News Release Category: Industry News

FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $15 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Helene

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $15 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit  FloridaJobs.org/EBL  to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. Businesses in the following counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Helene. Interested applicants can apply now through November 24, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans of up to $100,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.

Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.

FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the November 24, 2024, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time.

FloridaCommerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage Caused by Hurricane Helene

FloridaCommerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage Caused by Hurricane Helene

Sep 27, 2024

Tallahassee, FL – Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Businesses can complete the survey online by visiting FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Helene” from the dropdown menu. 

Or click the button below

Business Damage Assessment Survey

 

Governor DeSantis Expands State of Emergency in Advance of Expected Hurricane Helene

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-209, Emergency Management – Amending Executive Order 24-208– Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, increasing the number of counties in the state of Florida under a state of emergency to 61 ahead of the storm.

To read the full amended executive order, click here or read below:

 

STATE OF FLORIDA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-208

(Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine)

WHEREAS, on September 23, 2024, I issued Executive Order 24-208, declaring a state of emergency for forty-one counties across the State of Florida due to the dangers presented by Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine; and

WHEREAS, on September 24, 2024, Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine is located 120 miles west-southwest of Grand Cayman, or 395 miles south-southwest of Key West, Florida, and is moving northwest at 8 mph; and

WHEREAS, based on atmospheric and oceanic conditions, highly conducive environmental cot;i.ditions are for~cast to. dev~lop Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine into a tropical storm this afternoon over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, and become a hurricane over the eastern Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday; and

WHEREAS, computer forecast models indicate a likely possibility of significant to rapid intensification ofthis system, forming a major hurricane before it approaches the northeastern Gulf Coast on Thursday; and

WHEREAS, the forecast indicates that this system will become large and powerful before landfall, and there is a significant threat of life-threatening storm surge and damaging wind gusts for the Florida Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, due to the system’s size, the accompanying storm surge, wind, and rainfall impacts will extend well away from its center, and the faster forward approach of this system will likely result in farther inland penetration of strong winds even after landfall; and

WHEREAS, there are Tropical Storm Watches in effect for eighteen Florida counties, Hurricane Watches in effect for eighteen Florida counties, and Storm Surge Watches extending from the Southwest Florida Coast to the central Florida Panhandle; and

WHEREAS, the water tables and riverine levels across much of north and west-central Florida remain in above normal stage due to recent Hurricane Debby and additional heavy rainfall could cause significant riverine flooding that may prolong impacts for an extended period of time; and

WHEREAS, these impacts could damage the operational capability of critical infrastructure including major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, and power grids; and

WHEREAS, an amendment to Executive Order 24-208 is necessary because recovery efforts and those affected by this disaster require the continued support of the State of Florida; and

WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section l(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

Section 1.        Section I of Executive Order 24-208 is amended to read as follows:

Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

Section 2.        Except as amended herein, Executive Order 24-208 is ratified and reaffirmed.

Section 3.       This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire upon the expiration of Executive Order 24-208.

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State of Emergency Declared in Advance of Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine/Expected Hurricane Helene

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-208, Emergency Management – Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine, declaring a state of emergency in 41 Florida counties ahead of the storm.

To read the full executive order, click here or read below:

WHEREAS, as of 11:00 AM EDT on Monday, September 23, 2024, showers and thunderstorms located over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and portions of Central America have been associated with a broad area of low pressure, now identified as Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine; and

WHEREAS, based on atmospheric and oceanic data, highly conducive environmental conditions are forecast to organize and develop Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine into a tropical depression or tropical storm during the next day or two over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and southeastern Gulf of Mexico, where further development and strengthening is expected; and

WHEREAS, forecast models indicate that this system will have a vast areal extent, and its impact will likely extend well beyond its center, along the northeast Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, there is a significant threat of storm surge, coastal flooding and erosion, heavy rainfall and flash flooding, and damaging winds to the Florida Gulf Coast; and

