How to respond to Pinellas County’s DEI Certification Requirement

What Pinellas County requires

Pinellas County requires contractors to certify that they will not use County funds to require employees, contractors, volunteers, vendors, or agents to ascribe to, study, or receive instruction using materials about diversity, equity, and inclusion as defined in Florida law.

The requirement is tied to a Florida law that takes effect January 1, 2027. The notice does not state a separate purchase or bid deadline.

Deadline and timing

The response deadline is January 31, 2027, at 11:55 PM ET. Submit your response before that time through OpenGov Procurement.

Pinellas County says local government agencies must comply with the law as of January 1, 2027. Check OpenGov for addenda or other updates before submitting.

Who this opportunity concerns

This requirement is relevant to contractors working with Pinellas County who may use County funds. It concerns a contractor certification, not a separately described purchase of goods or services.

How to access and respond

Open the opportunity in OpenGov Procurement using the “View original source” access option. A brief security check may appear before the project page loads.

Sign in or create a free vendor account to download plans, ask questions, join the planholders list, and submit your response. OpenGov also delivers addenda notices.

Prepare a clear response

Review the certification language and the referenced definition in Florida Statutes before completing your response. Confirm that the person authorized to submit understands what the contractor is certifying.

Check the project page for addenda and answers to questions, and allow time to complete the portal submission before the deadline. Keep a copy of the submitted response and any confirmation available in OpenGov.