Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Seeking Additional General Contractors to Help Rebuild Florida Repair and Rebuild Homes Damaged by Hurricane Irma

Today, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) Executive Director Ken Lawson issued a call for qualified general contractors to assist the Rebuild Florida program. Rebuild Florida is a long-term recovery effort to repair and rebuild thousands of homes of Florida families that were significantly damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Irma.

“Governor DeSantis has made it clear that helping Floridians rebuild is our priority,” said DEO Executive Director Ken Lawson. “Rebuild Florida is using federal funding to repair, rebuild or replace the homes of those impacted by Hurricane Irma. We need Florida’s construction industry, especially general contractors, to partner with us to get these Florida families back into safe and stronger homes.”

DEO is looking to enter into contracts with qualified general contractors to perform all services necessary to repair or rebuild homes. These services include, but are not limited to, the provisions of a general contractor’s oversite and supervision, and all labor, associated hardware, materials, required permits, drawings and equipment necessary to repair homes.

“Rebuilding damaged and destroyed homes is a crucial milestone in the recovery process for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Irma,” said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears. “Florida is fortunate to have a large pool of talented, DBPR-licensed general contractors and we urge them to use their skills to help their neighbors through Rebuild Florida.”

Interested parties can learn more about the technical requirements and submit bids once the Invitation to Bid is released later this month. Please check MyFloridaMarketPlace, the state of Florida’s online procurement system, for updates.

DEO issued an initial invitation for bids for general contractors in August 2018, but additional general contractors are needed to efficiently and effectively meet the needs of Florida families impacted by Hurricane Irma.

Rebuild Florida is a partnership of DEO and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Rebuild Florida Housing Repair and Replacement Program helps eligible homeowners impacted by Hurricane Irma. Rebuild Florida helps repair, rebuild or replace damaged homes across the hardest-hit communities of the state, with priority funding for those low-income residents who are elderly, disabled, families with children under the age of 18 or persons displaced from Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands who are permanently resettling in Florida as a result of Hurricane Irma or Maria.

 About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts. This new approach helps expedite economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

Originally published on the DEO website. 

February 18, 2019 /  
Governor Ron DeSantis Kicks Off Deregathon in Orlando

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis kicked off the start of Deregathon alongside First Lady Casey DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears at Valencia College in Orlando.

The one-day event held in conjunction with Florida’s Professional Licensing Boards aims to find solutions to harmful regulations facing Floridians to strengthen the state’s economy.

“We’re working hard to reduce barriers to opportunity for the people of Florida.” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida needs a licensure system that protects consumers but doesn’t put up roadblocks for people to succeed. Bold and appropriate deregulation will continue to be a top priority of my administration and we’re looking forward to getting the job done to open new opportunities for Floridians.”

“Small Businesses are the backbone of our economy, which is why it is essential the State of Florida focus on paring back burdensome regulation,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez.“This will not only spur more economic growth, it will remove burdens holding back many of Florida’s industries. Cutting red tape will help create a climate that is good for both those starting a business, and those growing one. The idea is to reduce bureaucracy in order to allow individuals and businesses to regain control, develop the workforce and boost innovation for our great state.”

“Needless regulations make it difficult for Floridians to enter the profession, start new businesses and stay in the profession of their choosing,” said Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears. “The Florida Deregathon is an important first step toward developing a reasonable regulatory approach that gives more Floridians access to a stable job and clear career path.”

Originally published on www.flgov.com

January 31, 2019 /  
Governor Ron DeSantis Announces “Florida Deregathon” Event

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced a bold first step in ensuring a brighter future for Florida’s economy. Governor DeSantis recently wrote a letter to the members of Florida’s 23 Professional Licensing Boards, calling on them to join him, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Valencia College in Orlando for a one-day event called “Florida Deregathon” to find solutions to harmful regulations facing Floridians.

“Florida is one of the most attractive states in the nation to do business, but unnecessary government regulations create a burden upon our businesses, both small and large,” said Governor DeSantis.“Aggressive and appropriate deregulation is a top priority of my administration. Aside from hurting our businesses, harmful regulations are costly, stifle competition and limit our labor pool. I look forward to working with the boards to see what can be done to keep Florida on a trajectory toward continued prosperity.”

