Below is a list of resources curated by BBB to assist businesses and consumers in their recovery efforts. As additional resources are identified, they will be added to this list.
Business Resources:
Business Damage Assessment Survey
Complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assist government agencies in evaluating the impact.
US Small Business Administration (SBA) Low Interest Loans:
The US Small Business Administration is offering low interest Physical Damage and Economic Injury Loans. Residents and businesses can visit www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance to apply, and can contact disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955 for assistance.
Get Help: Florida Small Business Emergency Loans, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and other business/employee resources:
FloridaCommerce has partnered with the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and CareerSource Florida to bring One-Stop Business Resources.
FloridaDisaster.biz Business Resource:
FloridaDisaster.biz is the private sector’s hub for emergency management information before, during, and after an emergency.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services:
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) has launched the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program offering low-interest or interest-free loans to agricultural and aquaculture producers who have experienced damage. Website: Check your application at the FDACS loan program page. Phone: (850) 617-7200
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Chambers of Commerce in Florida
U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Disaster Help Desk
- Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant - The Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant Program began on October 31 and will distribute $5 million worth of grants to 1,000 small businesses within the impacted areas. The deadline to apply is November 17 at 11:59 pm. Grants will not be awarded on a first-come-first served basis, but applying early is always a good idea. Click here to begin your application (you will need your W-9 and a voided blank check or signed bank letter with your business account information to verify banking details).
Business Resources from Better Business Bureau
Florida Bar - Resources for Attorneys
Florida Department of Financial Services for Business
Disaster Assistance Programs for Businesses
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Cleaning up your business after the storm
IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Businesses and Charities
Federal Resources:
The White House - Helene & Milton
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Guidelines for Cleaning Safely After a Disaster
IRS Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Operation Blue Roof or call (888) Roof-Blu (766-3258) - Toll Free
State Resources:
Florida's Price Gouging Hotline
Attorney General Ashley Moody has activated Florida’s Price Gouging Hotline. Anyone who suspects price gouging can report it at MyFloridaLegal.com or calling (866) 9NO-SCAM (966-7226) - Toll Free
FloridaJobs.org
Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Helene and are not eligible for regular state or federal Reemployment Assistance benefits.
SAIL is a toll-free hotline activated during an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information. Information provided by SAIL hotline operators includes how to prepare before, during, and after a hurricane. Website: The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) Phone: (800) 342-3557 - Toll free
Hope Florida connects the private sector, nonprofits, and government entities to help Floridians after a disaster. The Activate Hope initiative connects Floridians with outside resources that provide food, household goods, home repairs, and more. Website: Apply at Hope Florida More information: Hope Florida – A Pathway to Prosperity (PDF) Phone: (833) GET HOPE (438-4673) - Toll free
Florida Shelters Currently Open & Driving Directions
Florida Division of Emergency Management – Recovery
Florida Chapter of the Red Cross
Florida Department of Financial Services
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations - DBPR Verify a License
Florida Office of Insurance Regulation – Hurricane Service Resources
Report A Scam to Better Business Bureau
File A Complaint about a Business to Better Business Bureau
County Resources:
Pinellas Coastal Communities Resources
- Tourist Information - Post Storm FAQ’s
- Belleair Beach
- Belleair Shore
- Clearwater Beach
- Dunedin
- Indian Rocks Beach
- Indian Shores
- Madeira Beach
- North Redington Beach
- Redington Shores
- Redington Beach
- St. Pete Beach
- Tarpon Springs
- Tierra Verde
- Treasure Island