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.
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.
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.
***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:
Business Recovery Centers are a coordinated effort between the SBA and local business resources to assist businesses that were impacted by Hurricane Ian.
VIEW OPEN/CLOSED PRIVATE BUSINESSES
VIEW PHARMACY CLOSURES
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. Mental health resources for individuals and communities are available at MyFLFamilies.com/HurricaneIan.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR):
USDA
VISIT FLORIDA:
Volunteer Florida:
Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing):
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Enterprise Florida:
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.
CareerSource Florida:
The following state agencies have issued waivers:
To obtain a copy of a State Agency Waiver, email ESF18@EM.MyFlorida.com
For current road conditions and closures, visit www.FL511.com.
Report price gouging to the Florida Attorney General.