LGBTBE Certification in Florida
Complete guide to getting LGBT Business Enterprise certified in Florida, requirements, documents, costs, and step-by-step application process.
How LGBTBE certification works in Florida
Florida's state certification program does not cover LGBT-owned businesses. The statute behind the Office of Supplier Diversity, Florida Statutes 288.703, defines a minority person as African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American, or an American woman; veteran certification runs separately under 295.187. Sexual orientation and gender identity appear nowhere in either.
So in Florida the LGBTBE is a corporate credential, and the state happens to be unusually well covered for getting it cheaply. NGLCC waives its $899 certification fee with proof of affiliate chamber membership, and five NGLCC affiliates operate across Florida: Orlando, Tampa Bay, Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville. Wherever your firm sits, there is a chamber whose dues cost less than the fee they waive.
The buyers are the point. NGLCC counts 438 corporate partners that recognize the LGBTBE, and Florida's corporate landscape of hospitality, cruise lines, healthcare systems, and national retail leans heavily on supplier diversity programs run from procurement offices in Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.
What is LGBTBE Certification?
For businesses that are at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be at least 51% owned by LGBT individuals who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
Where to Get LGBTBE Certified in Florida
NGLCC
The certification Florida LGBT-owned firms use, since no state category exists. 51% LGBTQ ownership and control, document review, site visit, and committee approval.
Official site →The Pride Chamber
Central Florida's LGBTQ chamber, an official NGLCC affiliate. Membership qualifies for the certification fee waiver.
Official site →Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber
Covers seven counties: Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, Sarasota, Polk, and Hernando.
Official site →Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ & Allied Chamber of Commerce
Miami-Dade's chamber (MDGLCC), serving the South Florida corporate market.
Official site →Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Broward County's chamber, based in Wilton Manors, covering the Greater Fort Lauderdale market.
Official site →Jacksonville LGBT Chamber of Commerce
North Florida's affiliate chamber, covering the Jacksonville metro.
Official site →Coverage areas and contacts for every certifier we track are in the certifying body directory.
Where the credential counts in Florida
Not with the state. Florida's Office of Supplier Diversity certifies minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses under definitions fixed in statute, and LGBT ownership is not among them. No Florida bill changing that has passed as of July 2026.
With corporate buyers, the LGBTBE works in Florida the way it works nationally: it is the audited credential supplier diversity programs verify before counting spend with LGBT-owned firms. Florida's five affiliate chambers also run matchmaking and corporate-partner events, which is where a new certification turns into first conversations.
Required Documents for LGBTBE
| Document | Status | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Business Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | Request copies from your accountant or download from IRS.gov using Form 4506-T. |
| Government-Issued Photo ID | Required | If expired, visit your local DMV or apply for passport renewal at usps.com or travel.state.gov. |
| Organizational Chart | Required | Create using tools like Lucidchart, Microsoft Visio, or PowerPoint. |
| Affidavit of Ownership | Required | Each certifying body provides their own form. Download from their website or request. |
| Operating Agreement or Bylaws | Required | Draft with an attorney or use a legal template service. Must reflect current ownership accurately. |
| Personal Tax Returns (3 Years) | Required | From your tax preparer or IRS.gov. All owners with 10%+ ownership typically need to provide. |
| Bank Statements (6-12 Months) | Required | Download from your online banking portal or request from your bank. |
| Existing Certification Copies | Recommended | From your certification files or download from the certifying body's portal. |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Recommended | Request from your state's Secretary of State office. Most states offer instant online certificates. |
How to Apply for LGBTBE in Florida
- **Step 1: Create NGLCC Account**
- Register at nglcc.org and create your business profile.
- **Step 2: Complete Application**
- Fill out the online certification application with business details.
- **Step 3: Upload Documents**
- Submit all required documentation through the portal.
- **Step 4: Pay Certification Fee**
- Fees typically range from $400-$750 based on company revenue.
- **Step 5: Application Review**
- NGLCC staff reviews your application for completeness.
