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].

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis declares state of emergency ahead of Gulf storm ‘Invest 97L’ – Now Potential Tropical Cyclone 4

Ahead of potential landfall of Invest 97L (now Potential Tropical Cyclone 4) in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order (EO) 24-156 (Emergency Management  – Invest 97L) declaring the following counties under a state of emergency: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.

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

 STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 24-156
Executive Order 24-156 (Emergency Management  – Invest 97L)

WHEREAS, as of 12:00 PM EDT on August 1, 2024, a tropical wave, now identified as Invest 97L, is producing a large area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands; and

WHEREAS, based on meteorological reports, highly conducive environmental conditions are forecast to organize and develop Invest 97L into a tropical depression over the weekend and early next week over the eastern Gulf of Mexico near the Florida Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, based on meteorological reports, there is significant threat of heavy rainfall over most of the State of Florida, with the possibility of at least twelve (12) inches of rainfall over the next seven (7) days; and

WHEREAS, prolonged heavy rainfall will result in flash flooding, river flooding, coastal flooding, erosion, and gusty winds; and

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

WHEREAS, the water tables in the affected areas are already nearing peak capacity and incoming heavy rainfall will cause significant river flooding that may last for several weeks; and

WHEREAS, the incoming heavy rainfall, flooding, and gusty winds will cause widespread power outages due to downed trees and powerlines; 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, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Seek direct assistance and enter into agreements with any and all agencies of the federal government as may be needed to meet this emergency.
  3. 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.

FloridaCommerce Announces Funding to Support Small Businesses Impacted by South Florida Flooding

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by the flooding in South Florida. To date, 66 businesses have been approved to receive these funds to bridge the gap while they wait on other funding such as insurance, with more applications being approved every day.

Eligible South Florida small businesses impacted by the floods may apply for loans of up to $50,000 through the program. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when the business has secured longer-term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources. Small business owners needing assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the program.

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

Businesses in Broward, Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade, and Sarasota counties, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply through August 12, 2024.

Visit FloridaJobs.org/EBL to  learn more about the program, view the lending guidelines and required documentation, and complete an application by the August 12, 2024, deadline. Business owners who need further program information may call 833-832-4494 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5p.m., Eastern Daylight Time.
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Unlocking Your Hospitality Career: 5 Ways UF’s Online Master’s Program Can Ignite Success

Unlock your potential and elevate your career trajectory through the University of Florida’s dynamic online Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality program. This 100% online curriculum is tailored to help professionals excel in the fast-paced hospitality industry. 

Ideal for early to mid-career professionals, UF’s program offers asynchronous courses, allowing you the flexibility to study on your schedule. Complete the 30-credit program in just four semesters, and with year-round admissions, you can begin when it suits you best. Developed by the esteemed Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management (THEM), housed within the College of Health and Human Performance, this program is crafted to meet the needs of today’s industry leaders. 

Here are just five ways UF’s Tourism and Hospitality Management graduate program is tailored to help you achieve your goals:

  1. Streamlined Admissions Process: Designed to accommodate diverse professional backgrounds, our application process is simple and straightforward. No GRE scores are required—just submit a resume, one letter of recommendation, transcripts, and a brief statement of purpose. Our dedicated admissions team is committed to guiding you through every step.
  2. Affordable Tuition: The program’s competitive tuition makes a master’s degree affordable. With a total cost of approximately $17,572.50 for tuition and fees, UF ensures high value for your investment in education at a top-ranked public university.
  3. Industry-Relevant Curriculum: Developed in collaboration with industry experts, our curriculum focuses on analytical skills, marketing strategies, and management expertise crucial for leadership roles in both public and private sector destinations. Benefit from coursework enriched by leaders from global brands like Universal Parks & Resorts and The Ritz-Carlton.
  4. Hands-on Learning Opportunities: Engage in project-based learning using real-world data sourced through partnerships facilitated by THEM’s Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, a leading research institute that connects talented industry leaders and advances innovative research. Gain practical insights and skills directly applicable to your career advancement.
  5. Guidance From Expert Faculty: Learn from seasoned professionals who are dedicated to refining your skills in marketing, forecasting, market segmentation, and crisis management. Our faculty is committed to leveraging your strengths, ensuring you graduate with the confidence and capabilities to develop and execute profitable business and brand strategies.

