Hurricane Isaias: Emerald Coast businesses have until Nov. 25 for zero-interest loans

Updated Nov. 6, 2026: SBA disaster loans are now available for Hurricane Isaias in Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties, with a Dec. 28 deadline for physical damage loans. The Nov. 25 state bridge loan deadline has not changed.

Businesses in Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties damaged by Hurricane Isaias can apply until Nov. 25, 2026, for a zero-interest Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, or until the money runs out. The state set aside $10 million for the program, and more than $4.5 million had been approved for 65 businesses in its first 10 days, according to the Office of the Governor on Oct. 19, 2026. Since a presidential disaster declaration on Oct. 27, 2026, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans are also open in Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay counties, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management. The state bridge loan can help cover costs while a larger SBA loan is processed.

What is the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan for Hurricane Isaias?

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program is a short-term, zero-interest loan that helps a damaged business cover expenses until insurance money or long-term financing arrives. The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) announced on Oct. 11, 2026, that the program was activated for Hurricane Isaias, which made landfall in the western Florida Panhandle on Oct. 9, 2026.

The Office of the Governor said state outreach teams were working in Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties as of Oct. 19, 2026.

How to apply for an Isaias bridge loan

The bridge loan application is online at FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL, the FloridaCommerce disaster recovery page. FloridaCommerce sets the per-business loan amount and eligibility rules, which are listed on the application page.

1. Photograph and document all storm damage before cleanup.
2. Gather insurance information and business financial records.
3. Apply at FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL before Nov. 25, 2026.
4. Call the FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline at (850) 815-4925, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with questions.

Because nearly half of the $10 million fund was approved in the first 10 days, waiting until close to Nov. 25, 2026, carries the risk that the money is gone.

Should my business fill out the Hurricane Isaias damage survey?

Yes. FDEM asks every affected business to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Isaias,” according to its Oct. 11, 2026, announcement. The survey is separate from the loan application and is used to measure business losses across the state.

FDEM also said the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) was preparing an emergency order to waive some licensing deadlines and fees for businesses affected by Isaias.

Are federal SBA disaster loans available for Hurricane Isaias?

Yes. SBA low-interest disaster loans opened after the presidential disaster declaration of Oct. 27, 2026, according to a Nov. 5, 2026, release from FDEM. Okaloosa, Walton, Santa Rosa and Bay are among the eight Florida counties eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL).

Terms run up to 30 years, and no interest accrues and no payments are due until 12 months after the first disbursement, according to FDEM. Businesses can add up to 20% of verified physical damage for upgrades such as wind-rated garage doors or storm shelters.

Apply at sba.gov/disaster, book an appointment at appointment.sba.gov or call (866) SBA-HELP. An SBA Business Recovery Center is open at the Ferry Pass Community Center, 8800 N. 9th Ave., Pensacola, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., through Dec. 28, 2026.

How to avoid storm-recovery scams in Walton and Santa Rosa counties

Local governments in Walton County and Santa Rosa County issued warnings in October 2026 about fraud and permit rules after Hurricane Isaias.

• Walton County: The Walton County Planning Department warned on Oct. 19, 2026, that fake emails are asking people to wire money. Real county invoices come only from [email protected] or an @mywaltonfl.gov address, according to the county alert. Planning can be reached at (850) 267-1955.
• Santa Rosa County: Santa Rosa County said on Oct. 12, 2026, that the state of emergency does not waive building permits for permanent repairs, and it warned about unlicensed contractors on Oct. 15, 2026.
• Santa Rosa County RVs: The Santa Rosa County Board of County Commissioners voted on Oct. 20, 2026, to allow RVs and travel trailers in all zoning districts for one year.

Contractor licenses can be checked with DBPR at myfloridalicense.com before any work begins.

Where Emerald Coast businesses can get free help

The Florida Small Business Development Center at the University of West Florida (Florida SBDC at UWF) offers no-cost, confidential consulting to businesses in Northwest Florida. It can be reached at 850-474-2528 or [email protected], and its office is at 11000 University Pkwy., Bldg. 76, Ste. 109, Pensacola, Fla.

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