- **Step 6: Verification**
- May include phone interview or virtual site visit.
- **Step 7: Certification Decision**
- Decisions typically made within 30-60 days.
Corporate Programs Accepting LGBTBE
These companies have supplier diversity programs that accept LGBTBE certification:
Amazon
Amazon Supplier Diversity helps us build a more inclusive supply chain by partnering with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with …
View program details →Apple Inc.
Apple is committed to increasing opportunity for diverse suppliers. We partner with businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.
View program details →AT&T Inc.
AT&T has been a pioneer in supplier diversity since 1968. We are committed to ensuring diverse businesses have access to opportunities.
View program details →Boeing
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and a leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners, defense systems, and space technology. Their Supplier Diversity program has been …
View program details →General Motors
GM has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 50 years. We are committed to increasing opportunities for diverse businesses in the automotive supply …
View program details →Google (Alphabet Inc.)
Google is committed to building a diverse supply chain that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek partnerships with certified diverse businesses.
View program details →Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson has been a leader in supplier diversity for over 25 years. We believe diverse suppliers drive innovation in healthcare.
View program details →JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase is committed to building a diverse supply chain. We actively seek partnerships with minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses.
View program details →Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is the world's largest defense contractor with over $65 billion in annual revenue, primarily from U.S. government contracts. Their Supplier Diversity program actively …
View program details →McKesson
McKesson is a Fortune 8 healthcare company providing pharmaceuticals and medical supplies distribution, healthcare IT, and care management. They serve government healthcare programs including VA …
View program details →Microsoft Corporation
Microsoft believes diversity drives innovation. Our supplier diversity program ensures certified diverse businesses have equitable access to procurement opportunities.
View program details →Target Corporation
Target is committed to creating inclusive economic opportunities. We actively source from diverse suppliers to reflect the communities we serve.
View program details →Walmart Inc.
Walmart is the largest buyer from diverse suppliers in America. Our Supplier Inclusion program creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes.
View program details →3M
3M partners with diverse suppliers in manufacturing, technology, and services to drive innovation and create economic opportunities.
View program details →AbbVie
AbbVie partners with certified diverse suppliers in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research services, and corporate functions to build a more inclusive supply chain.
View program details →Need help getting LGBTBE certified?
CertifyAll handles your application end-to-end. Documents, forms, agency submission. Flat $399.
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Take the certification quizAll Florida Certification Programs
Florida DOT DBE Program , DBE (Transportation)
Florida Office of Supplier Diversity , MBE/WBE Certification
Florida Service-Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Program , Veteran-Owned
Florida Small Business Development Center Network , Small Business
LGBTBE in Florida: common questions
Does Florida recognize LGBT-owned businesses in state contracting?
No. Florida Statutes 288.703 defines the minority categories for the Office of Supplier Diversity and does not include sexual orientation or gender identity; veteran certification is separate under 295.187. LGBTBE certification in Florida is aimed at corporate buyers.
What does LGBTBE certification cost in Florida?
NGLCC charges $899, waived with proof of membership in a local affiliate chamber. Florida has five: The Pride Chamber in Orlando, the Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber, the Miami-Dade LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber, the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber, and the Jacksonville LGBT Chamber.
Which Florida chamber covers my area?
Orlando and Central Florida: The Pride Chamber. Tampa Bay's seven counties: Tampa Bay LGBT Chamber. Miami-Dade: MDGLCC. Broward and Fort Lauderdale: the Greater Fort Lauderdale chamber in Wilton Manors. Northeast Florida: the Jacksonville LGBT Chamber.
Is the LGBTBE worth it without state recognition?
If you sell to large companies, yes. The credential is recognized by 438 corporate partners nationally, and Florida's hospitality, healthcare, and retail procurement offices participate in those programs. If you sell only to Florida state agencies, the LGBTBE will not open that door.
Sources
Every fee, portal link, and program fact above was checked against these official sources in July 2026. Requirements change; the certifying body's own site is always the final word.