Eligibility

Eligibility

• Applicant must be a county or municipality located in an area designated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declaration for Hurricane Idalia.
• Applicant must submit all required information and documentation.
• Applicant must show that it may suffer or has suffered substantial loss of its tax or other
  revenues as a result of the hurricane and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to enable it to continue to perform its governmental operations.

How to Apply

How to Apply

To determine your eligibility for a Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan, please submit the following checklist items via email to LocalGovernmentBridge@Commerce.fl.gov. Only complete loan applications will be considered for funding. For assistance, contact the program by email at LocalGovernmentBridge@Commerce.fl.gov.

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Additional Documents

• Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan Emergency Rule

Webinar

Webinar

To provide potential applicants with more information on the application process, FloridaCommerce hosted a Technical Assistance Webinar.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Local Government Emergency Bridge Loan?

The Local Government Emergency Revolving Bridge Loan provides interest-free loans to support continued or expanded governmental operations for local governments that may have been impacted by federally declared disasters. This funding will help impacted local governments that receive funding bridge the gap until they receive federal reimbursements, or their revenues have otherwise recovered.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

A local government, either a county or a municipality, located in an area designated in the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declaration is eligible to apply. An applicant must show that it may suffer or has suffered substantial loss of its tax or other revenues as a result of the disaster and demonstrate a need for financial assistance to enable it to continue to perform its governmental operations.

How can our Local Government Apply?

Required information and documentation can be submitted to LocalGovernmentBridge@Commerce.fl.gov.

Please visit FloridaJobs.org/LocalGovernmentBridge to find an application checklist and additional information.
 

Why is it called an Emergency “Bridge” Loan?

These loans are intended to bridge the gap between when the disaster occurs and when additional funding becomes available, or local government revenue has recovered. 

Do I need to pay back the Emergency Bridge Loan?

Yes. The term of the loan is 24 months. However, FloridaCommerce may extend loan conditions for up to six months based on the local government's financial condition. At maturity, simple interest will accrue on any unpaid principal balance at a rate of 10 percent. 

Can School Districts Apply?

A county may apply on behalf of a county school district.

What is the deadline to Apply?

FloridaCommerce will accept applications until funds are exhausted.  

What is the maximum amount a Local Government can request?

There is no statutory maximum for the Local Government Emergency Revolving Bridge Loan Program. However, FloridaCommerce has the discretion to fund applications at a lower amount than requested, based on the documentation provided, and in relation to demonstrated need from other eligible applicants.