Hurricane Isaias recovery resources available
Florida Realtors members can find disaster relief, emergency business loans, insurance guidance and other help following Hurricane Isaias.
Getting back to work after Hurricane Isaias may mean first getting your home or office back in order. From insurance claims and temporary housing to damaged offices and disrupted transactions, Florida Realtors members have several places to turn for help.
The Florida Realtors® Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is accepting applications through April 9, 2027, from Realtors, their employees, local associations and association staff whose primary homes or real estate offices sustained physical or structural damage during the storm.
On Saturday, Gov. Ron DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to 27 counties, adding Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas. The order gives state agencies greater flexibility to support storm response and recovery.
Speaking Sunday in Milton, DeSantis said some of the hardest-hit areas were in Santa Rosa County, particularly Milton and rural communities to the north, where strong winds damaged roofs, brought down trees and left homes with structural damage.
Help for your business
FloridaCommerce has activated the $10 million Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to help businesses that suffered physical damage or economic losses from Isaias.
Eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, can apply for short-term, zero-interest loans of up to $100,000. The money can help cover immediate expenses while business owners wait for insurance payments or other longer-term financing.
These are loans, not grants, and must be repaid. Applications are open through November 25, 2026, or until available funding runs out.
Apply for an emergency bridge loan or call 833-832-4494 for program information.
FloridaCommerce also encourages businesses to complete its Business Damage Assessment Survey, even if they don't need immediate financial help. The information helps the state identify damaged businesses and determine where to direct recovery efforts.
For other storm-related business questions, the FloridaCommerce Private Sector Hotline, 850-815-4925, is available daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Other help available
- Legal questions: The Florida Realtors Legal Hotline, 407-438-1409, can help members with transaction questions and other real estate legal matters that arise after the storm.
- Technology problems: The Florida Realtors Tech Helpline, 407-587-1450, provides troubleshooting for computers, software and devices.
- Insurance claims and repairs: The Florida Department of Financial Services' Insurance Consumer Helpline, 877-693-5236, helps homeowners and business owners understand coverage, navigate claims and communicate with insurers. Its Isaias resource page includes claims guidance and insurer contacts.
- Finding contractors: The state-supported Disaster Contractors Network can help homeowners and business owners locate contractors for repairs. Using the directory does not mean repairs are free.
- Temporary housing: Airbnb.org is offering free emergency stays to eligible residents in areas under mandatory evacuation orders following Hurricane Isaias. Call 211 to request help and check eligibility.
- Business recovery guidance: The Florida Small Business Development Center Network provides no-cost consulting, including help with disaster recovery planning and financing options.
- Internet connectivity: Comcast has opened free Xfinity WiFi hotspots in areas it serves across the Panhandle. Use the Xfinity hotspot map to look for a nearby location.
Floridians who need help with food, housing or other immediate needs can also call 211 to connect with local services.
As cleanup continues, the Florida Realtors hurricane resource page offers additional information to help members navigate storm-related challenges at home and in their businesses.
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