FDOT Procurement: How to Find & Win Florida DOT Construction Bids [2026]

FDOT Procurement: How to Find & Win Florida DOT Construction Bids [2026]

The Florida Department of Transportation operates one of the largest state transportation construction programs in the United States, awarding over $12 billion in construction contracts annually. For contractors targeting public infrastructure work, FDOT represents a massive and consistent pipeline of highway, bridge, drainage, and signalization projects spread across 67 counties and 7 district offices.

Winning FDOT work requires more than competitive pricing. The procurement process involves specific registration requirements, prequalification certifications, electronic bidding protocols, and compliance obligations that trip up contractors who approach Florida DOT bidding without preparation. Contractors who understand the system and build relationships within FDOT districts consistently outperform those who treat each bid as an isolated transaction.

This guide covers the complete FDOT procurement process from initial vendor registration through contract award, including the prequalification requirements, bid categories, letting schedules, DBE obligations, and tactical strategies that separate winning bidders from the pack.

In This Guide:

• FDOT Procurement Overview
• Vendor Registration Process
• Prequalification Requirements
• FDOT Bid Categories
• Finding FDOT Bid Opportunities
• Letting Schedule and Bidding Timeline
• Electronic Bidding on Bid Express
• DBE Requirements
• Bonding and Insurance Requirements
• FDOT vs Other State DOTs
• Winning Strategies for FDOT Contracts
• FAQ

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FDOT Procurement Overview

FDOT manages Florida's state highway system, which includes over 12,000 centerline miles of roadway, 6,800 bridges, and thousands of signalized intersections. The department's Work Program allocates funding across seven districts, each operating as a semi-autonomous procurement office with its own project pipeline and district letting authority for smaller projects.

FDOT procurement follows Florida Statute Chapter 337, which governs transportation facility construction contracts. The statute mandates competitive sealed bidding for all construction contracts exceeding $250,000, with awards going to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Projects under $250,000 may use alternative procurement methods including quotation-based bidding and qualification-based selection for design-build projects.

The procurement structure breaks down into three tiers:

• Central Office Lettings: Projects exceeding $2 million, managed by the Contracts Administration Office in Tallahassee, with monthly lettings
• District Lettings: Projects between $250,000 and $2 million, managed by individual district offices on their own schedules
• Local Agency Program (LAP): Federally funded projects administered by cities and counties under FDOT oversight

Each tier follows the same fundamental process -- advertisement, bid submission, evaluation, and award -- but the timelines, submission requirements, and points of contact differ significantly.

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FDOT Vendor Registration Process

Before bidding any FDOT project, contractors must complete registration on two platforms: MyFloridaMarketPlace and the FDOT vendor system. Both registrations are mandatory and serve different functions in the procurement process.

Registration Tips

Commodity Code Selection: FDOT uses NIGP commodity codes to categorize construction work. Select every code relevant to your capabilities -- missing a code means you will not receive notifications for that work type. Key construction codes fall in the 912-920 and 968-975 ranges.

Insurance Requirements: Have your insurance certificates ready before starting registration. FDOT requires current certificates of insurance showing commercial general liability, automobile liability, workers compensation, and umbrella coverage. Policy limits vary by project size but minimums are $1 million per occurrence for CGL and auto liability.

Processing Time: Start the registration process at least 60 days before you plan to bid your first FDOT project. Between MFMP registration, FDOT vendor setup, Bid Express Digital ID issuance, and prequalification (if required), the full onboarding process takes 6-8 weeks.

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FDOT Prequalification Requirements

FDOT requires prequalification for all contractors bidding on projects with an estimated cost exceeding $250,000. This is a firm threshold -- no exceptions, no waivers. The prequalification process evaluates your firm's financial capacity, technical experience, equipment inventory, and personnel qualifications to establish a maximum capacity rating.

