1. (1) Engineering plans, specifications, reports or other documents which must be signed, dated and sealed in accordance with the provisions of Section 471.025, F.S., and Rule 61G15-23.001, F.A.C., may be signed digitally as provided herein by the professional engineer in responsible charge. As used herein, the terms “certification authority,” and “digital signature” shall have the meanings ascribed to them in Sections 668.003(2) and (3), F.S.

2. (2) A professional engineer utilizing a digital signature to electronically sign and seal engineering plans, specifications, reports or other documents shall have their identity authenticated by a certification authority and shall assure that the digital signature is:

   1. (a) Unique to the person using it;
   2. (b) Capable of verification;
   3. (c) Under the sole control of the person using it; and,
   4. (d) Linked to a document in such a manner that the digital signature and correspondingly the document is invalidated if any data in the document is changed.

3. (3) The affixing of a digital signature to engineering plans, specifications, reports or other documents as provided herein shall constitute the signing and sealing of such items.

   1. (a) A digitally created seal as set forth in Rule 61G15-23.002, F.A.C., may be placed where it would appear if the item were being physically signed, dated and sealed.
   2. (b) The date that the digital signature was placed into the document must appear on the document in accordance with subsection 61G15-23.001(4), F.A.C., and where it would appear if the item were being physically signed, dated and sealed.

   3. (c) The engineering plans, specifications, reports or other documents being digitally signed and sealed shall include text to indicate the following and place it where an original signature would appear if the item were being physically signed, dated and sealed:

      1. The same information required by subsection 61G15-23.002(2), F.A.C., if a digitally created image of the seal is not use; and

      2. The item has been digitally signed and sealed.

   4. (d) Formatting of seals and text similar to that depicted below shall be used. While the formatting may be altered, the text must remain identical.

      1. When a digitally created seal is used:

      
      

      2. When a digitally created seal is not used:

   5. (e) When engineering plans, specifications, reports or other documents contain multiple sheets or pages, the licensee may apply a single digital signature per electronically transmitted item as set out in Rule 61G15-23.001, F.A.C. A digital signature applied to an item in electronic form shall have the same force and effect as signing all of the individual sheets or pages contained within that item unless otherwise limited as specified in subsection 61G15-30.003(3), F.A.C.

   6. (f) In the case where multiple licensees sign and seal a single item, each licensee shall apply their digital signature and include qualifying language with those items required in paragraph (e) of this rule, thoroughly describing what portions the licensee is taking responsibility for.

      This item has been digitally signed and sealed by [NAME] on the date adjacent to the seal.

      Signature must be verified on any electronic copies.

      [NAME], State of Florida, Professional Engineer, License No. [NUMBER]

      This item has been digitally signed and sealed by [NAME] on the date indicated here.

      Signature must be verified on any electronic copies.

Rulemaking Authority 471.025(1), 471.033(2), 471.008 FS. Law Implemented 471.025, 471.033(1)(j), 668.003, 668.006 FS. History–New 11-3-15, Amended 9-7-17, 6-19-18, 11-2-20, 11-12-24, 4-21-25.