Start Your Journey Today 

With three convenient start dates annually, there’s no better time to propel your career forward with UF’s online Master’s in Tourism and Hospitality program. Explore how UF can help you achieve your professional goals—reach out to our admissions team today to get started. 

Click here to get started!

FRLA Statement on the Veto of SB 280 on Vacation Rentals

TALLAHASSEE – Tonight, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), Florida’s premier hospitality trade association, released a statement in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’ veto of SB 280, a bill aimed at establishing fairness between hotels and unregulated short-term rentals across Florida.

“Regulation of vacation rentals has been a perennial issue in Florida for more than a decade, and FRLA and the greater lodging industry here have long advocated for reasonable and actionable regulations to create balance and fairness within the industry,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “We were proud to work with the bill sponsors and have this important legislation pass this Session as a solid framework and first step for regulatory reform in the sector. We are disappointed with Governor DeSantis’ veto but will continue with our efforts to work toward a resolution and ensure equity across Florida’s lodging industry – from vacation rentals to hotels – to best serve our guests and promote their safety.”

Bill Details: It would have required advertising platforms to submit quarterly reporting to the state on all units advertised for rent in Florida; It would have required advertising platforms to list the vacation rental license number on the advertisement of the unit; advertising platforms would have had to collect and remit bed taxes; It would have created within DBPR the Vacation Rental Information System to facilitate the collection and use of data on vacation rental licensees; and it would have allowed local governments to adopt a robust local registration system.

 

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How Tipping Affects Each Haus in Your Restaurant

Tipping might seem like a simple exchange – a thank you for good service with a few extra bucks. But scratch beneath the surface, and you’ll find a fascinating hidden economy pulsing within your restaurant. This ecosystem connects everyone, from the strategic minds of the operators to the tireless hands of the dishwashers. Continue reading to learn how tipping impacts each “haus” in your restaurant and might have a bigger impact on your employee retention than you think.

Operators: The Big Picture Planners

What it Means: For restaurant operators, tipping is an integral part of the financial structure. It directly influences labor costs, payroll, and overall profitability. Tipping policies can significantly impact hiring practices, employee retention, and customer satisfaction.

The Role: Operators establish and enforce tipping policies, ensuring they comply with local laws and industry standards. They also consider how tipping fits into their broader business model and financial planning, making strategic decisions to support long-term success.

How They Receive Tips: Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), tips are considered the property of the employees who receive them. This federal regulation explicitly prohibits owners, operators, and supervisors from retaining any part of the employees’ tips.

Managers: Leading Tip Distribution Efforts

What it Means: For managers, tipping is both a benefit and a challenge. It boosts employee morale and encourages excellent service, but managing and distributing tips can be complicated. This process often involves detailed and time-consuming calculations, tracking shifts, and ensuring fairness.

The Role: Managers are responsible for ensuring that tips are fairly distributed among staff. They must also balance this with other duties such as inventory management and scheduling, making their role critical in maintaining both operational efficiency and staff satisfaction.

How They Receive Tips: Managers are not allowed to keep any portion of employee tips, regardless of how tips are distributed (directly or through a tip pool). This applies even if tipped employees make at least the federal minimum wage and the restaurant doesn’t take a tip credit.

Front of House: The Face of the Restaurant

What it Means: For front-of-house staff (servers, bartenders, hosts), tips constitute a major portion of their income. These tips incentivize employees to provide outstanding service, directly impacting their earnings and customer satisfaction.

The Role: These employees interact directly with customers, shaping their dining experience. They need to be personable, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu to maximize their tips, making their role essential to both customer satisfaction and their income.

How They Receive Tips: Front-of-house staff can receive tips in various ways, including cash tips directly from customers, tips added to credit card payments, and tips distributed through tip pooling systems.

Learn more about understanding tipped employee rights.