Financial Requirements

The foundation of FDOT prequalification is the financial review:

• Audited Financial Statements: CPA-audited financial statements covering the most recent fiscal year, prepared in accordance with GAAP. Compiled or reviewed statements are not accepted.
• Net Working Capital: FDOT calculates your maximum capacity rating primarily from net working capital (current assets minus current liabilities). Your rating limits the total value of uncompleted FDOT contracts you can hold simultaneously.
• Bonding Letter: A letter from your surety company confirming bonding capacity, including single project and aggregate limits.
• Banking Reference: A reference letter from your primary banking institution confirming your credit relationship and financial standing.

Experience Documentation

FDOT evaluates your firm's relevant construction experience across specific work categories:

• Project History: Detailed descriptions of completed projects within the past 5 years, including contract values, completion dates, owner contact information, and project descriptions
• Work Categories: FDOT classifies work into categories including Grading, Drainage, Flexible Paving, Rigid Paving, Bridge, Minor Bridge, and specialty categories. You must demonstrate experience in each category you seek prequalification for.
• Key Personnel: Resumes for project managers, superintendents, and safety directors who will manage FDOT projects. FDOT evaluates their experience on similar DOT projects.

Maximum Capacity Rating Calculation

FDOT assigns a maximum capacity rating that limits your total uncompleted FDOT contract value. The formula considers:

| Factor | Weight | |--------|--------| | Net Working Capital | Primary factor | | Equipment Value | Secondary factor | | Project Experience | Qualitative evaluation | | Safety Record (EMR) | Must be below 1.0 | | Banking/Surety Support | Supporting documentation |

Your capacity rating determines the maximum value of FDOT work you can hold. If your rating is $10 million and you have $7 million in uncompleted FDOT contracts, you can only bid projects up to $3 million until existing work progresses.

For a detailed walkthrough of prequalification documentation, see our Construction Prequalification Questionnaire Guide.

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FDOT Bid Categories and Project Types

FDOT construction work spans a wide range of project types, each with distinct requirements, prequalification categories, and competitive dynamics. Understanding these categories helps contractors target opportunities where they have the strongest competitive advantage.

Highway and Roadway Construction

The largest category by dollar volume, highway construction includes:

• New Roadway Construction: Greenfield highway projects including grading, drainage, paving, and ancillary work
• Roadway Widening: Adding lanes to existing corridors, often requiring maintenance of traffic (MOT) during construction
• Resurfacing: Mill-and-overlay projects ranging from $500,000 to $50+ million depending on corridor length
• Intersection Improvements: Roundabouts, turn lane additions, and intersection reconstructions

Bridge Construction and Repair

Florida maintains over 6,800 bridges, creating a continuous pipeline of bridge work:

• New Bridge Construction: Major structures often exceeding $50 million for river crossings and interchange flyovers
• Bridge Rehabilitation: Deck overlays, bearing replacements, substructure repairs, and seismic retrofits
• Bridge Replacement: Demolition of existing structures and construction of new bridges, typically $5-25 million
• Movable Bridge Maintenance: Specialized work on Florida's 130+ movable bridges (drawbridges, bascule bridges)

Drainage and Stormwater

Florida's flat terrain and high water table create significant drainage work:

• Storm Drainage Systems: Pipe installation, inlet construction, retention/detention ponds
• Flood Mitigation: Projects addressing chronic flooding on state roads
• Water Quality: Stormwater treatment facilities required by environmental permits

Signalization and ITS

Traffic management and intelligent transportation systems represent a growing FDOT investment:

• Traffic Signal Installation: New signal installations and upgrades to LED technology
• ITS Infrastructure: Dynamic message signs, cameras, detection systems, and fiber optic networks
• Adaptive Signal Systems: Advanced signal timing systems for congested corridors
• Connected Vehicle Infrastructure: Emerging V2X technology deployments

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How to Find FDOT Bid Opportunities

FDOT advertises projects through multiple channels. Contractors who monitor all channels consistently capture more opportunities than those relying on a single source.

Primary Sources

FDOT Contracts Administration Website (fdot.gov/contracts): The official source for all FDOT lettings. The site publishes the advertisement schedule, project details, plan sets, specifications, and addenda. Check this site weekly at minimum.

Bid Express (bidx.com): The electronic bidding platform hosts all FDOT letting documents and accepts electronic bids. Set up project alerts filtered by district, work type, and estimated cost range.

