FloridaCommerce has approved over $1.5 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses affected by Hurricane Debby. So far, 42 businesses have been approved to receive these funds, which are intended to provide temporary financial relief while awaiting other sources of funding such as insurance.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida's unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 45 consecutive months. In July 2024, Florida's statewide unemployment rate was 3.3%, which was one percentage point lower than the national rate of 4.3%. Additionally, Florida's private sector employment grew by 201,500 jobs (+2.3%) over the year since July 2023, outpacing the national rate of 1.5% over the same period.
FloridaCommerce has announced that the Miami metro area gained the most private sector jobs among all metro areas over the year in July 2024. The region saw an increase of 35,400 jobs, marking a 3.1% rise.
On August 15, 2024, FloridaCommerce awarded technical assistance and planning grant funding to 25 Florida communities, including 20 small and rural communities, to foster economic growth. The grants, totaling over $1.5 million through the Community Planning Technical Assistance (CPTA) and Competitive Florida Partnership programs, will support various job creation strategies.
FloridaCommerce has awarded more than $11 million to 15 local education, workforce, and community development partners across Florida through the ConnectedFlorida’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). These funds aim to enhance broadband internet access and support digital literacy, education, training, mentorship, and employment opportunities in various communities.
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.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis awarded $8 million to Miami-Dade County through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund (JGGF) to support roadway infrastructure at Miami Freedom Park. The JGGF award aims to expand business opportunities in the park and create more than 1,800 jobs.
Governor Ron DeSantis Visits Taylor County to Provide Storm Updates, Survey Hurricane Damage, and Bring Support for Residents Following Hurricane Debby
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Debby. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Debby. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Debby recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Depression Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-157 on August 2, amending EO 24-156 and declaring a state of emergency for 61 counties. This allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
On August 1, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156, declaring a state of emergency in numerous counties across Florida in preparation for Invest 97L's projected landfall. The counties affected include Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette Lake Lee Leon Levy Liberty Madison Manatee Marion Monroe Nassau Okaloosa Orange Osceola Pasco Pinellas Polk Putnam Santa Rosa Sarasota...
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) continues to monitor and prepare for potential impacts from Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-156 on August 1, declaring a state of emergency for 54 counties, which allows state officials to make critical resources available to communities ahead of any potential areas that the storm may impact.
Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order (EO) 24-157, amending the previously declared EO 24-156 to include seven additional counties under a state of emergency due to the impending threat posed by Potential Tropical Cyclone Four. The amendment follows the National Hurricane Center's advisory, which upgraded Invest 97L to Potential Tropical Cyclone Four.
FloridaCommerce has announced the availability of $20 million in funding for rural communities in Florida through the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF). The initiative aims to support infrastructure projects that encourage job creation, capital investment, and economic strengthening in these areas. Since 2019, the RIF has awarded over $87 million for 121 projects.
The Florida Housing Finance Corporation announced today that the Florida Hometown Heroes Housing program has provided over $50 million in down payment and closing cost assistance to help Florida’s workforce purchase homes. Since the launch of the third cycle of funding on July 1, 2024, the program has allocated a total of $61.3 million to 3,745 families across the state. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, nurses, teachers, and law enforcement officers are among the primary beneficiaries.