Florida Small Business
Certifications
Florida administers SBE, CMBE, and CWBE programs through the Department of Management Services, covering all state agency procurement. FDOT administers the DBE program for one of the country's largest DOT-funded transportation budgets, including $15B+ in active infrastructure projects. Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and the Port of Miami each run additional local programs, and Florida's major airports (MIA, MCO, TPA) have active ACDBE programs.
Florida's Small Business Certification Programs
Florida's state certification landscape is anchored by the DMS programs (SBE, CMBE, CWBE) for general state procurement and FDOT's DBE program for transportation contracts. What makes Florida unique is the concentration of contracting activity in South Florida, Miami-Dade and Broward counties each have substantial certification programs of their own, and the region's major seaports and airports generate significant set-aside contract volume independently.
Florida DMS Programs: SBE, CMBE, CWBE
The Florida Department of Management Services administers three related programs for state procurement:
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE), size-based certification open to any business meeting Florida's small business definition. Provides bid preferences on state agency solicitations.
- Certified Minority Business Enterprise (CMBE), for businesses 51%+ owned by African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, or Native Americans who are Florida residents. Provides CMBE-specific contract preferences and set-asides.
- Certified Woman Business Enterprise (CWBE), for businesses 51%+ owned by women who are Florida residents. Similar set-aside and preference structure to CMBE.
All three DMS certifications are applied for through the state's online system and are valid for one year. They are recognized by all Florida state agencies, including the Departments of Transportation, Health, Education, and Children and Families.
FDOT DBE Program (Transportation Contracts)
Florida DOT administers the DBE certification for all federally-funded transportation contracts in Florida, one of the most active DOT-funded states in the country. FDOT DBE certification covers:
- Interstate highway construction and reconstruction projects
- Florida Turnpike work
- Transit agency contracts (Miami-Dade Transit, HART, LYNX, Tri-Rail)
- Airport projects receiving FAA funding (MIA, MCO, TPA, FLL)
- Seaport projects receiving federal funding (Port of Miami, Port Everglades)
Miami-Dade County and Broward County each operate independent MWBE programs separate from the state DMS programs. If you're primarily pursuing Miami-Dade or Broward contracts, apply for county-level certification as well, the application and recognition are separate from the state programs.
Airport Concession Programs in Florida
Florida's major airports have active ACDBE programs with significant contract volumes:
- Miami International Airport (MIA), one of the largest airport concession markets in the US; robust ACDBE program administered by Miami-Dade Aviation Department
- Orlando International Airport (MCO), administered by Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA), administered by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL), administered by Broward County Aviation Department
FDOT DBE certification is typically recognized for ACDBE programs at these airports, though each may have additional local requirements.
GovLadder checks SBE, CMBE, CWBE, FDOT DBE, MBE, WBE, and 80+ more programs, then guides you through every application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Florida Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification is administered by the Florida Department of Management Services (DMS). Certified SBEs receive bid preferences and set-aside access on state contracts. Florida also has CMBE (minority) and CWBE (women) programs, both administered by DMS. Florida spends over $10 billion annually on state contracts.
FDOT administers the DBE program for all federally-funded transportation projects in Florida, including highway construction, transit, seaport, and airport projects. FDOT DBE certification is recognized statewide by all DOT-funded agencies. Florida has one of the largest DOT-funded infrastructure programs in the country.
In Florida, MBE certification is available through the state CMBE program (DMS), local certifications through Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and national NMSDC certification through the Florida Regional Minority Supplier Development Council (FRMSDC). Each program has separate applications and recognizes different procurement opportunities.
Florida DOT contracts using federal funds require FDOT DBE certification. For transit work, agencies like Miami-Dade Transit and LYNX have DBE requirements aligned with FDOT certification. Businesses pursuing Florida transportation work should apply for FDOT DBE certification through FDOT's Civil Rights Office first.
Florida does not have a DVBE program identical to California's. However, Florida has veteran-owned business preferences in state procurement, and veteran-owned businesses can qualify for the federal SDVOSB program through the SBA. Veteran status is also recognized as part of some agency-specific SBE preference programs.