FDOT District Offices: Each district maintains its own project listing page with district-level lettings not always featured prominently on the central office site. Bookmark all 7 district pages plus the Turnpike Enterprise.

Supplementary Sources

DemandStar: Some Florida local agencies using FDOT LAP funding advertise on DemandStar alongside the FDOT website.

Florida Administrative Register: Legal advertisements for FDOT projects appear in the FAR, though this is primarily a legal formality rather than a practical discovery tool.

ConstructionBids.ai: Aggregates all FDOT postings from central office, district, and LAP sources into a single searchable dashboard with AI-powered matching and deadline alerts.

Pro Tips for FDOT Bid Discovery

1. Monitor the 5-Year Work Program: FDOT publishes its 5-Year Work Program online, showing every planned project and its anticipated letting date. Use this to plan your bidding strategy 12-24 months ahead.
2. Attend Pre-Bid Conferences: FDOT holds mandatory or optional pre-bid meetings for most projects over $5 million. Attendance signals seriousness and provides critical project intelligence.
3. Build District Relationships: FDOT district construction engineers and project managers are accessible. Introduce your firm before bidding season, not during it.
4. Track Addenda Aggressively: FDOT issues addenda frequently, sometimes within 48 hours of the letting. Missing an addendum makes your bid non-responsive. Set Bid Express alerts for every project you are tracking.

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FDOT Letting Schedule and Bidding Timeline

FDOT operates on a predictable monthly letting cycle for central office projects, with districts managing their own supplementary schedules. Understanding this rhythm is essential for bid preparation planning.

Central Office Lettings

| Month | Typical Letting Date | Advertisement Period | |-------|---------------------|---------------------| | January | 3rd or 4th Wednesday | 21-28 days before letting | | February | 3rd or 4th Wednesday | 21-28 days before letting | | March | 3rd or 4th Wednesday | 21-28 days before letting | | April-December | Same pattern continues | Same advertisement period |

Central office lettings typically include 100-150 projects per month during peak season (January through June) and 60-80 projects during the slower months (July through December). The annual letting schedule is published on fdot.gov/contracts by November of the preceding year.

Bidding Timeline

Critical Deadline Rules

FDOT enforces its deadlines with zero flexibility. Key rules every bidder must internalize:

• Electronic submission closes 30 minutes before the scheduled letting time -- not at the letting time
• Addenda acknowledgment is mandatory -- failure to acknowledge all addenda makes your bid non-responsive
• Bid bonds must be submitted through Bid Express for electronic lettings
• No bid modifications are permitted after the submission deadline

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Electronic Bidding Through Bid Express

FDOT transitioned fully to electronic bidding through Bid Express (bidx.com) in 2018. All central office and most district lettings now require electronic submission. Understanding the Bid Express workflow eliminates technical errors that disqualify bids.

Setting Up Bid Express

After creating your account and obtaining your Digital ID certificate, configure the following:

• Company Profile: Match your legal business name exactly as it appears on your FDOT prequalification certificate
• Default Contact Information: Ensure your email and phone are current -- FDOT uses these for official communications
• Notification Settings: Enable alerts for new FDOT projects, addenda, and letting date changes
• Digital ID Installation: Install the certificate in your browser following Bid Express instructions. Test the certificate by signing a test document before your first live bid

Submitting a Bid

The electronic bid submission process requires entering unit prices for each bid item in the project's bid schedule. Bid Express calculates extensions and totals automatically. Key requirements:

• All bid items must have a price -- leaving any item blank disqualifies the bid
• Unit prices must be in whole cents -- FDOT does not accept fractional cent pricing
• The bid bond amount must match or exceed 5% of the total bid
• Submit early -- technical issues on letting day are your problem, not FDOT's

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DBE Requirements for FDOT Projects

FDOT's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program applies to all federally funded construction projects. The current overall DBE goal is 10.65% of federal-aid highway construction funds, though individual project goals vary based on subcontracting opportunities and the availability of certified DBE firms in the project area.