WHEREAS, due to the impacts from Hurricane Debby, the water tables and riverine levels across North and West-Central Florida remain above normal, and the additional incoming heavy rainfall will likely cause significant riverine flooding for an extended period; and

WHEREAS, the incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to fallen trees and powerlines; and

WHEREAS, these conditions could damage the operational capability of major interstates, roadways, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, power grids and other critical infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, as Governor of Florida, I am responsible to meet the dangers presented to the State of Florida and its people by this emergency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ron DeSantis, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:

Section 1.        Because of the foregoing conditions, which are projected to constitute a major disaster, I declare that a state of emergency exists in Alachua, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

Section 2.        I designate the Executive Director of the Division of Emergency Management (“Director”) as the State Coordinating Officer for the duration of this emergency and direct him to execute the State’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan and other response, recovery, and mitigation plans necessary to cope with the emergency, including any logistical, rescue or evacuation operations.  Pursuant to section 252.36(1)(a), Florida Statutes, I delegate to the State Coordinating Officer the authority to exercise those powers delineated in sections 252.36(6)-(12), Florida Statutes, which he shall exercise as needed to meet this emergency, subject to the limitations of section 252.33, Florida Statutes.  In exercising the powers delegated by this Executive Order, the State Coordinating Officer shall confer with the Governor to the fullest extent practicable.  The State Coordinating Officer shall also have the authority to:

A. Invoke and administer the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (“EMAC”) (sections 252.921-252.9335, Florida Statutes) and other compacts and agreements existing between the State of Florida and other states, and the further authority to coordinate the allocation of resources from such other states that are made available to Florida under such compacts and agreements so as to best meet this emergency.

B. Seek direct assistance and enter into agreements with any and all agencies of the federal government as may be needed to meet this emergency.

C. Direct all state, regional, and local governmental agencies, including law enforcement agencies, to identify personnel needed from those agencies to assist in meeting the response, recovery, and mitigation needs created by this emergency, and to place all such personnel under the direct command and coordination of the State Coordinating Officer to meet this emergency.

D. Direct the actions of any state agency as necessary to implement the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Disaster Recovery Framework.

E. Designate Deputy State Coordinating Officers and Deputy State Disaster Recovery Coordinators, as necessary.

F. Suspend the effect of any statute, rule, or order that would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay any mitigation, response, or recovery action necessary to cope with this emergency. In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any such order, declaration, or other action shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.

G. Enter orders as may be needed to implement any of the foregoing powers; however, the requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such orders issued by the State Coordinating Officer.  No such order shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

Section 3.        I order the Adjutant General to activate the Florida National Guard, as needed, to deal with this emergency.  I further order the Director of the Florida State Guard to activate the Florida State Guard, as needed, to respond to this emergency.

Section 4.        I find that the special duties and responsibilities resting upon some state, regional, and local agencies and other governmental bodies in responding to this emergency may require them to suspend or waive certain statutes, rules, ordinances, and orders they administer.  Therefore, I issue the following authorizations:

A. Pursuant to section 252.36(6)(a), Florida Statutes, the Executive Office of the Governor may suspend all statutes and rules affecting budgeting to the extent necessary to provide budget authority for state agencies to cope with this emergency.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, do not apply to any such suspension issued by the Executive Office of the Governor.  No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

B. Each state agency may suspend the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or the orders or rules of that agency, if strict compliance with the provisions of any such statute, order, or rule would in any way prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the emergency.  This includes, but is not limited to, the authority to suspend any and all statutes, rules, ordinances, or orders which affect leasing, printing, purchasing, travel, and the condition of employment and the compensation of employees.  In accordance with section 252.3611(1), Florida Statutes, any agency order, declaration, or other action suspending a statute or rule shall specify each statute or rule being amended or waived, if applicable, and the expiration date for the order or action.  The requirements of sections 252.46 and 120.54(4), Florida Statutes, shall not apply to any such suspension issued by a state agency. No such suspension shall remain in effect beyond the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

