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Fort Myers City Council considers overhauling its MBE Program

The City Council for Fort Myers has been considering shuttering its current Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program and replacing it with a new program that is race-neutral. The change is being considered due to challenges (from the Florida state government and the federal government) to race- and gender-conscious procedures in government contracting.

Council members had been due to vote on ending the MBE program at a June 15, 2026 meeting, but tabled the vote for some time before January 1, 2027, at which time Florida Senate Bill 1134 (which bans Florida counties and municipalities from "funding or promoting or taking official action as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion") will go into effect.

The portion of the existing program that provides for supporting local businesses in City contracting would not necessarily be affected by the state bill, leaving the door open for a revamped program that shifts to race- and gender-neutral criteria.

Currently, the MBE program sets an aspirational goal of spending 15 percent of City procurement dollars with MBEs, and gives MBEs a bid preference of either 6 or 7 preference (depending on the size of the contract).