Florida launches $10M emergency loan fund with zero interest for small businesses
Florida just opened a $10M emergency loan fund for storm recovery.
The short version
- Eligible businesses can borrow up to $100k at zero interest.
- You must repay every dollar within 12 months.
- Applications run through November 25, 2026.
- Check the FloridaCommerce site to apply before funds run out.
Florida small businesses dealing with storm recovery can now tap a $10M emergency loan fund. The Florida Department of Commerce activated the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to provide immediate cash flow. Borrowers can get up to $100k per business, and up to $150k for agricultural and aquacultural sectors, according to LatiNation.
The money carries a 0% interest rate, but there is a major catch. This is not a grant or a forgivable subsidy. Every borrower must repay the full amount within a strict 12-month period.
To qualify, you need a minimum credit score of 600, at least 51% ownership, and a workforce between 1 and 100 employees. You must also sign as a personal guarantor and submit complete tax records and financial statements. State officials will process applications through November 25, 2026, or until funds run out.
Borrowers often use later U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans to pay off the state bridge loan, but you carry the risk if federal funds do not arrive in time. Review your cash flow carefully before taking on a 12-month debt clock.
Photo: The Bushranger, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
