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October 11, 2026
FloridaCommerce Activates the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, Making $10 Million Available for Businesses Impacted by Hurricane Isaias
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.— Today, FloridaCommerce activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, making $10 million available for businesses impacted by Hurricane Isaias. Florida small business owners in need of assistance are encouraged to visit FloridaJobs.org/
The program provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Isaias. Interested applicants can apply now through November 25, 2026, or until all available funds are exhausted.
Eligible small businesses may apply for loans of up to $100,000 through the program. Loans of up to $150,000 are available for agriculture and aquaculture small businesses. Loans approved through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program are intended to “bridge the gap” between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business has secured longer term recovery funding, such as federally or commercially available loans, insurance claims, or other resources.
Loans made under this program are short-term, zero-interest, personal loans using State of Florida funds. They are not grants and loans must be repaid by the approved applicant.
FloridaCommerce administers the Emergency Bridge Loan Program alongside its fiscal administrator, Florida First Capital Finance Corporation.
Visit FloridaJobs.org/
If you need additional assistance with your business, please call the private sector hotline at 850-815-4925, open daily, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., or email ESF18@em.myflorida.
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Insurance News
Florida construction industry faces worker shortage crisis as demand outpaces supply
Tue, November 4, 2025
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- The Florida construction industry is facing a major crisis.
The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Florida says if something isn't done, there could be a shortage of nearly two-million construction workers over the next decade.
One organization in Northwest Florida is taking action now to try and help fill that gap. They are increasing the number of scholarships, but WEAR News was told there are still too few students showing interest.
As Florida's construction industry booms, the workforce behind it is struggling to keep up. According to the ABC Florida, the industry needs 439,000 new workers by the end of the year to meet the existing demand.
"It's not a surprise whatsoever," said Mary Jordan.
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The stabilized market stems from insurance reforms at the state level. Not everyone will reap the benefits of lower rates. The great state of Florida surrounded by the Atlantic and the Gulf, making it a higher risk for property owners.
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Mary Jordan, with Gulf Coast Insurance and the Homebuilders Association of West Florida,
Gulf Breeze Police arrest two 19-year-old men under Florida's new 'Super Speeder' law
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WEAR News obtained the body camera footage of two 19-year-old men, Hayden Wallace and Noah Young, who were racing last week on Highway 98.
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3 new Florida laws aim to mitigate homeowners' rising property insurance costs
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Gulf Coast Insurance owner voted as new Escambia County Contractor Competency Board member
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ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. -- A new member will sit on the Escambia County Contractor Competency Board in November.
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