Oct 15, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Milton can now apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Loans can be used by eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property — including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings — remove vegetative debris, and cover the cost of associated labor.

“Florida’s farmers and ranchers are some of the hardest working and most resilient folks in our state. Delivering immediate support to these agricultural producers is a critical first step to get them back on their feet in the wake of back-to-back disasters,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Through the department’s Disaster Recovery Loan Program, we’re offering immediate and effective financial relief to bridge the gap until federal or other resources are accessible, ensuring that Florida's farmers and ranchers can rebuild and continue their critical work in safeguarding our food supply.”

Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained from Hurricane Milton and to save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.

Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program

• Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Milton.
• Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
• Interested producers can learn more or apply here.

Producers that were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from Hurricane Debby and/or Hurricane Helene may be eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. An applicant may not receive more than one loan per storm, more than two loans per year, or more than five loans in any three-year period.

During a special legislative session in November of 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters.

For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.