Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
The Florida Department of Transportation’s DBE Program is managed by the Equal Opportunity Office. The program was initiated with a commitment to increasing the participation of minority/women-owned business enterprises in state and local federally funded projects.
DBE Certification Requirements
- Owner(s) must be a member of a socially and/or economically disadvantaged ethnic group (Black Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women).
- Company must be a for-profit business of at least 51%-owned by a socially and/or economically disadvantaged individual(s) who manages and operates the day-to-day business.
- The majority owner(s) must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States
- Business meets the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) size standards and does not exceed $23.98 million in gross annual revenue.
- The personal net of the business can no exceed $1.32 million.
Businesses interested in becoming DBE certified must submit a complete DBE application to the FDOT or applicable certifying UCP Member. The application must be signed and notarized.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take
to get certified?
The decision to approve or deny an application will take no longer than 90 days after a complete application has been submitted.
what is the cost to become DBE certified?
The Florida Department of Transportation does not charge a fee to become DBE certified.
How can I verify if a business is a certified DBE?
The Department maintains a DBE Directory identifying all firms eligible to participate as DBEs.Â
