Bilirakis and Other Lawmakers Request Extension of Deadline for Florida Small Business Owners to Apply for Federal Aid and Urge SBA Fund to Be Quickly Replenished

Washington, DC: Representatives Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) and Laurel Lee (FL-15) are urging federal officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to grant additional flexibility that would allow local small business owners more time to file for federal aid. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the residents and businesses of Florida's west coast have been working diligently to rebuild their lives and livelihoods as quickly as possible. However, the SBA requires physical damage reporting by local governments in order for the impacted parties to be eligible for a SBA Disaster Assistance loan. Those impacted by Helene currently have until November 27, 2024, to report physical damage assessments, and those impacted by Milton required to do so prior to December 10, 2024. Unfortunately, the back-to-back natural disasters have caused unique challenges which slowed the ability for some local governments to quickly assess hurricane damage. Further complicating the situation is that fluvial flooding stemming from the hurricanes took weeks after the storm's initial landfall to crest, with many areas remaining underwater and many residents still displaced. Given the unique dynamics of these incidents, Bilirakis and Lee are requesting a thirty- day deadline extension for each storm. To read a full copy of the lawmakers' letter, click here.

Additionally, Bilirakis was part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers who have asked House and Senate leadership to expedite replenishment of the SBA fund as part of an emergency supplemental appropriations package. Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused devastating damage to Florida's 12th District and across the southeast. As a result, the SBA has exhausted its disaster loan program funds, leaving small businesses without the necessary funds to recover. "While our constituents have been resilient in the face of these catastrophic storms, they require the full support of the federal government to help them get back on their feet and help our communities and economy recover," said the lawmakers in the letter. "Our constituents are depending on clear Congressional action and cannot afford any extended disruptions in funding for this proven and successful program." To review the lawmakers' letter in its entirety, click here.