Hurricane Milton Resources

Updates from FloridaCommerce: 

FloridaCommerce has activated the following programs to assist Florida small businesses affected by Hurricane Milton:

Business Damage Assessment Survey, which helps state and federal officials determine the need for assistance and expedite recovery resources. If your business was impacted, please complete the online survey at https://floridadisaster.biz/.../BusinessDamageAssessments...

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, which provides short-term, zero-interest working capital that is intended to bridge the gap between the time of disaster and when businesses are able to secure long-term resources.

For more information and eligibility requirements, visit

https://sbdctampabay.com/business-continuity-disaster...

FEMA Assistance:

Polk County is included in FEMA-4834-DR for individual assistance.

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.

To learn more about navigating hurricane season, residents can visit

FloridaDisaster.org

For updates on county resources available visit FloridaDisaster.org/Counties for a list of all 67 county emergency management contacts. 

Business Preparedness resources from the CFDC: 



Click HERE

United Community Relief Fund Activated:

Our community partners GiveWell Community Foundation and United Way of Central Florida have activated the United Community Relief fund to provide assistance with recovery following the storm. Their teams are working to evaluate local nonprofits to assess damage and determine community needs.

If you feel called to give, please visit https://secure.qgiv.com/.../United+Community+Relief+Fund

Other Resources for Florida Residents Resources

The Florida Disaster Contractors Network activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network.

Additionally, the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has disaster relief resources and information for Floridians in need of housing options and other housing related support.

Florida Commerce Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance is Available to Floridians Impacted by Hurricane Milton

Tallahassee, FL –

Today, FloridaCommerce announced that Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Milton 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 Milton are encouraged to submit a claim at FloridaJobs.org .

FEMA Disater Assistance for Polk County Citizens

The major disaster declaration for Florida includes Polk County, allowing citizens access to FEMA aid.

Residents can get aid including grants for housing and home repairs. Assistance for business owners can include low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

All eligible applicants are required to submit an application within 30 days of a Presidential Disaster Declaration to receive assistance.

Citizens can apply for aid by registering online or by calling 1-800-621- 3362 or by using the FEMA App.

Insurance Village 

Insurance companies are coming together to establish an 'insurance village' to help those impacted by Hurricane Milton with the process of filing claims. This resource is to assist individuals with insurance claims ONLY. 

RP Funding Center - Sikes Hall (701 W Lime St., Lakeland, FL)



Opens Tuesday, October 15th, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning Wednesday, October 16th, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.