“Having served for eight years in the Florida House of Representatives, I understand all too well the impact harmful regulations have on individuals and businesses alike,” said Lieutenant Governor Nuñez. “It is our duty to foster an environment conducive to economic growth and success for all Floridians. To that end, we ask that the Licensing Boards come up with sound, pertinent solutions to the regulatory challenges facing our great state.”

“As a business owner and entrepreneur, I know from experience that needless regulations act as a damper on Florida’s economy and disproportionately affect small businesses,” said Secretary Beshears. “I look forward to hearing from Florida’s Professional Licensing Boards about ways we can eliminate burdensome requirements and craft a common-sense approach to regulating business in the state of Florida.”

During Florida Deregathon, there will be no official vote or action taken by the respective boards. Each board will work to identify and recommend unnecessary regulations that can be immediately eliminated.

A PDF copy of the letter Governor DeSantis wrote to the members of Florida’s 23 Professional Licensing Boards can be found HERE.

Originally published on www.flgov.com

January 24, 2019 /  
DBPR Secretary Signs Emergency Order to Aid in Hurricane Michael Recovery

Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Jonathan Zachem issued an Emergency Order suspending Florida statutes and rules that may prevent, hinder or delay necessary response and recovery from Hurricane Michael for counties identified in the Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declaration DR-4399. See the Emergency Order HERE.

“Many residents throughout the Florida Panhandle have been adversely impacted by Hurricane Michael,” Secretary Zachem said. “Under Governor Scott’s leadership, the Department is working to provide the resources needed during this difficult time to help quickly repair and rebuild our great state.”

The Emergency Order extends certain licensure deadlines and permits local governments to authorize local specialty licenses allowing individuals and businesses licensed in other local Florida jurisdictions to assist with restoration efforts. The order waives certain fees related to relocating or reopening businesses closed from damage caused by Hurricane Michael, and clarifies that no DBPR license is required to install non-permanent, emergency tarps to roofs. Finally, the order waives licensure requirements for disaster-recovery mitigation organizations and non-profit organizations to repair non-residential structures dedicated to public use, such as community centers, houses of worship and sports facilities.

The Emergency Order will correspond with the effective dates of Governor Scott’s Executive Order 18-276, and any extensions thereof.

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly. The Department licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals ranging from hotels and restaurants, real estate agents and accountants to veterinarians, contractors and cosmetologists. For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com. Follow @FloridaDBPR on Twitter or Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation on Facebook for updates about license cycles, events and other important news.

October 26, 2018 /  
More Small Businesses Damaged by Hurricane Michael Qualify for Emergency Bridge Loan Program

 

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced new changes to the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program allowing more small businesses impacted by Hurricane Michael to qualify. Additionally, some small businesses may be eligible for increased loan amounts in special circumstances.

DEO Executive Director Cissy Proctor said, “The Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan is designed to help small businesses in our state get back on their feet as soon as possible. We are proud to say $375,000 has already been provided to multiple small businesses who are recovering after Hurricane Michael and these changes will allow us to help even more businesses in our state.”

Eligibility changes to the program now allow for small business owners with fewer than two employees, located in any of Florida’s 35 counties impacted by Hurricane Michael, to apply for short-term loans up to $25,000. Small business owners with two to 100 employees can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000, and in special circumstances, be granted loans up to $100,000.

DEO administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program in partnership with the Florida SBDC Network to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. These loans are interest-free for up to one year and help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when a business secures other financial resources, including payment of insurance claims or longer-term Small Business Administration loans. Up to $10 million has been allocated for the program. DEO will work with every borrower to ensure that repayment of the loan isn’t an overwhelming burden. To be eligible, a business must have been established prior to Oct. 7, 2018 and demonstrate economic injury or physical damage as a result of Hurricane Michael.

Michael Myhre, CEO of the Florida SBDC Network, said, “The Florida SBDC is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to help small businesses recover after the devastating impacts of Hurricane Michael.  It is an honor to help small businesses, such as Fuqua & Sons Painting, a family-owned commercial and residential painting company, and others like them, get back to work and help their communities recover.”

To complete an application by the Dec. 7, 2018, deadline, or for more information on the program, visit www.floridadisasterloan.org. Small businesses can get assistance applying for state and federal business loans at Business Recovery Centers in the impacted areas.  To find a Business Recovery Center, visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz. For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan Program, contact the Florida Small Business Development Center Network at 866-737-7232 or email Disaster@FloridaSBDC.org. The phone line will be answered during regular business hours; all voice mails and emails will be responded to within 24 hours.

October 25, 2018 /