SOUTHEAST FLOODING UPDATES
On April 13, 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 23-65, declaring a state of emergency for Broward County due to severe flooding and rainfall. The latest updates on state agency resource deployment are available on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website.
For information about FEMA assistance, visit the City of Fort Lauderdale Flood Advisory website.
All businesses affected by the flooding are encouraged to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assist local, state, and federal officials understand the economic cost of the flooding
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The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has partnered with the Florida Small Business Development Centers Network and CareerSource Broward to support business affected by the flooding. Business consultants and DEO employees are available at CareerSource Broward locations to assist business owners and dislocated workers with Emergency Bridge Loan Applications, Re-Employment Assistance, Business Continuity Planning, and SBA Loan Applications.
BUSINESS RESOURCE UPDATES
Emergency Bridge Loan
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $5 million available for businesses impacted by flooding in Southeast Florida.
Businesses in Broward County, including sole proprietors, are eligible to apply. Florida’s small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.
SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to businesses and residents affected by the severe storms and flooding on April 12-14. The Disaster declaration covers Broward, Collier, Hendry, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Businesses and private non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, or other business assets. Applicants may apply online using the SBA electronic loan application and searching for disaster #FL-00186.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) 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 the flooding in Broward County 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 the flooding in Broward County are encouraged to submit a claim at www.FloridaJobs.org.
Rapid Response Team
Following a natural or other disaster, CareerSource Florida Rapid Response Coordinators work with employers to prevent or minimize the impacts of layoffs on workers, businesses, and communities. Rapid Response ensures immediate access to affected workers to help them quickly re-enter the workforce and plays an important role in providing customer-focused services to both dislocated workers and employers. Visit your local CareerSource Florida location to learn more about Rapid Response Services.
U-Haul
U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage at its Coconut Creek location to residents impacted by the substantial flooding to parts of Broward County this week.
People seeking more information or needing to arrange 30 days of free self-storage should contact: U-Haul Moving & Storage of Coconut Creek or call 954-428-7369.
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The Business Emergency Operations Center has been activated to response to business and industry concerns. Call the Private Sector Hotline at 850-815-4925 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday or email ESF18@EM.MyFlorida.com with questions about business recovery from the flooding.
HURRICANE IAN UPDATES
***If you are a business that has updates or wants to help, please email ESF18@em.myflorida.com or call (850) 815-4925.***
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are accessible facilities and mobile offices you can visit to learn more about FEMA and other disaster assistance programs. You may also visit to ask questions about your case. DRCs are set up in convenient areas after a disaster to make them easier to find. The DRC Locator helps you find the hours, services, and locations of DRCs near you.
A DRC may be able to help you:
- Apply for assistance. You may also Apply for FEMA Assistance online or Apply/Check your status by phone 1-800-621-3362.
- Learn more about disaster assistance programs.
- Learn the status of your FEMA application.
- Understand any letters you get from FEMA.
- Find housing and rental assistance information.
- Get answers to questions or resolve problems.
- Get referrals to agencies that may offer other assistance.
- Learn about Small Business Administration (SBA) programs.
BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTERS
Business Recovery Centers are a coordinated effort between the SBA and local business resources to assist businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
PRIVATE PARTNER UPDATES
VIEW OPEN/CLOSED PRIVATE BUSINESSES HERE
VIEW PHARMACY CLOSURES HERE
State Partner Updates:
Florida Department of Children and Families
First Lady has worked with the State Disaster Recovery Mental Health Coordinator, Sara Newhouse, to compile a webpage of resources to help first responders navigate resources for mental health needs post hurricane. To visit the site, click here. Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):
- DBPR is coordinating with wholesale distributors of prescription drugs and medical gases to provide exceptions for the emergency distribution of these critical supplies.
- The Disaster Contractors Network contains a list of licensed contractors that can be searched by contractor name, county, and type. This can be found at, www.DCNonline.org
USDA
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters, or
quarantine.
- Emergency loan funds may be used to:
• Restore or replace essential property;
• Pay all or part of production costs associated with
the disaster year;
• Pay essential family living expenses;
• Reorganize the farming operation; and
• Refinance certain debts.
- More information is available here.
VISIT FLORIDA:
Volunteer Florida:
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing):
- Florida Housing has ensured that all current listings are up to date in the event that families need to quickly relocate at www.FloridaHousingSearch.org.
- Each SHIP office has an adopted disaster strategy that allows for assistance in the immediate aftermath of a declared disaster. Strategies may include temporary relocation and rental assistance, debris removal, and short-term repairs to prevent further damage to the structure or to allow for occupancy until further repairs are made.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
- The FRLA has been working with Chick-fil-A, Firehouse Subs, Burger King, McDonald’s, 4Rivers, Texas Roadhouse, Culver’s, Popeyes, Benihana, Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Great Southern, Darden, Brinker, Red Lobster, Waffle House, Bloomin Brands to bring food assistance to impacted areas.
Enterprise Florida:
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Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) is in regular communication with seaport, rail, airport, fuel, and power providers to coordinate between public and private sector partners ensuring that assistance, goods, and services during and are being delivered.
- Enterprise Florida activated its Disaster Assistance page with a list of state and federal resources available for businesses to utilize in their mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
CareerSource Florida:
- CareerSource Florida is assessing needs at local workforce development board partners in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian
- CareerSource Florida is working with DEO to support recovery efforts and help connect affected residents with temporary employment and other recovery assistance. To find your local career center, visit Find Your Local Team or Career Center Directory.
- CareerSource Southwest Florida centers in Fort Myers, Immokalee, Clewiston, Naples, Port Charlotte are open and operational Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Information on disaster recovery resources and mobile career center locations are available at www.careersourcesouthwestflorida.com/disaster-recovery-information/.
- CareerSource South Florida and CareerSource Pasco Hernando locations have deployed mobile units to the Fort Myers Disaster Recovery Centers.
- CareerSource Southwest Florida has deployed volunteers to the Disaster Recovery Center to assist impacted individuals.
- To look for employment opportunities to help rebuild Florida's communities impacted by Hurricane Ian or to post Disaster Recovery Jobs Portal at DisasterRecovery.EmployFlorida.com.
The following state agencies have issued waivers:
- The Florida Department of Transportation - size and weight restrictions.
- The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles - hours of service.
To obtain a copy of a State Agency Waiver, email ESF18@EM.MyFlorida.com
Road Conditions and Closures:
For current road conditions and closures, visit www.FL511.com.
Report Price Gouging:
Report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General HERE.