C. In accordance with section 252.38(3), Florida Statutes, each political subdivision within the State of Florida may waive the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the political subdivision by law pertaining to:

1) Performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community;

2) Following local procurement and contracting policies;

3) Entering into contracts; however, political subdivisions are cautioned against entering into time and materials contracts without a ceiling as defined by 2 CFR 200.318(j) or cost plus a percentage of cost contracts prohibited by 2 CFR 200.324(d);

4) Incurring obligations;

5) Employment of permanent and temporary workers;

6) Utilization of volunteer workers;

7) Rental of equipment;

8) Acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities; and

9) Appropriation and expenditure of public funds.

D. All agencies whose employees are certified as disaster service volunteers within the meaning of section 110.120(2)(d), Florida Statutes, may, in accordance with section 110.120(3), Florida Statutes, release any such employees for such service as requested by the employee to meet this emergency.

E. The Secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) may:

1) Waive the collection of tolls and other fees and charges for the use of the Turnpike and other public highways, to the extent such waiver may be needed to provide emergency assistance or facilitate the evacuation of the affected counties;

2) Manage the flow of traffic or close any and all roads, highways, and portions of highways as may be needed for the safe and efficient transportation of evacuees to those counties that the State Coordinating Officer may designate as destination counties for evacuees in this emergency;

3) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to section 316.545(4), Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

4) Waive by special permit the warning signal requirements in the Utility Accommodations Manual to accommodate public utility companies from other jurisdictions which render assistance in restoring vital services; and

5) Waive the size and weight restrictions for divisible loads on any vehicles transporting emergency equipment, services, supplies, and agricultural commodities and citrus as recommended by the Commissioner of Agriculture, allowing the establishment of alternate size and weight restrictions for all such vehicles for the duration of the emergency.  The DOT shall issue permits and such vehicles shall be subject to such special conditions as the DOT may endorse on any such permits.

Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to allow any vehicle to exceed weight limits posted for bridges and like structures, or relieve any vehicle or the carrier, owner, or driver of any vehicle from compliance with any restrictions other than those specified in this Executive Order, or from any statute, rule, order, or other legal requirement not specifically waived or suspended herein or by supplemental order by the State Coordinating Officer.

F. The Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) may:

1) Suspend enforcement of the registration requirements pursuant to sections 316.545(4) and 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for commercial motor vehicles that enter Florida to provide emergency services or supplies, to transport emergency equipment, supplies or personnel, or to transport FEMA mobile homes or office style mobile homes into or from Florida;

2) Waive the hours-of-service requirements for such vehicles;

3) Suspend the enforcement of the licensing and registration requirements under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) pursuant to chapter 207, Florida Statutes, and the International Registration Plan (IRP) pursuant to section 320.0715, Florida Statutes, for motor carriers or drivers operating commercial motor vehicles that are properly registered in other jurisdictions and that are participating in emergency relief efforts through the transportation of equipment and supplies or providing other assistance in the form of emergency services;

4) Waive fees for duplicate or replacement vessel registration certificates, vessel title certificates, vehicle license plates, vehicle registration certificates, vehicle tag certificates, vehicle title certificates, handicapped parking permits, replacement drivers’ licenses, and replacement identification cards and to waive the additional fees for the late renewal of or application for such licenses, certificates, and documents due to the effects of adverse weather conditions; and

5) Defer administrative actions and waive fees imposed by law for the late renewal or application for the above licenses, certificates, and documents, which were delayed due to the effects of adverse weather conditions, including in counties wherein the DHSMV has closed offices, or any office of the County Tax Collector that acts on behalf of the DHSMV to process renewals has closed offices due to adverse weather conditions.  Recordkeeping and other applicable requirements for existing IFTA and IRP licensees and registrants are not affected by this Executive Order.  The DHSMV shall promptly notify the State Coordinating Officer when the waiver is no longer necessary.