Understanding Project-Specific DBE Goals

Each FDOT project with DBE requirements lists a specific DBE participation goal in the bid documents. This goal represents the percentage of the total contract value that FDOT expects to be performed by certified DBE firms. Goals range from 0% (no goal) to 15%+ depending on the project scope.

Good Faith Efforts Documentation

If you cannot meet the stated DBE goal, FDOT requires documentation of good faith efforts (GFE). Acceptable GFE includes:

• Soliciting DBE quotes at least 7 days before the letting through targeted outreach
• Advertising subcontracting opportunities in publications serving DBE communities
• Breaking work into smaller packages to enable DBE participation
• Providing DBE firms with adequate information about project requirements, specifications, and bonding requirements
• Making efforts to assist DBE firms in obtaining bonding, insurance, or financing
• Attending DBE outreach events and pre-bid meetings where DBE participation is discussed

For a comprehensive overview of DBE certification and requirements, see our DBE Certification Construction Guide.

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Bonding and Insurance Requirements

FDOT bonding requirements are non-negotiable and apply to every contract regardless of size. Understanding these requirements upfront prevents last-minute scrambles that derail bid submissions.

Bonding Requirements

| Bond Type | Requirement | Details | |-----------|-------------|---------| | Bid Bond | 5% of bid amount | Required with every bid submission. Electronic bid bonds accepted through Bid Express. | | Performance Bond | 100% of contract value | Due within 10 calendar days of contract award. Must be from a Treasury-listed surety. | | Payment Bond | 100% of contract value | Due simultaneously with performance bond. Protects subcontractors and suppliers. |

Surety Requirements: All bonds must be issued by surety companies listed on the U.S. Treasury Department's Circular 570 (Listing of Approved Sureties). FDOT does not accept bonds from non-listed sureties regardless of their financial rating.

Insurance Minimums

FDOT's standard insurance requirements for construction contracts include:

• Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
• Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit
• Workers Compensation: Statutory limits per Florida law
• Umbrella/Excess Liability: $5,000,000 (for projects over $10 million)
• Pollution Liability: Required for projects involving environmental remediation
• Builder's Risk: May be required for bridge and building projects

Large projects ($50 million+) often carry significantly higher insurance requirements. Review the Special Provisions of each project's bid documents for project-specific insurance requirements that exceed the standard minimums.

For detailed guidance on construction bonding, see our Construction Bid Bonds Requirements Guide.

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FDOT vs Other State DOTs Comparison

How does FDOT stack up against other major state DOT programs? This comparison helps contractors who work across multiple states understand the differences in process, requirements, and scale.

Key Differences

Florida vs Texas: FDOT and TxDOT are the two largest state DOT programs and share similar processes. TxDOT's prequalification threshold is slightly higher ($300,000 vs $250,000), and TxDOT operates more district offices (25 vs 7). Both use Bid Express for electronic bidding. For Texas-specific guidance, see our Florida Construction Bidding Guide and related state guides.

Florida vs California: Caltrans requires prequalification for all projects regardless of value, making it more burdensome for smaller contractors. Caltrans also requires 10% bid bonds compared to FDOT's 5%. However, Caltrans' smaller letting volumes (40-60 projects per month) mean less competition per project in many categories.

Florida vs Virginia: VDOT operates a smaller program but offers biennial prequalification renewal, reducing administrative burden. VDOT's 12% DBE goal is higher than FDOT's 10.65%, and VDOT maintains a more aggressive local programs initiative.

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Strategies for Winning FDOT Contracts

Winning FDOT work consistently requires a systematic approach that goes beyond submitting the lowest number. These strategies reflect patterns observed in contractors who maintain 25%+ win rates on FDOT lettings.

1. Specialize by District and Category

FDOT's district structure rewards local expertise. Contractors who concentrate their FDOT bidding in 1-2 districts and specific work categories develop deeper knowledge of local conditions, inspector preferences, and competitive dynamics. Spreading bids across all 7 districts dilutes your competitive advantage.

