​DBE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
866.378.6653​​

How does the DBE certification process work?

FDOT's Equal Opportunity Office (EOO) reviews DBE applications within the first seven days after receiving the application, to determine if the application is complete and that the applicant has attached all requested documentation. 

If the application is not complete, EOO will send a letter to the applicant requesting the additional information that is required to make the file complete.  It is extremely important to provide all the information requested.  A checklist that accompanies the application provides a detailed list of all the information needed.  If you do not have an item on the checklist, state the reasons this information is not available.

Once the application is complete and all the supporting documentation has been received, the application will be thoroughly reviewed and an on-site visit to your office will be scheduled.  Usually the Equal Opportunity Office staff member conducting the on-site visit will have multiple visits in the same geographical area. 

After the on-site review is conducted, the staff member conducting the review will complete a write-up that summarizes the on-site review information along with the other supporting documentation provided with the application. When this analysis is complete, the application file is submitted to the DBE Certification Manager who thoroughly reviews the file and presents it to the EOO Manager who makes the final decision. 
 
​If certified, the DBE Certification Manager will update the DBE Certification Directory and send a certification letter to the applicant.  If denied, the DBE Certification Manager will send a denial letter to the applicant stating the reasons for the denial and explaining how the applicant can appeal the decision.
How do I become certified?

​Companies must complete the DBE Application. Please contact us at (800) 423-7058 to request an application or click here to obtain an application online.


When completing this application it is very important to:​

  • read instructions carefully
  • print in ink or type
  • provide all requested documents
  • answer "N/A" to questions or supporting documents that do not apply to the applicant firm
  • make certain the application is signed and notarized by a notary public who is not an owner, officer or director of the firm

Why should my company become certified as a DBE?

DBE is a unique certification that applies to FDOT only. FDOT is committed to utilizing DBEs in its transportation program and has established a race neutral goal of 10.65% for the utilization of DBEs on all contracts.  Additionally, FDOT encourages all prime contractors and consultants to use FDOT DBEs.

Is my firm eligible for certification?


  • ​Is the owner a member of a socially and economically disadvantaged presumptive group (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian-Pacific and Subcontinent Asian Americans, and women)?
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  • Is your firm a for-profit business at least 51%-owned by a socially and economically disadvantaged individual(s) who also controls the firm?
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  • Is the disadvantaged owner a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the U.S.?
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  • Is your firm a small business that meets the Small Business Administration's (SBA's) size standard and does not exceed $23.98 million in gross annual receipts?
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  • Is your personal net worth (PNW) less than $1.32 million? 

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If you answered "Yes" to all of the questions above, you may be eligible to participate in the FDOT DBE program.​

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Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification


The Florida Department of Transportation's DBE Program, administered by the Equal Opportunity Office, is intended to remedy past and current discrimination against disadvantaged business enterprises, ensure a level playing field and foster equal opportunity and non-discrimination in DOT-assisted contracts, improve the flexibility and efficiency of the DBE program, and reduce burdens on small businesses.
How long does it take?
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The decision to approve or deny an application will take no longer than 90 days after a complete application has been received, including all the supporting documentation and other requested information.