Florida business certifications

Who qualifies

Florida-domiciled small businesses at least 51% owned and controlled by qualifying minority persons; the statutory definition includes women. [Florida Statutes 288.703]

• Qualifying owners must control day-to-day operations and financial risk and have the expertise or licenses needed for the work. [Florida Statutes 287.0943]
• The business must perform a commercially useful function and meet licensing requirements. Special rules apply to certain ownership transfers. [Florida Statutes 287.0943]

What it unlocks

• Inclusion in the state’s certified-business records used by agencies for minority-business procurement goals. [Florida Statutes 287.0943]

How to apply

1. Check the statutory criteria and confirm the current application route with the Office of Supplier Diversity. [Florida Statutes 287.0943] Read the application instructions.
2. Prepare ownership, control and licensing evidence for the state’s certification review. [Florida Statutes 287.0943] Read the application instructions.

Who qualifies

For-profit small businesses at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who control daily operations. [USDOT DBE eligibility]

• Meet applicable small-business limits and demonstrate genuine ownership and control. [USDOT DBE eligibility]
• Qualifying owners must provide a personal narrative with individualized evidence of disadvantage, economic harm and a current personal-net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67]
• Provide ownership, financial, licensing and business records and cooperate with the certifier’s interview and site review. [49 CFR 26.83]

What it unlocks

• Certification establishes eligibility to participate as a DBE in covered transportation procurement. Check the UCP’s current reevaluation status before relying on contract goals. [49 CFR 26.83] [USDOT UCP directory]

How to apply

1. Start with the state’s lead UCP and confirm the appropriate certifier and current intake instructions. [USDOT UCP directory] Visit the state certifier.
2. Prepare the uniform application, supporting records, personal narrative and net-worth statement. [49 CFR 26.67] Check the application requirements.
3. Submit through the certifier’s instructed channel and respond to requests for records or an interview. [49 CFR 26.83] Follow the certifier’s submission instructions.