Hurricane Idalia: Prepare & Recover

09/05/23

Financial Assistance for Businesses:

1. Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program: The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program provides short-term, zero-interest working capital loans that 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.

- Available Funds: $20 million has been allocated to assist businesses impacted by the hurricane.

- Eligibility: Florida-based small businesses

- How to Apply: Visit https://www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to fill out the online application.

2. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans

- Interest Rate: Loans at low-interest rates to cover property damage and economic injury.

- Eligibility: Businesses and residents in Florida

- How to Apply: Go to SBA’s secure application portal at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/ and apply under SBA declaration #18118.

- **Support**: Guidance on how to fill out the application is available.

Career and Employment Assistance:

1. Careersource Citrus Levy Marion Mobile Career Center

- Location: Citrus County Chamber office, 915 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River

- Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the week, including Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4.

- Services:

• Fee-free job search assistance
• Help filing for Reemployment Assistance (unemployment compensation)
• Assistance filing for SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program)

- Facilities: Equipped with computer workstations, internet access, and office equipment.

Data Collection & Assessment:

1. Business Damage Assessment Survey by FloridaCommerce & SERT

- Purpose: The data collected will inform state recovery initiatives and expedite federal assistance.

- How to Participate: Visit FloridaDisaster.biz https://www.floridadisaster.biz/ and select “Hurricane Idalia” from the dropdown menu.

Hotlines and Contact Information:

1. FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline

- Purpose: For inquiries related to business recovery efforts and available aid.

- Contact: 850-815-4925 (available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

- Email for Further Inquiries: ESF18@em.myflorida.com

2. Citrus County Growth Management’s Building Division

- Services: Providing property assessments, assisting with emergency repair permits.

- Contact: Call 352-527-5310 for inquiries.

Storage & Logistics:

1. 1. U-HAUL Free Storage

- Offer: 30 days of free self-storage or U-Box container use for storing goods.

- Eligibility: Available to anyone affected by Hurricane Idalia.

- How to Access: Visit the U-Haul website at https://bit.ly/3Ehal49) to find a participating location near you.

Fee Waivers and Donations:

1. Visa Interchange Fee Waiver & Donation Matching

- Fee Waiver: Interchange fees are waived for all donations made to the Florida Disaster Fund.

- Donation Matching: Visa will match any employee donations made towards Florida disaster relief efforts.

2. Amazon Gift Cards & Supplies

- Recipient: Nonprofits working on disaster relief

- What's Included: Gift cards and supplies like water, clothing, and food.

Communication:

1. Comcast Xfinity WiFi Hotspots

- Locations: 141,000 hotspots across Florida

- How to Access: Visit Xfinity's location map at https://xfinity.com/wifi) to find a hotspot. Free for everyone, including non-Xfinity customers.

2. Verizon Fee Waiver

- Waiver Period: August 30 - September 13

- Services: All prepaid and postpaid domestic call/text/data fees will be waived for residents in the most impacted areas.

Local Regulations & Contractors:

1. Temporary 72-hour Permit Grace Period

- What: Citrus County Growth Management allows emergency repairs without immediate permits.

- How: Apply for the required permit within 72 hours of initiating the repair.

2. Florida Disaster Contractors Network

- For Contractors: Register at DCNOnline.org to provide post-storm construction-related services.

- For Homeowners: Use the same website to find licensed contractors in your area for repairs.

Insurance & Realty:

1. OIR Informational Memorandum

- Details: Guidelines for insurance companies on disaster preparedness and response.

- Document: Available online at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLOIR/bulletins/36d2bc8.

2. Florida Realtors Disaster Relief Fund

- Eligibility: Realtors, their employees, and staff of local associations.

- How to Apply: More information on the application process can be found online https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2023/08/florida-realtors-disaster-relief-fund-qa