Florida Residents and Businesses Urged to Apply for Disaster Relief by September 8th Deadline
ATLANTA – Teh U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding individuals and organizations in Florida impacted by severe storms and tornadoes that began on June 25,2025,to submit thier applications for federal disaster loans. the deadline to apply for physical damage assistance is September 8, 2025, with a later deadline of April 8, 2026, for economic injury applications.Disaster survivors are encouraged to apply for SBA disaster loans even before their insurance settlements are finalized. The SBA can provide low-interest loans for the total loss, up to established loan limits, with the understanding that insurance proceeds will be used to reduce or repay the loan.
The disaster declaration specifically covers Pinellas County, along with the adjacent counties of Hillsborough and Pasco. These areas are eligible for both Physical Damage Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).
Businesses and private nonprofits (PNPs) that experienced losses can apply for business physical disaster loans and economic injury loans. Eligible applicants may receive up to $2 million to cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets, or for working capital needs.
Homeowners and renters affected by the disaster can apply for home and personal property loans. These loans can provide up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal belongings such as clothing, furniture, vehicles, and appliances. Homeowners may also be eligible for up to $500,000 to repair or rebuild their primary residence.The SBA’s EIDL programme is also available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that have suffered financial losses directly attributable to the disaster, nonetheless of whether they sustained physical damage. It is indeed vital to note that the SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, with the exception of aquaculture enterprises.Interest rates are notably low, starting at 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.813% for homeowners and renters. Loan terms can extend up to 30 years. Importantly, interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial circumstances.
to apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. For further assistance or information regarding SBA disaster assistance, applicants can contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can access telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1.
About the U.S.Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business administration is dedicated to fostering the American dream of business ownership. As the primary federal resource and advocate for small businesses, the SBA equips entrepreneurs and small business owners with the necessary tools and support to launch, grow, expand, or recover from declared disasters. Services are delivered through a extensive network of SBA field offices and collaborations with public and private entities. More information can be found at www.sba.gov.
