SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available for Florida Businesses Impacted by Drought

If your small business or private nonprofit organization has suffered financial losses due to the ongoing drought that began on December 1, 2025, relief is available.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially issued a disaster declaration, opening up applications for low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). These loans are designed to help you maintain operations and push through this challenging period—even if your business sustained zero physical damage.

Application Deadline is December 10, 2026

What is an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL)?

EIDLs provide vital working capital to help small businesses and nonprofits survive the economic impact of a disaster. These funds can be used to cover day-to-day operating expenses that would have been met had the disaster not occurred, including:

• Fixed debts and loan payments
• Payroll and employee benefits
• Accounts payable and other bills

Note: EIDLs are intended for working capital needs caused directly by the disaster and cannot be used for physical repairs or expansion.

Who is Eligible?

To qualify for assistance, your organization must be located in an eligible county and fall into one of the following categories:

• Small businesses
• Small agricultural cooperatives and nurseries
• Most private nonprofit (PNP) organizations (including faith-based organizations)
• Aquaculture enterprises
• Eligible counties include: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.

(Please note: Per SBA guidelines, agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are not eligible for this specific loan program, except for aquaculture).

How the Florida SBDC Network Can Help You

Navigating disaster loan applications can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. The Florida SBDC Network is here to provide no-cost, confidential, one-on-one assistance to help you:

• Understand the EIDL application requirements.
• Gather and organize necessary financial documentation.
• Complete and submit your SBA loan application accurately.

Next Steps

Connect with your local Florida SBDC consultant today or apply now to get your application started.