Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced the approval of the first Hurricane Debby recovery loan through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. The application process was launched on August 9, 2024, to assist eligible Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers in rebuilding and recovering from Hurricane Debby. This loan approval comes just 15 days after Hurricane Debby made landfall in Florida.
"Time is of the essence when it comes to helping our farmers, ranchers, and growers recover and rebuild from natural disasters like Hurricane Debby. While federal relief can take months, or even years, Florida is stepping up to provide immediate financial support,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program is designed to help get our producers back on their feet quickly, ensuring that Florida agriculture remains resilient and that our food supply chain stays strong."
Impacted producers are encouraged to document any property damage sustained from Hurricane Debby with photos and save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.
Producers previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Idalia are eligible to apply for damages sustained from this disaster as well. The program continues accepting applications from producers impacted by Hurricane Idalia until August 29, 2024.
During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, providing $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recovering from natural disasters.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.