Back of House: Essential Contributors to Restaurant Excellence

What it Means: For back-of-house staff (chefs, line cooks, dishwashers), the connection to tipping is less direct. They usually don’t receive individual tips, but their work is vital to the overall quality of service. Some restaurants implement tip pooling to ensure these critical team members also benefit from tips.

The Role: Back-of-house staff are responsible for preparing and presenting high-quality dishes. Their efficiency and skill directly affect the dining experience, which in turn impacts the tips received by the front-of-house staff.

How They Receive Tips: Generally, back-of-house staff like cooks and dishwashers are ineligible unless the restaurant pays tipped employees the full minimum wage without a tip credit. However, there’s some leeway for certain roles that interact with customers, like hosts or food runners. Consulting court cases like Kilgore v. Outback Steakhouse (hosts) or Budrow v. Dave & Busters (bartenders who don’t serve tables directly) can provide more specific examples.

Payroll: Ensuring Tip Accuracy

What it Means: For the payroll department, tipping adds complexity to their responsibilities. They must ensure accurate and timely distribution of tips while complying with tax laws and accounting standards.

The Role: Payroll professionals track tips, calculate taxes, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their role is crucial in maintaining fairness and accuracy in tip distribution, ensuring that all employees are compensated correctly.

How They Receive Tips: Payroll employees do not receive tips as their role does not involve direct customer interaction that typically earns gratuities. Their focus remains on ensuring that tips are accurately distributed to eligible employees in compliance with all regulations.

The Solution: TipHaus Revolutionizes Tipping Management

Each of these roles faces unique challenges related to tipping. What if there was a solution to streamline the process and protect your restaurant from legal liability for everyone involved?

Introducing TipHaus.

TipHaus is a revolutionary tip calculation and distribution system designed to simplify the process for everyone:

Owners/Operators will experience significant time savings, ensured compliance, and consistent support, ultimately saving money and reducing operational headaches.

Hear what Marty Hillis, Director of Operations for The Ram has to say about TipHaus!

After switching to TipHaus from Gratuity Solutions, I don’t have to verify anything manually. There is 0 room for error and no need for concerns about compliance with legal requirements. TipHaus is an operational dream for any multi-unit restaurant management.”

Managers will appreciate the time saved by automating tip calculations with customizable rules applied directly to sales data.

Our tip structures were complex, and frankly, we weren’t sure if TipHaus could handle them, but after the trial, it was a clear winner. We used to spend 8 hours a week manually calculating tips. Now, it takes just 20 minutes a day! TipHaus is incredibly customizable and works seamlessly. Plus, the remote access is fantastic – we can make adjustments

from anywhere, even our phones. We’re thrilled with TipHaus and highly recommend it to businesses of all sizes. If you are wasting time in spreadsheets, you won’t regret it!” –Diego Decordova, General Manager for Gage Hospitality Group

Payroll departments will benefit from the ease of uploading a single report for quick and accurate employee payouts.

See how TipHaus impacts payroll from Jean-Pierre Mouren-Laurens, VP of Finance at Wood Ranch.

We’ve experienced remarkable efficiency gains in managing our tip program. With TipHaus, our managers and team members save over 35 hours of manual labor per month at each location. This goes beyond streamlining operations. TipHaus has freed up our time by eliminating the need to secure cash for daily tip-outs, empowered us to boost team member retention through fair tip distribution and service charges, and reduced our compliance risks, cash handling costs, and labor expenses!

Employees will enjoy transparency and rapid access to their earned tips, often receiving credit card tips the next day.

TipHaus integrates seamlessly with your restaurant’s existing systems, transforming the tipping process into a smooth, automated operation. By eliminating manual calculations and ensuring fair tip distribution, TipHaus enhances efficiency, compliance, and employee satisfaction.

Embrace tipping automation with TipHaus and say goodbye to the complexities of tip management. Welcome a new era of simplicity, accuracy, and fairness in your restaurant’s tipping practices.

Discover how TipHaus can transform your restaurant’s tip distribution.

Click here to explore the platform.