G. In accordance with section 465.0275(2), Florida Statutes, pharmacists may dispense up to a 30-day emergency prescription refill of maintenance medication to persons who reside in an area or county covered under this Executive Order and to emergency personnel who have been activated by their state or local agency but who do not reside in an area or county covered by this Executive Order.  In accordance with section 465.019(4)(b), Florida Statutes, a hospital that operates a Class II or Class III institutional pharmacy located in an area or county covered under this Executive Order may prescribe and dispense a supply of medicinal drug lasting up to 72 hours.

H. All state agencies responsible for the use of state buildings and facilities may close such buildings and facilities in those portions of the State affected by this emergency, to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.  I direct each state agency to report the closure of any State building or facility to the WebEOC system utilized by the Division of Emergency Management.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct each county to report the closure of any building or facility operated or maintained by the county or any political subdivision on a daily basis to the WebEOC system.  Furthermore, I direct the Secretary of the Department of Management Services to:

1) Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

2) Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

I. All State agencies may abrogate the time requirements, notice requirements, and deadlines for final action on applications for permits, licenses, rates, and other approvals under any statutes or rules under which such application are deemed to be approved unless disapproved in writing by specified deadlines.  All such time requirements that have not yet expired as of the date of this Executive Order are suspended and tolled to the extent necessary to meet this emergency.

J. All agencies shall implement Selected Exempt Services (SES) Extraordinary Payment Plans and Career Service Regular Compensatory Leave Payment Plans for:

1) All essential agency personnel who are required to work extraordinary hours when state-owned or state-operated facilities are closed in response to an emergency condition.  Employees who are eligible to receive extraordinary pay under the agency’s activated plan shall accrue special compensatory leave credits for work performed during facility closures up to the number of hours in the employee’s established workday.  For these employees, any additional time worked beyond the employee’s established workday during facility closures will result in extraordinary pay;

2) All agency personnel who are assigned to the State Emergency Operations Center and are required to work extraordinary hours; and

3)  All agency personnel who are deployed throughout the state in response to an emergency condition and are required to work extraordinary hours.

K. All State agencies may waive the forty-day time limit to issue a warrant pursuant to section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes.  This waiver applies to invoices and reimbursement requests arising from this emergency that were received, inspected, and approved by the agency prior to the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.  This waiver of section 215.422(3)(b), Florida Statutes, and all waivers based upon this waiver shall expire upon the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

L. The provisions of section 934.50, Florida Statutes, excluding subsection (4), are waived for state and local agencies conducting emergency operations arising from the state of emergency for the limited purpose of capturing aerial evidence concerning the amount of damage sustained to private and public property; to assist in search, rescue, and recovery activities; and prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property.

Section 5.        All public facilities, including elementary and secondary schools, community colleges, state universities, and other facilities owned or leased by the state, regional or local governments that are suitable for use as public shelters shall be made available at the request of the local emergency management agencies to ensure the proper reception and care of all evacuees.  Under the authority contained in section 252.36, Florida Statutes, I direct the Superintendent of each public-school district in the State of Florida to report the closure of any school within its district to the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education.  Furthermore, I direct the Commissioner of the Department of Education to:

A. Maintain an accurate and up-to-date list of all such closures; and

B. Provide that list daily to the State Coordinating Officer.

 Section 6.        I find that the demands placed upon funds specifically appropriated to state and local agencies for disaster relief or response are unreasonably great and that such funds may be inadequate to pay the costs of coping with this emergency.  In accordance with section 252.37(2), Florida Statutes, I direct that sufficient funds be made available, as needed, by transferring and expending moneys from the Emergency Preparedness and Response Fund.

