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.
The program targets counties eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, as determined by a Federal Disaster Declaration issued earlier this week. Eligible counties include Charlotte, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Leon, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Suwannee, Taylor and Wakulla.
FloridaCommerce Secretary J. Alex Kelly expressed gratitude for the support provided by Governor DeSantis and the Legislature. "We’re grateful for Governor DeSantis’ leadership and the Legislature’s support in making these funds available to provide the most impacted counties and cities," said Kelly. He emphasized that these resources are vital for maintaining or expanding services necessary to assist constituents during recovery efforts.
The funding aims to assist rural and smaller local governments with costs related to disaster response needs such as staff salaries and expected revenue loss. According to Florida Statutes: “A local government may use loan funds only to continue local governmental operations or to expand or modify such operations to meet disaster-related needs.”
Loans offered under this program are zero-interest using State of Florida funds. Interested applicants must complete their applications within one year following a disaster declaration (from September 29, 2024), with priority given on a first-come-first-served basis.
Further information about the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Program can be found at www.FloridaJobs.org/LocalGovernmentBridge.