CORPUS CHRISTI (February 18, 2013)--Hundreds of engineers have dropped out of a windstorm certification program in the wake of legislative changes in requirements to become certified by the Texas Department of Insurance.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times reported Sunday that more than 900 engineers took part last year, which dropped to about 200 as of Feb. 15.

The new law says engineers must take an online course to renew or gain windstorm certification, but engineers say that's unnecessary because they are already licensed professionals.

Engineers also complained about lengthy and costly audits by state regulators.

Department spokesman Jerry Haggins says the process helps make sure engineers are complying.

Regulators have found instances where engineers certified non-compliant work.

Structures need to be windstorm certified in order to be insured by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and to get financing.