Time is running out for Florida small business owners and nonprofits still reeling from the economic impact of last spring’s severe drought and heat wave. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final reminder that the deadline to apply for low-interest federal disaster loans is January 5.
The financial aid targets economic losses stemming from the extreme weather conditions that struck the region around March 11, 2025. While the heat has passed, the financial holes left in balance sheets often remain.
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are designed specifically to bridge that gap. Unlike standard loans, these funds are available for working capital needs—essentially keeping the lights on. Businesses can use the money to cover fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other operating bills that couldn’t be paid due to the disaster’s disruption.
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An organization does not need to have suffered physical property damage to qualify.
“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”
Who is Eligible?
The disaster declaration covers a wide swath of the state. Eligible applicants include small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations (PNPs) located in the following counties:
Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, and Volusia.
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Important Exclusions
While small aquaculture enterprises can apply, the program is generally not open to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers. Those groups typically rely on separate assistance programs through the Department of Agriculture.
Business owners in the affected counties have until January 5 to submit their applications for economic injury assistance.
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