Florida seeks major disaster declaration for Isaias; IRS extends tax deadlines to Feb. 8
Florida has asked for a major disaster declaration after Hurricane Isaias, the IRS extended federal tax deadlines to Feb. 8, 2027 in 27 counties, and small businesses can apply for zero-interest bridge loans.
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Florida has asked the federal government for a major disaster declaration after Hurricane Isaias. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Oct. 16, 2026, that the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) submitted the request to President Donald Trump to obtain additional federal resources, according to the governor’s release as reposted by the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. The release does not say whether the request has been approved.
Do the IRS deadlines apply in Okaloosa County?
The Internal Revenue Service announced tax relief on Wednesday, Oct. 14, for individuals and businesses affected by Isaias. Affected taxpayers have until Feb. 8, 2027, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. The relief covers 27 counties. The chamber’s copy of the IRS release lists Bay and Escambia counties, then cuts off before the rest of the list. It does not show whether Okaloosa, Santa Rosa or Walton counties are included, so check the full IRS release before relying on it.
Which small-business loans are available?
The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan offers one-year, zero-interest loans of up to $100,000, or up to $150,000 for agriculture and aquaculture businesses. To qualify, a business must have been established before the storm, have up to 100 employees, and have suffered physical damage or economic injury from Isaias. The owner must have a credit score of 600 or higher. Owners personally guarantee the loan, and it must be repaid. The loan bridges the gap until insurance or longer-term funding arrives. The chamber’s copy does not name the agency that runs the program or explain how to apply.
Where can residents take vegetative debris in Santa Rosa County?
Santa Rosa County residents can dispose of vegetative debris at no cost at the Central Landfill, 6337 Da Lisa Road in Milton, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to the county’s Hurricane Isaias Update #13, posted Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. On Oct. 16, the county also announced temporary free drop-off sites for vegetative debris. A correction to that notice was posted at 10 a.m. the same day, but the chamber’s copy does not show what changed. Confirm sites and hours with Santa Rosa County before hauling debris.
Questions and answers
- Is Okaloosa County included in the IRS tax relief for Hurricane Isaias?
- Not confirmed. The IRS relief covers 27 counties, and the chamber's copy of the IRS release lists Bay and Escambia but is cut off before the rest of the list, so it does not show whether Okaloosa is included.
- Has Florida received a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaias?
- Not confirmed. On Oct. 16, 2026, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that FDEM submitted a request to President Donald Trump for a major disaster declaration. The announcement does not say the request has been approved.
- How much can a small business borrow after Hurricane Isaias in Florida?
- The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan offers one-year, zero-interest loans of up to $100,000, or up to $150,000 for agriculture and aquaculture, according to the chamber's repost of the state announcement. Owners personally guarantee the loan, and it must be repaid.
