In the world of government contracting, being "small" is actually a big advantage—if you have the paperwork to prove it. Many government agencies in Florida are legally required to award a certain percentage of their budget to small, minority, or veteran-owned businesses. These are called "Set-Asides."
If you are not certified, you are leaving money on the table. This guide explains how to get certified and skip the line.
Why Get Certified?
Certification acts as a VIP pass for government contracts.
Exclusive Bids
Some contracts are marked "Sheltered Market" or "Set-Aside," meaning only certified businesses can bid. Competition is lower, and margins are often higher.
Subcontracting Power
Large Prime Contractors are often contractually obligated to hire certified small businesses as subcontractors. They need you to fulfill their contract.
Price Preference
In some cases, if your bid is slightly higher than a non-certified competitor, you might still win because of "local preference" points.
Types of Certifications in Florida
Florida has a two-tier system: State level and Local level.
1. State Level: Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD)
The State of Florida recognizes three main categories:
WBE
Woman-Owned Business Enterprise
VBE
Veteran Business Enterprise
MBE
Minority Business Enterprise
To qualify, you must be a small business (net worth usually under $5M), located in Florida, and 51% owned and managed by a qualifying individual.
2. Local Level: The "Local Hero" Advantage
This is where it gets tricky—but profitable. A state certification helps with the Department of Transportation, but it might not help with the City of Tampa or Miami-Dade County.
Major counties have their own certification programs:
- Miami-Dade: Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
- Broward County: County Business Enterprise (CBE)
- Orange County: Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE)
Pro Tip
Always get certified in the county where your business is physically located first. This gives you the strongest "Local Preference" status.
How to Apply (Step by Step)
While every agency is different, the documentation packet is usually the same. Prepare these documents in a PDF folder so you are ready for any application:
Proof of Citizenship
Passports or Birth Certificates of the owners.
Proof of Ownership
Stock certificates, operating agreements, or partnership agreements showing 51% ownership.
Financials
Last 2-3 years of tax returns (Business and Personal).
Resumes
Current resumes of all owners and principals.
Lease or Deed
Proof of business location.
Is It Worth the Hassle?
The application process can take 30 to 90 days. However, certifications usually last for 2-3 years.
“A single Set-Aside contract for simple services like painting, landscaping, or IT support can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.”
Considering the ROI on the time spent applying is massive, the answer is: absolutely yes.
Summary
Don't just be a bidder. Be a Certified bidder.
Your Action Plan
Gather your financial and legal documents
Apply for the State OSD certification first (broadest coverage)
Apply for your specific County's SBE or CBE program
Use Snepbid to filter for "Set-Aside" opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get certified if I am a solopreneur?
Yes. You do not need employees to be certified as a Small or Minority Business Enterprise. You just need to be a legal business entity.
Does a State certification work for County bids?
Not always. Many counties accept state certification (reciprocity), but others require you to fill out their specific forms. Check the specific bid documents carefully.
How long does certification take?
State certification usually takes 2-4 weeks. County certifications can take longer, sometimes up to 90 days, depending on their backlog.
Ready to find Set-Aside contracts in Florida?
Start Getting Bids
