FloridaCommerce, in collaboration with the State Emergency Response Team (SERT), has launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate the impact of Hurricane Milton. This initiative allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages they have experienced due to the hurricane. The data collected will help the state streamline recovery efforts by understanding the needs of affected businesses.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued an executive order to expand the state of emergency in Florida, as Tropical Storm Milton approaches. The decision, outlined in Executive Order 24-215, increases the number of counties under a state of emergency from 35 to 51.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-215, amending a previous order to increase the number of Florida counties under a state of emergency due to Tropical Storm Milton. The new order raises the count from 35 to 51 counties.
FloridaCommerce has announced that $60 million is now available to aid local governments affected by Hurricane Helene through the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This funding initiative follows recent legislative changes, including the passage of SB 1420 during the 2024 Legislative Session and its subsequent signing into law by Governor DeSantis. The legislation extends the loan repayment period to ten years, offering increased flexibility for communities recovering from disasters.
FloridaCommerce has joined forces with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida to establish One-Stop Business Resource Sites in 17 counties affected by Hurricane Helene. These sites will offer in-person assistance for businesses and employees seeking recovery resources from Tuesday, October 1, through Wednesday, October 9.
Florida's agricultural industry will be prominently featured at the upcoming 2024 Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Georgia, scheduled from October 15 to 17. The Sunbelt Ag Expo is a significant agricultural tradeshow that attracts over 80,000 attendees annually and is recognized as "North America's Premier Farm Show." This event includes various agriculture exhibits, contests, educational opportunities, and entertainment.
FloridaCommerce has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. This assistance is aimed at those whose employment or self-employment was disrupted due to the hurricane and who do not qualify for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.
TALLAHASSEE – After nearly eight years at The James Madison Institute, Logan Padgett has been promoted to Senior Vice President. The staff and Board of Directors congratulated her on this advancement.
Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida TaxWatch has released a report titled "From Roads to Roots: A Review of Florida’s Highway Landscape Spending," advocating for the establishment of an upper limit on landscape spending by the legislature. The report acknowledges the value of highway landscaping and suggests that policies should be implemented to better protect investments in this area.
Tallahassee, Fla., September 11, 2024 – Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. announced the selected books for the Commissioner’s Book of the Month for September. This initiative is part of a monthly reading challenge aimed at promoting literacy and engagement in preK-12 schools. Each month, Commissioner Diaz highlights five recommended books, one for each selected grade range.
Tallahassee, FL—Today, FloridaCommerce launched the Spousal License Reciprocity Matrix, a comprehensive reference tool designed to assist military spouses in transferring, renewing, or reissuing professional licenses necessary for employment after relocating to Florida. The matrix can be accessed online.
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the preservation of more than 386 acres of working agricultural land in Heart Bar Ranch, Osceola County, through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The land is being preserved through a rural land protection easement valued at $2,600,000.
Florida farmers and ranchers affected by Hurricane Helene can now apply for interest-free loans through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. These loans are available to eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, such as fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings. They can also be used to remove vegetative debris.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), was inducted into the Florida Tourism Hall of Fame during the Chairman’s Dinner at the annual VISIT FLORIDA Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Tampa. The induction recognizes individuals "whose vision, creativity, and drive have had a positive and significant impact on the development of Florida as a desirable visitor destination."
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is organizing a rule development workshop to gather public input on potential modifications to existing manatee protection zones in Levy County. The workshop will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on September 5, at the Inglis Community Center, located at 137 Highway 40 West in Inglis.
Today, the Florida Chamber Foundation released its 2024 Florida Business & Economic Mid-Year Report, an analysis of local and national economic data impacting the way Florida conducts business. This annual mid-year report aims to inform Florida leaders about the state's economic conditions, guiding them through the remainder of the year as they plan and budget for 2025. While Florida is creating one in every eleven new U.S. jobs and adding approximately 750 net new residents daily, focusing on key areas will help maintain this momentum.
Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis have announced the launch of "Activate Hope," an extension of the Hope Florida initiative designed to aid Floridians in disaster recovery. This program aims to unite private sector, nonprofit, and government resources to assist residents with necessities such as food, household goods, and home repairs.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson has announced the approval of the first loan for Florida farmers affected by Hurricane Debby. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to those impacted by the hurricane's devastating effects on agriculture.