 Section 7.        All state agencies entering emergency orders, emergency rules, or other emergency actions in response to this emergency shall advise the State Coordinating Officer contemporaneously or as soon as practicable thereafter, and, pursuant to section 252.36(3)(b), Florida Statutes, shall submit the order or declaration to the Division of Administrative Hearings within five (5) days of issuance.

Section 8.        Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors with good and valid professional licenses issued by states other than the State of Florida may render such services in Florida during this emergency for persons affected by this emergency with the condition that such services be rendered to such persons free of charge, and with the further condition that such services be rendered under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.

Section 9. Pursuant to section 501.160, Florida Statutes, it is unlawful and a violation of section 501.204, Florida Statutes, for a person to rent or sell or offer to rent or sell at an unconscionable price within the area for which the state of emergency is declared, any essential commodity including, but not limited to, supplies, services, provisions, or equipment that is necessary for consumption or use as a direct result of the emergency.

Section 10.        Under the authority contained in sections 252.36(6)(a), (g), and (m), Florida Statutes, I direct that, for the purposes of this emergency, the term “essentials”, as defined by section 252.359(2), Florida Statutes, shall be the same as and no more expansive than the term “commodity”, as defined by section 501.160(1)(a), Florida Statutes (hereinafter referred to collectively or alternatively as “essential commodities”).  Accordingly, any person who delivers essential commodities to a location in the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order, and when necessary to ensure that those commodities are made available to the public, may travel within evacuated areas and exceed curfews, provided the State Coordinating Officer determines, after consultation with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), that:

A. Law enforcement officials in the declared area(s) can provide adequate security to protect the essential commodities from theft;

B. The weight of a delivery vehicle will not jeopardize the structural integrity of any roadway or bridge located within the declared area;

C. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact evacuation activities in the declared area(s); and

D. Delivery vehicles will not negatively impact any response or recovery activities occurring within the declared area(s).

After consulting with the appropriate Emergency Support Function(s), and after consulting with local officials, the State Coordinating Officer may dictate the routes of ingress, egress, and movement within the declared area(s) that drivers must follow when delivering essential commodities.

Provided he or she is actually delivering medications, any person authorized to deliver medications under chapter 893, Florida Statutes, qualifies as a person delivering essential commodities.

In order to qualify as a person delivering essential commodities under this section, a person must be in the process of delivering essential commodities only.  If an individual is transporting both essential and non-essential commodities, then this section shall not provide any authorization for that individual to enter into or move within the declared area(s).

Section 11.        Consistent with Executive Order 80-29, nothing in this Executive Order shall prevent local jurisdictions in any area not declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order from taking prompt and necessary action to save lives and protect the property of their citizens, including the authority to compel and direct timely evacuation when necessary.

Section 12.         I authorize the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds pursuant to section 420.9073, Florida Statutes, to any county, municipality, or other political subdivision located within the area(s) declared to be under a state of emergency by this Executive Order.  The authority of the Florida Housing Finance Corporation to distribute funds in connection with this emergency shall expire six months after the expiration of this Executive Order, including any extension thereof.

     Section 13.      All actions taken by the Director of the Division of Emergency Management with respect to this emergency before the issuance of this Executive Order are ratified.

Section 14.     This Executive Order is effective immediately and shall expire sixty (60) days from this date unless extended.

 

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FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover Inducted into the VISIT FLORIDA Tourism Hall of Fame

(L-R: John Lai, VISIT FLORIDA Chairman of the Board, Carol Dover, Dana Young, President & CEO, VISIT FLORIDA)

 

TAMPA, FL – Last night, during the Chairman’s Dinner of the annual VISIT FLORIDA Governor’s Conference on Tourism, Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame.

Since 2001, the VISIT FLORIDA Tourism Hall of Fame has recognized both contemporary and historic figures “whose vision, creative, and drive have had positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination.”