2. Invest in Pre-Bid Intelligence

The 5-Year Work Program tells you exactly what FDOT plans to build and when. Use this intelligence to:

• Pre-position equipment and personnel in target districts
• Develop subcontractor and supplier relationships in advance
• Identify projects where your specific experience gives you an edge
• Plan your capacity to avoid overextension during peak letting months

3. Master FDOT Specifications

FDOT maintains its own Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, updated on a regular cycle. Knowing these specs intimately -- especially the differences from AASHTO standards or other state DOTs -- prevents costly bid errors and change order disputes.

4. Build Your DBE Network

Contractors with established DBE relationships submit stronger bids. Start building your DBE network before you need it:

• Attend FDOT's annual DBE Supportive Services workshops
• Partner with DBE firms on smaller projects to build trust
• Provide mentoring and capacity-building support to DBE partners
• Use FDOT's online DBE directory to identify certified firms by trade and county

5. Price MOT Accurately

Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) is a significant cost driver on Florida highway projects. FDOT's MOT requirements are among the most stringent in the nation due to Florida's high traffic volumes and aggressive driver behavior. Underpricing MOT is the single most common cause of losses on FDOT contracts.

6. Track Your Bid History

Maintain a detailed database of every FDOT bid including your price, the winning price, the number of bidders, and the spread between bids. This data reveals whether you are consistently high (pricing issues), consistently close but losing (consider value engineering), or competitive in specific categories.

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FDOT Payment and Contract Administration

After winning an FDOT contract, understanding the payment and administration process keeps your cash flow healthy and your performance ratings high.

Progress Payments

FDOT processes monthly progress payments based on quantities installed and accepted. The typical payment cycle runs:

• Contractor submits monthly pay estimate by the 25th of each month
• FDOT project administrator reviews and certifies quantities within 5-7 business days
• Payment is processed within 20 calendar days of certified estimate approval
• Retainage of 5% is withheld on most contracts until 50% completion, then reduced to 2.5%

Performance Ratings

FDOT rates contractor performance on every project using the Contractor Performance Rating System. Ratings evaluate schedule compliance, quality of work, management and administration, safety, and DBE compliance. These ratings directly impact future prequalification decisions and can influence your competitiveness on negotiated contracts.

Maintaining ratings above 80 (on FDOT's 100-point scale) is essential for contractors who want to sustain their FDOT business. Scores below 60 can trigger prequalification reviews and potential suspension from future lettings.

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Common FDOT Bidding Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from other contractors' errors saves you money and embarrassment:

1. Missing addenda acknowledgment: FDOT rejects bids that do not acknowledge every addendum. Check Bid Express daily during the advertisement period.
2. Unbalanced bid schedules: FDOT's bid analysis software flags dramatically unbalanced unit prices. While front-loading is common in the industry, extreme unbalancing triggers manual review and potential rejection.
3. DBE documentation failures: Submitting incomplete GFE documentation when you do not meet the DBE goal results in bid rejection. Document every outreach effort contemporaneously.
4. Ignoring Special Provisions: FDOT Special Provisions modify standard specifications and often contain project-specific requirements not found in the plans. Read every page.
5. Late submission: Bid Express closes exactly on time. Submitting at the last minute risks technical failures. Complete your submission at least 2 hours before the deadline.

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Getting Started with FDOT Bidding

The FDOT procurement process rewards preparation and persistence. Contractors who invest time in proper registration, prequalification, and relationship building before submitting their first bid position themselves for long-term success in one of America's largest state DOT construction markets.

Start with these immediate action items:

1. Complete MFMP registration if you have not already
2. Submit your FDOT prequalification application with current audited financials
3. Purchase your Bid Express Digital ID certificate
4. Download the current 5-Year Work Program for your target district
5. Set up bid alerts on FDOT's website, Bid Express, and ConstructionBids.ai

For broader guidance on construction bid opportunities across all 50 states, see our Construction Bid Opportunities Guide. For Florida-specific market intelligence beyond FDOT, explore our Florida Construction Bidding Guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about FDOT procurement, registration, and bidding requirements. For additional guidance on state DOT bidding processes, see our Construction Bid Opportunities Guide.