Low-interest Disaster Loans Available for Residents Affected by Recent Flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a Physical Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida, which includes Broward County and the contiguous counties of Collier, Hendry, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach. Homeowners and businesses that were affected by the severe storms and flooding on October 30 and 31, 2011, may be eligible for financial assistance from the SBA.

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, to provide information and assistance. The office will remain open until Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at close of business.

Mills Pond Park

Community Center

2201 NW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-828-8943

Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Under this declaration, qualified residents may be eligible for home and/or business disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or property. This declaration makes available the SBA's Home Disaster Loan, Business Physical Disaster Loan and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs to homeowners, renters and eligible small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of any size.

Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition. Loan applications for physical damage can be filed until the close of business on December 27, 2011, and economic injury applications can be filed until the close of business on July 27, 2012.

"Many people have come together to make this declaration possible, including officials from the impacted cities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Pompano Beach as well as officials from Broward County, and private citizens" said Broward Emergency Management Director Chuck Lanza. "In addition, the State of Florida and the Small Business Administration provided expert support by conducting multiple preliminary assessments, then moved their findings forward so affected residents could take advantage of this aid. This is a wonderful example of all levels of government working cooperatively in support of the local community."

For more information, contact SBA's Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit SBA's website. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339. Applicants may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure website at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.