 “I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my individual efforts but a testament to the unwavering support of my faith, family, and the incredible dedication of our team. Over the past 30 years, our collective vision and hard work have shaped the hospitality and tourism industry in profound ways. This achievement is as much a celebration of their commitment as it is of my own. I am truly grateful for this distinction and look forward to continuing our journey of excellence together.”

For 30 years, Carol has led Florida’s premier hospitality trade industry association, whose mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. During her tenure at FRLA, Dover has achieved countless significant victories for the industry, enhancing Florida’s economic strength and solidifying its status as a premier visitor destination.

These include the repeal of the alcohol beverage tax, which has saved hotels and restaurants billions of dollars; her fierce and successful advocacy for VISIT FLORIDA funding and the protection of the usage of Tourist Development Taxes to promote further tourism to Florida; and the creation of events to bring visitors to Florida following disasters like the BP Oil Spill, numerous hurricanes, Zika, COVID, and more, resulting in hundreds of millions in economic impact, supporting and creating new hospitality jobs and businesses. During the COVID-19 global pandemic, she successfully lobbied for Florida restaurants to stay open for curbside and carryout and helped pass alcohol-to-go, saving countless jobs and tens of thousands of Florida establishments whose world-class experiences attract visitors from across the globe.

First hired to run the Florida Restaurant Association, Carol relocated the organization from Hollywood, Florida, to Tallahassee to improve visibility and access to state leaders in the Capitol and influence positive change for tourism and hospitality priorities. In 2006, she led the merger with the Florida Hotel & Motel Association, uniting the industry and strengthening collaboration and advocacy between hotels and restaurants, creating a top influential trade association – the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association.

Ms. Dover has expanded the Florida ProStart Program to the largest in the nation with more than 215 schools and 30,000 students in the program annually – investing in the future of the Florida’s hospitality industry and training those who will welcome guests and create memorable experiences and reinforce Florida as a popular destination for visitors. Carol has provided instrumental influence to expand and fund the Florida Horse Park, helping to establish Ocala as the Horse Capital of the World ®, as well as her promotion of equestrian events across Central Florida and Wellington, contributing significantly to the success of “equi-tourism” to the point of more than $12.8 billion in economic impact for Florida.

FRLA continues it efforts every day to protect, educate, and promote the top industry in Florida – hospitality and tourism, and advance priorities that enhance the success of its more than 10,000 members.

 

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 2 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state, including the nation’s largest ProStart culinary program and the Hospitality & Tourism Management Program.

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FloridaCommerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available for Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Debby

**Reconnect is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week**

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  — Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Debby are encouraged to submit a claim at  FloridaJobs.org.

FloridaCommerce is accepting applications for DUA from residents and businesses in Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties, the FEMA-designated disaster impacted area as of August 1, 2024.

DUA is available to those who are not eligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and meet one of the following requirements:

  • Is unemployed as a direct result of the disaster;
  • Are not able to work or perform services because of physical damage or destruction to the place of employment as a direct result of the disaster;
  • Can prove that the work or self-employment they can no longer perform as a direct result of the disaster was their principal source of income;
  • Were unable to reach their job or self-employment location because they must travel through the affected area and are prevented from doing so as a direct result of the disaster;
  • Cannot perform work or self-employment because they were injured as a direct result of the disaster; or
  • Became the breadwinner or major supporter of a household because the head of the household died as a direct result of the disaster.

DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning August 4, 2024, until February 08, 2025, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a result of the disaster in a designated-disaster area.

The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is no later than 11:59 p.m. on October 15, 2024, for businesses and residents in Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Levy, Manatee, Sarasota, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties.

Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely, and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause. Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs, and documentation to show that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred. In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed.

To file a DUA claim, visit FloridaJobs.org  or call 1-800-385-3920. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak to a customer service representative.

Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Endorses Representative Tom Leek for Florida Senate

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its endorsement of conservative Representative Tom Leek (Republican- Ormond Beach) for Florida Senate District 7.

