Pasco Reporter

Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee are calling on the Small Business Administration (SBA) to extend deadlines for Florida small business owners to apply for federal aid following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The lawmakers seek additional flexibility to allow more time for local businesses affected by the hurricanes to file for SBA Disaster Assistance loans.

Currently, those impacted by Hurricane Helene have until November 27, 2024, to report physical damage assessments, while those affected by Hurricane Milton must do so before December 10, 2024. However, the consecutive natural disasters have created challenges that have delayed some local governments' ability to assess hurricane damage promptly. The situation is further complicated by fluvial flooding that occurred weeks after the storms made landfall, leaving many areas underwater and residents displaced.

Given these circumstances, Bilirakis and Lee are requesting a thirty-day extension for each storm's deadline. "While our constituents have been resilient in the face of these catastrophic storms, they require the full support of the federal government to help them get back on their feet and help our communities and economy recover," said the lawmakers in their letter.

Bilirakis also joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers urging House and Senate leadership to quickly replenish the SBA fund through an emergency supplemental appropriations package. The hurricanes have caused significant damage in Florida’s 12th District and across the southeast, depleting SBA's disaster loan program funds. "Our constituents are depending on clear Congressional action and cannot afford any extended disruptions in funding for this proven and successful program," stated the lawmakers.