DBE Certification

Newly Certified FDOT DBEs


The DBE Certification Program is a Federal Program designed for business owners deemed "socially and economically disadvantaged." To achieve DBE status a business must meet the following criteria:

  1. Must be an existing "for-profit" business that is currently operational;
  2. Must meet the federal definition of a small business concern;
  3. Must be an independent business which does not depend on its relationships with another firm or firms. If it is a subsidiary of a corporation, the business must still operate in a self-sufficient manner;
  4. The qualifying owner(s) must meet the federal definition of "socially and economically disadvantaged" individuals;
  5. The qualifying owner(s) must own a minimum of 51% of the company; and have an investment in their company;
  6. The qualifying owner(s) cannot have a net worth that exceeds $2.047 Million 
  7. The qualifying owner(s) must have day-to-day control of operations and possess an expertise in their work specialty.

Interstate Certification Requirements:
Please email information to DBECert.Help@dot.state.fl.us.

(1) A cover letter that specifies that the DBE is applying for interstate certification, identifies all UCPs in which the DBE is certified (including the UCP that originally certified it) 
(2) An electronic image of the applicants DBE certification from their jurisdiction of original certification
(3) A new Declaration of Eligibility (DOE)
(4) FEIN# for the Business

To apply for certification, you may contact your local certifying entity or:

Equal Opportunity Office
DBE & Small Business Development Programs
605 Suwannee St. MS 65
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(850) 414-4747

If you have any questions regarding Certification:
please contact FDOT Certification at DBECert.Help@dot.state.fl.us.

Note: Once certified you must submit a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) annually along with current business taxes (including affiliates).  Certification can be verified by visiting the DBE Directory as certificates are not issued annually. If you are already certified as a DBE by a Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) member, you need not apply with any other agencies in Florida as the certification is recognized statewide.