“On behalf of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida’s premier hospitality and tourism industry, I am proud to endorse Representative Tom Leek for Florida’s open seat in Senate District 7,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “Representative Leek is a proven leader who recognizes that thriving businesses are the backbone of Florida’s economy, driving job creation, supporting families, and fueling growth. His steadfast commitment to safeguarding businesses through effective tort reform and his proactive role in advancing policies that have bolstered our state’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic underscore his dedication. Tom has consistently championed Florida’s hospitality sector and has earned our full support. He is unquestionably the best choice for Senate District 7.”

The full endorsement letter can be found here.

About State Representative Tom Leek: Tom Leek was first elected to serve State House District 25 in 2016, and after redistricting re-elected in State House District 28 in 2022. A graduate of the University of Central Florida and Stetson University College of Law, Leek resides in Ormond Beach with his wife Michelle. They are the parents of two daughters.

Tom Leek, recognized quickly in the House as a conservative leader, has the distinction of having served as a committee chairman and on the leadership team of the last three Speakers in the Florida House during his tenure. He currently works with Speaker Paul Renner as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and has previously chaired the Public Ethics and Integrity Committee, the Pandemics and Public Emergencies Committee and the Redistricting Committee.

Leek’s accomplishments in the Florida House include landmark legislation in establishing Florida as the most law enforcement-friendly state in the union by strengthening their ability to recruit, retain and reward our police officers. He passed important legislation relating to emergency management and in banning “vaccine passports.” As a trusted member of House leadership, he has worked on many of the conservative advances of the past few years in school choice, economic development and important social issues that strengthen the family.

Tom Leek is the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Foundation Risk Partners, Corp., a national insurance brokerage. He joined the company in 2018, after a 21-year career at the law firm of Cobb Cole in Daytona Beach, where he led the firm as managing partner.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.6 million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

 

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IRS relief now available to Hurricane Debby victims in all of South Carolina, most of Florida

IRS Issue Number:    IR-2024-205

IRS relief now available to Hurricane Debby victims in all of South Carolina, most of Florida and North Carolina, part of Georgia; various deadlines postponed to Feb. 3, 2025

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in four states affected by Hurricane Debby.

Affected taxpayers in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia now have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

The IRS is offering relief to any area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Currently, this applies to:

  • All 46 counties in South Carolina.
  • The following 61 counties in Florida: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Walton, Wakulla and Washington.
  • The following 55 counties in Georgia: Appling, Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Bryan, Bulloch, Burke, Camden, Candler, Charlton, Chatham, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Crisp, Decatur, Dodge, Echols, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Glynn, Grady, Irwin, Jeff Davis, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Lanier, Laurens, Liberty, Long, Lowndes, McIntosh, Mitchell, Montgomery, Pierce, Richmond, Screven, Tattnall, Telfair, Thomas, Tift, Toombs, Treutlen, Turner, Ware, Wayne, Wheeler, Wilcox and Worth.
  • The following 66 counties in North Carolina: Alamance, Anson, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen , Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Chatham, Chowan, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davie, Davidson, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gates, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Martin, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Sampson, Scotland, Stokes, Surry, Tyrrell, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Wilson and Yadkin.

Individuals and households that reside or have a business in any one of these localities qualify for tax relief. The same relief will be available to any other counties added later to the disaster area. The current list of eligible localities is always available on the Tax relief in disaster situations page on IRS.gov.

Filing and payment relief 

The tax relief postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred beginning on Aug. 1, 2024, in Florida, Aug. 4, 2024, in Georgia and South Carolina, and Aug.5, 2024, in North Carolina. The relief period continues through Feb. 3, 2025 (postponement period), in all four states. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until Feb. 3, 2025, to file returns and pay any taxes that were originally due during this period.

This means, for example, that the Feb. 3, 2025, deadline will now apply to:

  • Any individual, business or tax-exempt organization that has a valid extension to file their 2023 federal return. The IRS noted, however, that payments on these returns are not eligible for the extra time because they were due last spring before the hurricane occurred.
  • Quarterly estimated income tax payments normally due on Sept. 16, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025.
  • Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns normally due on Oct. 31, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025.

