Hurricane Ian Relief Assistance and Resources

Based off updates from city and government officials and national and local news outlets, we know many marinas along Florida’s Gulf Coast, specifically around Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the surrounding areas, experienced catastrophic damage due to Hurricane Ian.

As residents and business owners continue to cleanup and assess the damage following the hurricane, Marina Dock Age has compiled a comprehensive list of resources available to marina and boatyards that were affected by the storm. We will continue to monitor the situation and post any updates when they are available.

Disaster Assistance Programs

There are many disaster assistance programs and services available for businesses affected by Hurricane Ian. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis provides regular updates on the state website regarding search and rescue services, health and human services details, infrastructure, and more.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster services with information, support, and assistance. Individuals and business owners are encouraged to input their zip code on DisasterAssistance.gov to determine if they are located in an area that has been declared for assistance.

If FEMA has designated a specific area as being impacted by the hurricane in Florida, then businesses and individuals qualify for extended tax deadlines, including the Oct. 17, 2022, deadline being changed to Feb. 15, 2023. Check out irs.gov for more details.

FloridaDisaster.biz offers a comprehensive list of private businesses offering services and assistance for Floridians impacted by the hurricane. Small business owners can find information about internet services, etc.

In addition, it is recommended that business owners contact their financial institutions, insurance carriers, utility providers, and other companies involved in day-to-day operations.

 Small Business Loan Programs

 In advance of Hurricane Ian, President Biden approved an emergency declaration for the state of Florida. Several disaster loans are now available through the U.S. Small Business Administration. For more information visit the SBA Hurricane Ian resource page.

Governor DeSantis has awarded an initial $2.5 million to businesses through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This program was activated by Governor DeSantis following Hurricane Ian, to provide short-term, zero interest loans to small businesses that experienced financial impacts or physical damage due to Hurricane Ian. Interested applicants can apply now through December 2, 2022, or until all available funds are expended. To find more information, click here.

The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is intended to bridge the gap between the time a disaster impacts a business and when a business can secure long-term recovery funding. Loans are available up to $50,000 per eligible applicant and are short-term, personal loans.

The loan program was authorized for a total of $50 million, of which $10 million is dedicated to agricultural businesses that sustained impacts. Businesses impacted by Hurricane Ian located in Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia counties are eligible to apply.

Small businesses can also access the Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, as well as other services at FloridaDisaster.biz. Affected businesses can see the latest information on response actions and fill out the Business Damage Assessment Survey.

To Donate or Provide Assistance

There are plenty of ways to donate to help the victims of Hurricane Ian. The American Red Cross is currently assisting storm victims. To donate visit redcross.org.

The Florida Disaster Fund is the state of Florida’s official private fund created to assist communities as they recover following emergencies or disasters. To contribute visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.

The United Way of Florida (UWOF) Disaster Fund will provide relief to Florida communities most impacted by Hurricane Ian. Donations can be made and allocated to a specific location or community here.