyor. They might dispense gruff wisdom while you help them navigate the swamp (metaphorically, or maybe literally, depending on the job).
Step 3: Exam Time! Time to Sweat...Maybe
So you've got the education and the experience. Now it's time to prove it all with the Florida Principles and Practice of Surveying Exam. Don't worry, it's not like those pop quizzes you used to ace by doodling in your notebook. This is a serious test, but with all that studying and practical experience, you should be ready to conquer it.
Remember: There's always a chance you might need to take the exam twice (or maybe even thrice!). Don't sweat it, just buckle down and hit the books (or flashcards, whichever floats your surveying boat).
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Congratulations! You're Officially a Licensed Land Measurer! (Except There's Still Some Paperwork...)
You've jumped through the hoops, you've aced the exam, you can probably identify any random surveying tool blindfolded. Now you can finally strut your stuff as a licensed surveyor! Well, almost. There's still some application paperwork to fill out with the BPSM. It's not the most exciting part, but think of it like the final hurdle before you can claim your official "Land Measurer" badge (not a real thing, but it should be!).
Now you can finally hang your shiny new license on the wall, grab your trusty measuring equipment, and venture out into the world to conquer property lines, one survey at a time!
FAQ: Frequently Asked Surveyor Stuff (Because Let's Face It, You Have Questions)
How to become a surveyor in Florida without a degree in surveying and mapping?
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Take the extra credit route! Complete a four-year degree in another field, then add on the 25 semester hours of approved surveying coursework.
How long does it take to become a licensed surveyor in Florida?
It depends on your experience. If you have a surveying degree, you'll need at least four years of experience (with five years in responsible charge). If you took the extra credit route, add the time it takes to complete those courses.
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How much does it cost to become a surveyor in Florida?
The cost can vary depending on your education path and exam fees. Factor in tuition, textbooks, and exam costs to get a rough estimate.
What jobs can you get with a surveying license in Florida?
Licensed surveyors can work in a variety of settings, including private surveying firms, government agencies, and construction companies.
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