In addition, in Florida, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 1, 2024, and before Aug. 16, 2024, will be abated, as long as the deposits are made by Aug. 16, 2024. Similarly, in South Carolina and Georgia, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 4, 2024, and before Aug. 19, 2024, will be abated, as long as the deposits are made by Aug. 19, 2024. In North Carolina, penalties for failing to make payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after Aug. 5, 2024, and before Aug. 20, 2024, will be abated, as long as the deposits are made by Aug. 20, 2024.

The Disaster assistance and emergency relief for individuals and businesses page has details on other returns, payments and tax-related actions qualifying for relief during the postponement period.

The IRS automatically provides filing and penalty relief to any taxpayer with an IRS address of record located in the disaster area. These taxpayers do not need to contact the agency to get this relief.

It is possible an affected taxpayer may not have an IRS address of record located in the disaster area, for example, because they moved to the disaster area after filing their return. In these unique circumstances, the affected taxpayer could receive a late filing or late payment penalty notice from the IRS for the postponement period. The taxpayer should call the number on the notice to have the penalty abated.

In addition, the IRS will work with any taxpayer who lives outside the disaster area but whose records necessary to meet a deadline occurring during the postponement period are located in the affected area. Taxpayers qualifying for relief who live outside the disaster area need to contact the IRS at 866-562-5227. This also includes workers assisting the relief activities who are affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization. Disaster area tax preparers with clients located outside the disaster area can choose to use the Bulk Requests from Practitioners for Disaster Relief option, described on IRS.gov.

Additional tax relief

Individuals and businesses in a federally declared disaster area who suffered uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses can choose to claim them on either the return for the year the loss occurred (in this instance, the 2024 return normally filed next year), or the return for the prior year (the 2023 return filed this year). Taxpayers have extra time – up to six months after the due date of the taxpayer’s federal income tax return for the disaster year (without regard to any extension of time to file) – to make the election. For individual taxpayers, this means Oct. 15, 2025. Be sure to write the FEMA declaration number – 3605-EM for Florida, 3606-EM for South Carolina, 3607-EM for Georgia and 3608-EM for North Carolina − on any return claiming a loss. See Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, for details.

Qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income. In general, this means that affected taxpayers can exclude from their gross income amounts received from a government agency for reasonable and necessary personal, family, living or funeral expenses, as well as for the repair or rehabilitation of their home, or for the repair or replacement of its contents. See Publication 525, Taxable and Nontaxable Income, for details.

Additional relief may be available to affected taxpayers who participate in a retirement plan or individual retirement arrangement (IRA). For example, a taxpayer may be eligible to take a special disaster distribution that would not be subject to the additional 10% early distribution tax and allows the taxpayer to spread the income over three years. Taxpayers may also be eligible to make a hardship withdrawal. Each plan or IRA has specific rules and guidance for their participants to follow.

The IRS may provide additional disaster relief in the future.

The tax relief is part of a coordinated federal response to the damage caused by these storms and is based on local damage assessments by FEMA. For information on disaster recovery, visit disasterassistance.gov.

Reminder about tax return preparation options

  • MilTax, a Department of Defense program, offers free return preparation software and electronic filing for federal tax returns and up to three state income tax returns. It’s available for all military members and some veterans, with no income limit.

 

Governor DeSantis Announces Activation of Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan to Support Local Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Debby

Governor DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through September 30, 2024, or until all available funds are expended.

FloridaCommerce Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Measure Impact of Damage Caused by Hurricane Debby

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —  Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Debby. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.

Businesses can complete the survey directly at this link. You can also visit  www.FloridaDisaster.biz and selecting “Hurricane Debby” from the dropdown menu. 

If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., or  email [email protected].