Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $4.5 million has been approved through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for small businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Sixty-five businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they await other long-term funding such as insurance, with more applications being approved every day. The program, administered by FloridaCommerce, provides short-term, no-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Isaias. Interested applicants can apply now through November 25, 2026, or until all available funds are exhausted, at FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL.
“As the Panhandle recovers from Hurricane Isaias, we are helping businesses reopen safely and getting Floridians back to work,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Thanks to the efforts of first responders, emergency management personnel, and state agency teams, many businesses in the region have already been able to start operating again and welcoming customers—including Jackacuda’s Seafood and Sushi in Destin. We’re committed to doing everything we can to help Panhandle communities get the assistance they need to get back on their feet.”
In order to accomplish this, FloridaCommerce activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey on to assess the physical and economic impacts of Hurricane Isaias on the Florida business community—resulting in a total of 238 surveys. Within 48 hours following landfall, FloridaCommerce, in partnership with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation and the Florida Small Business Development Network, deployed eight strike teams to conduct business-to-business canvassing—connecting with 737 business owners across Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties. The feedback from these surveys allowed Florida to open the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) program.
Last week, Governor DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Emergency Management has submitted a request to President Donald Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Isaias. The request seeks additional federal resources to support impacted communities across Northwest Florida, including Public Assistance for 15 counties and Individual Assistance for eligible residents in 8 designated counties. If approved, this would allow state and local governments and certain nonprofit organizations to offset certain disaster response and recovery costs, and help individuals and households fund temporary housing, basic home repairs, and essential personal property and other necessary disaster-related expenses.
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has teams on the ground ready to help businesses re-open safely and quickly. DBPR is advising Floridians affected by Hurricane Isaias check all licenses prior to contracting with any contractor and to talk with your insurance agency before signing any agreements. To verify a license, go to MyFloridaLicense.com. To report suspected unlicensed activity, go to ULA.MyFloridaLicense.com.
