FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) have launched the Business Damage Assessment Survey to address the impacts of Hurricane Helene. This survey allows business owners to report both physical and economic damages caused by the hurricane.
Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Major General John D. Haas and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Purdue, provided updates on Hurricane Helene's approach at the State Emergency Operations Center. As of 8:00 am ET, Hurricane Helene has intensified to a Category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of 100 mph. It is expected to strengthen further before making landfall on the Florida Big Bend coast tonight.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 24-209, amending the previous Executive Order 24-208, to increase the number of Florida counties under a state of emergency to 61 due to Potential Tropical Cyclone Nine.
At 9:30 AM today, Governor Ron DeSantis, alongside Kevin Guthrie, Executive Director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM), held a press conference at the State Emergency Operations Center to provide updates on Tropical Storm Helene. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209 on September 24, updating EO 24-208 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This declaration allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential storm impacts.
FloridaCommerce announced today that the Fort Lauderdale metro area led all metro areas in job gains over the year in several industry sectors for August 2024. The sectors with notable increases include government (+4,500 jobs), other services (+4,400 jobs), and trade, transportation, and utilities (+4,300 jobs). The private sector employment in the Fort Lauderdale area reached 823,000 in August 2024, marking an increase of 20,200 jobs or a growth rate of 2.5% over the previous year.
FloridaCommerce has announced that the state's private sector job growth continues to surpass the national average, with a 2.1% increase over the year since August 2023, compared to the national rate of 1.4%. This achievement is attributed to strategic investments in workforce education and development.
FloridaCommerce has approved over $3.2 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. As of now, 82 businesses have been approved for these funds, with more applications being processed daily.
FloridaCommerce has announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to Florida businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to Hurricane Debby. This assistance is specifically for those who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Affected individuals are encouraged to submit claims at FloridaJobs.org.
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.
FloridaCommerce has awarded over $6 million to various organizations through the Non-Custodial Parent Employment Program (NCPEP). The funding aims to help Floridians achieve self-sufficiency and improve their ability to consistently meet child support payments. Nine organizations will use these funds to provide employment assistance, job training, and other supportive services.
FloridaCommerce announced today that funding is available through the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant and Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant programs to benefit military communities and installations across the state. Applications will be accepted until October 4, 2024, with further details accessible on the Office of Military and Defense’s Military Community Programs page.
FloridaCommerce announced the availability of over $25 million in community development funding through the Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The funds are designated for economic development, commercial and neighborhood revitalization, and other infrastructure improvements. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Recently, Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly joined Governor Ron DeSantis to meet with several business leaders in Dublin, Ireland, to discuss investment and research opportunities in Florida’s innovation economy. Both Florida and Ireland are recognized for their rapidly accelerating economies.
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 are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
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.
TITUSVILLE, Fla.— Governor Ron DeSantis awarded over $5.8 million to the Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF). The funding will support roadway infrastructure by creating direct access from the Space Coast Innovation Park to the Space Coast Regional Airport. The JGGF award aims to expand business opportunities in the park and is estimated to create more than 900 jobs.
FloridaCommerce announced today that the Jacksonville area’s total private sector employment increased by 15,500 jobs (+2.2%) over the year in July 2024. The Jacksonville Metro Area’s labor force saw a modest increase of 1,972 (+0.2%) during the same period.