FEMA has activated the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program for residents in 52 Florida counties and members of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians affected by Hurricane Helene or Hurricane Milton.
Today, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) and FloridaCommerce have collaborated with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) to waive no-pet policies at lodging establishments in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. This initiative is directed by Governor DeSantis to ensure that Floridians in evacuation zones can bring their pets along as they seek shelter.
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.
FloridaCommerce has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing $15 million to aid businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. The program is open to small business owners in various counties across Florida, including sole proprietors. These areas encompass Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry and Hernando among others.
On September 29, 2024, under the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) filed Emergency Order 2024-08 to streamline Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and remove barriers for businesses affected by the storm.
Today, FloridaCommerce and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey in response to Hurricane Helene. Business owners can self-report physical and economic damage caused by Hurricane Helene. Survey responses will allow the state to expedite Hurricane Helene recovery efforts by gathering data and assessing the needs of impacted businesses.
Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-209, amending a previous order to expand the state of emergency in Florida to 61 counties ahead of Hurricane Helene.
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."
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 who are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits. Eligible Floridians are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) has endorsed Representative Tom Leek, a Republican from Ormond Beach, for the Florida Senate District 7 seat. Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, stated, "On behalf of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association and Florida’s premier hospitality and tourism industry, I am proud to endorse Representative Tom Leek for Florida’s open seat in Senate District 7." She highlighted Leek's leadership in promoting business-friendly policies and his role in advancing the state's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia affected by Hurricane Debby. Affected taxpayers now have until February 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
Governor DeSantis announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Debby. Florida small business owners in need of assistance, including sole proprietors, are encouraged to visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Debby. Interested applicants can apply now through September...
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.
FloridaCommerce has approved more than $2.1 million in funding through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to assist small businesses affected by recent flooding in South Florida. To date, 66 businesses have been approved to receive these funds as a temporary financial solution while they await other sources of funding, such as insurance claims. Applications continue to be processed daily.
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TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), a prominent hospitality trade association in the state, issued a statement following Governor Ron DeSantis' veto of SB 280. The bill was designed to establish fairness between hotels and unregulated short-term rentals across Florida.
Tipping might seem like a simple exchange—a thank you for good service with a few extra dollars. However, beneath the surface lies a complex economy that impacts everyone in a restaurant, from operators to dishwashers. Understanding how tipping affects each role can reveal its significant impact on employee retention.
Following severe weather that impacted North Florida on May 10, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-94, declaring a state of emergency in twelve counties. The counties affected are Baker, Columbia, Gadsden, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, and Wakulla.
FloridaCommerce has announced the activation of the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, with $2 million allocated for businesses affected by recent severe weather in North Florida. The program aims to provide short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that have experienced economic injury or physical damage due to the tornadoes in May.