DBE Certifications in Florida

Florida offers several certifications to businesses that are at least 51% owned by individuals who are considered ‘disadvantaged’ members of the population. Minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities all qualify as ‘disadvantaged’ and may be eligible for a Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) certification in the state. In addition to DBE programs, Florida offers several regional and local programs and certifications for specific business owners, such as women, minorities, veterans, and others. With these statewide, local, and regional programs, diverse businesses can gain greater access to government and public contracts and subcontracts, vastly improving their opportunities and potential.

Statewide Certification Programs

Florida Unified Certification Program

The Florida Unified Certification Program (Florida UCP) offers “one-stop shopping” for all businesses seeking DBE certification in Florida. Once you have your Florida UCP certification, it is valid for every participating agency throughout the state. Once certified through this program, your business will be added to a state DBE-certified directory. To apply, complete this application and submit it to one of the following agencies:

Florida Department of Transportation DBE Programs

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) offers a DBE certification program for independent, for-profit businesses that meet federal small business requirements. The owners of these businesses must be economically and socially disadvantaged, own and control at least 51% of the company, possess expertise in their work industry, and meet net worth requirements. Businesses certified through the FDOT have increased access to state road, highway, and bridge projects. To apply, complete this application and Personal Net Worth Statement.

Florida Department of Management Services

The Florida Department of Management Services’ Office of Supplier Diversity is committed to increasing the number of certified businesses within the state of Florida. Businesses that are owned by minorities, women, or veterans can gain their certifications through this program. Florida-based businesses that are for-profit, owned by a qualifying individual, registered in MyFloridaMarketplace, and meet size and net worth requirements may be eligible. To apply, click on the links below.

Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council

The Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) offers an MBE certification to businesses owned by U.S. citizens who are Black, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic. This program offers support and education to all certified members, working to improve business opportunities throughout the state. To apply, click on the link below.

Women’s Business Development Council of Florida WBE Programs

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) offers business certifications to woman-owned businesses throughout Florida. This organization gives support and resources to the women who own these businesses to help improve their business opportunities. To apply, click on the link below.

Local and Regional Programs

City of Orlando DBE Programs

The City of Orlando offers MBE and WBE certifications to qualifying businesses to improve and expand business opportunities for participating companies. Upon receiving this certification, businesses are added to Orlando’s M/WBE database and have access to assistance through services and programs. To apply, click on the links below.

Greater Orlando Aviation Authority DBE Programs

The DBE programs offered by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority include certifications for minority, woman, and service-disabled veteran owned businesses, as well as local developing businesses and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE). This program works to offer increased access to federally-funded transportation projects and improve the local economy. To apply, click on the links below.

Orange County Government, Florida DBE Programs

The Orange County Government, Florida offers certifications to woman, minority, and service-disabled veteran owned businesses that are registered in the county. This organization works to encourage economic growth and contracting opportunities to disadvantaged businesses. To qualify, businesses must have a primary location in the Orlando Metropolitan Statistical Area, including Lake, Seminole, Osceola, and Orange counties. To apply, click on the links below.

Jacksonville Transportation Authority DBE Programs

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) strives to remove barriers, level the playing field, and ensure non-discrimination for diverse businesses in the city of Jacksonville. Businesses that are owned by women, minorities, or socially and economically disadvantaged individuals can get a certification through this program. To apply, click on the link below.

School Board of Broward County DBE Programs

The School Board of Broward County (SBBC) certifies small, woman, and minority owned businesses through its Supplier Diversity Outreach Program. This organization supports, educates, and assists diverse businesses in their development and expansion. Businesses located in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties may be eligible for these certifications. To apply, click on the links below.

The School District of Palm Beach County DBE Programs

The School District of Palm Beach County’s Office of Diversity in Business Practices works to promote diversity and equality within the region. Businesses that gain MBE and WBE certifications through this organization have increased opportunities to win city contracts and business. To apply, click on the links below.

West Palm Beach SBE Programs

The City of West Palm Beach certifies small businesses to encourage economic growth within the region. Businesses must be located and doing business in West Palm Beach and meet adjusted gross margin earning requirements. To apply, click on the link below.

South Florida Water Management District SBE Programs

The South Florida Water Management District offers a SBE program for businesses in the region. This program helps small businesses receive greater access to initiatives and projects that are important to the area. To apply, click on the link below.

City of Pensacola DBE Programs

The City of Pensacola offers MBE and WBE certifications to assist businesses in winning construction and procurement contracts with the city. Businesses located in Pensacola’s regional area, including Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton Counties, and Mobile, Alabama, may be eligible for this program. To apply, click on the links below.

City of Tampa DBE Programs

The City of Tampa created the Women/Minority Business Enterprise Program to help disadvantaged businesses have equal opportunities to win professional, non-professional, and construction contracts. With these certifications, woman and minority owned companies have a better chance to offer goods and services to the region’s economy. To apply, click on the links below.

Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality

The Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality offers certifications for small, minority, and woman owned businesses in the region. Through the Minority, Women, & Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Division, diverse businesses can better their business and networking opportunities. To apply, click on the links below.

Hillsborough County DBE Programs

Hillsborough County certifies small, minority, and woman owned businesses to help them flourish and expand. This program offers resources, training options, and access to business opportunities in the area. Certified businesses can also join the local diverse business directory. To apply, click on the links below.