Disaster Recovery Information

It’s Important to Submit SBA Loan Application

After you apply for disaster assistance from FEMA, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you are referred to SBA, you should submit an SBA disaster loan application.

If your application is approved, you are not obligated to accept an SBA disaster loan but failure to submit the application may disqualify you from other possible FEMA assistance, such as disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and other expenses.

SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors.  In planning your recovery, give yourself the widest possible set of options. Submitting the application makes it possible for homeowners and renters to be considered for additional FEMA grants, and if you qualify for a loan you will have that resource available for disaster repair needs.

Applicants may apply online using SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov or they may email [email protected] for more information on SBA’s disaster assistance program.

For businesses, SBA is operating two Business Recovery Centers at East Pensacola Heights Clubhouse, 3208 E. Gonzalez St., Pensacola, FL 32503; and Bridgeway Center, Building C, 205 Shell Ave., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548. Business owners can meet with SBA representatives and get help applying for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans. Hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.

For additional information about SBA disaster loans, the loan application process, or for help completing the SBA application, visit SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or working capital. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is Dec. 1, 2020. The deadline to return working capital applications is July 2, 2021.

For more information about Hurricane Sally recovery in Florida, visit the FEMA disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4564 or the Florida Division of Emergency Management webpage at floridadisaster.org/info.

​Escambia County Receives FEMA Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance

Escambia County has received a FEMA Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. This declaration will allow those who have been impacted by Hurricane Sally to apply for the Individuals and Households Program. With this announcement, families impacted by Hurricane Sally now have access to critical FEMA programs, including housing assistance, crisis counseling, disaster unemployment assistance, Small Business Administration (SBA) assistance, disaster legal services and case management.

“We are absolutely thrilled FEMA individual assistance will be available for Escambia County residents,” said Chairman and District 5 County Commissioner Steven Barry. “This gives our residents who are hurting the opportunity to apply for much-needed assistance after Hurricane Sally devastated so many homes in Escambia County. I hope this assistance provides some degree of stress relief for those who are in need. On behalf of the Escambia County Board of County Commissioners, I would like to thank President Trump and Representative Matt Gaetz as well as every single federal and state partner for working together with us and for advocating on our behalf on the national level to help our community recover post Hurricane Sally.”

When a disaster occurs, this program provides grant money and services to people in the declared area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are underinsured or not covered by insurance. To file a claim for assistance, you must first register with FEMA in one of the following ways:

• Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY# 1-800-462-7585)
• Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov
• Download the FEMA app on your mobile device and register using the app.

Typically potential applicants can begin registering within a few hours after a declaration is issued. FEMA will verify eligibility and need before assistance is offered. 

Details on what is covered by Individual Assistance can be found here. It is important to understand that by law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.

FEMA does not offer assistance for your secondary home. Federal guidelines only allow FEMA to provide housing assistance when your primary residence is impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster.

If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for assistance, that’s not the last word. Providing more information may change FEMA’s decision. Read quick facts about why FEMA may have found you ineligible here.

For more information on Hurricane Sally and available resources, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/info.

When a disaster occurs, this program provides grant money and services to people in the declared area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are underinsured or not covered by insurance. To file a claim for assistance, you must first register with FEMA in one of the following ways:

Call 1-800-621-3362 (TTY# 1-800-462-7585)
Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov
Download the FEMA app on your mobile device and register using the app.

Typically potential applicants can begin registering within a few hours after a declaration is issued. FEMA will verify eligibility and need before assistance is offered.

Details on what is covered by Individual Assistance can be found here. It is important to understand that by law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.

FEMA does not offer assistance for your secondary home. Federal guidelines only allow FEMA to provide housing assistance when your primary residence is impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster.

If you received a letter from FEMA that says you’re ineligible for assistance, that’s not the last word. Providing more information may change FEMA’s decision. Read quick facts about why FEMA may have found you ineligible here.

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Individual Assistance for Five Counties Impacted by Hurricane Sally

For more information on Hurricane Sally and available resources, visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/info.

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program for Small Businesses Damaged by Hurricane Sally

Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program has been activated to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sally. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers the Emergency Bridge Loan program that provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced physical damage or economic injury during Hurricane Sally. The application period opened today and runs through November 14, 2020, or until the available funds are expended.

To apply or to learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan program, contact DEO at 833-832-4494 or email [email protected].

SBDC at UWF Business Recovery Centers

Beginning Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, the following locations will be open Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm order to assist area businesses with applying for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loans:
Perdido Key Area Chamber of Commerce – Leslie Nguyen
15500 Perdido Key Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32507

Florida SBDC at UWF (SCI Building) – Jenny Kunz
220 W. Garden St. Suite 301
Pensacola, FL 32502

Florida SBDC at UWF (UWF Building 8) – Brooke Gaskell
9999 University Parkway
Pensacola, FL 32514

Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church – Christa Wilson
75 Fairpoint Dr.
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561

Santa Rosa County Economic Development – John Emsing
6491 Caroline St. #4
Milton, FL 32570

Florida SBDC at UWF (Synovus Bank) – Bryan Mills
815 Beal Parkway NW, Suite A
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32566

Did you sustain significant damage caused by Hurricane Sally? Escambia County is hosting a free, educational workshop on Wednesday, September 30 from 3:30-5:00 PM at the Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place. This workshop will address how to proceed with severe structural damage to your home or property. For additional information on the workshop, call Building Services at 850-595-3550.

Hurricane Debris Cleanup Information

Hurricane Sally debris drop-off sites are open for Escambia County residents only and will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 a.m., until further notice. Residents need to bring ID and proof of residency.
The residential drop off sites are only accepting vegetative debris generated by Hurricane Sally. 

View a map of drop-off locations here.

This is for private, residential use only, NO COMMERCIAL DEBRIS. Please leave construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste and bulky waste at the curbside for the right of way pickup.

Escambia County residents can also place any storm-generated debris on the public right of way.

Commercial-generated waste should not be placed on the public right of way. Businesses should contact their waste collection service provider or a debris removal contractor. This material is not eligible to be removed curbside by Escambia County. Nonprofits are allowed to place debris on public right of way for pickup.