Florida Bridge Loan Program

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In the event of a disaster, the Governor of Florida has the option to activate the Emergency Bridge Loan Program by Executive Order. The purpose of the Emergency Bridge Loan Program is to provide a source of expedient cash flow to Florida small businesses impacted by a disaster.

These short-term, interest-free working capital loans are intended to "bridge the gap" between the time a major catastrophe hits and when a business has secured longer term recovery resources, such as sufficient profits from a revived business, receipt of payments on insurance claims or federal disaster assistance. This program provides a short-term loan of State of Florida public funds, not a grant, with the expectation that repayment will be made out of receipts from other sources of longer term disaster recovery assistance.

Amount: Between $1,000 and $25,000.

Term: Maximum of 12 months.

Interest: Loans will be interest-free for the loan term.

Payments: Payments are not required during the established loan term, but loans must be paid in full by end of the loan term.

Florida Bridge Loan Program