Earlier this week, the Florida Department of Health also rolled out a new COVID-19 data and surveillance dashboard with real time information about number of cases and tests issued. As a reminder, the Department of Health's 24-hour COVID-19 hotline is 866-779-6122.

NEW* The SBA South Florida District Office will host a series of Small Business Recovery webinars to provide the latest information on how the SBA is helping small businesses with their economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19. To view the schedule, please click here.

 NEW* According to the US Department of Labor, effective April 1, 2020, all businesses need to display a newly required informational poster where all employees can see it. Click here for a printable copy.

A current list of Executive Orders from the Governor can be found here.

Governor DeSantis Executive Order 20-91 Essential Services List

The Governor's Executive Order took effect Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. It lasts until Thursday, April 30, 2020, unless extended.

State of Florida Executive Order 20-68

On March 17, Governor Desantis declared new guidelines for restaurant operations in lieu of COVID-19 developments (See Page 2, Section 3.) This order is in effect for 30 days.

State of Florida Bridge Loan Program

This bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The application period runs through May 8, 2020. Loans will be interest-free for the loan term (1 year). The Interest rate will be 12% per annum on the unpaid balance thereafter, until the loan balance is repaid in full.  Loan default is subject to a normal commercial collection process. Up to $50,000 is available per eligible small business.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans

Substantial economic injury means the business is unable to meet its obligations and to pay its ordinary and necessary operating expenses. EIDLs provide the necessary working capital to help small businesses survive until normal operations resume after a disaster. The SBA can provide up to $2 million to help meet financial obligations and operating expenses that could have been met had the disaster not occurred. Your loan amount will be based on your actual economic injury and your company's financial needs, regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage. Click here to view a helpful guide to the EIDL before applying.

Florida’s Business Damage Assessment/Survey

Providing information through this survey helps the state to determine damage related to disaster impacts in Florida. After filling out the survey, federal, state or local agencies may reach out to you through the contact information provided if you indicate your interest.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

This bill responds to the coronavirus outbreak by providing paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits. More information about this Act can be found here.

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation FAQ for Restaurants

Attached is a compilation of Frequently Asked Questions related to Restaurants, Bar and Nightclubs persuant to Executive Order 20-68 (issued on March 17.)

Coronavirus Tax Relief

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus.

Guide to the Employee Retention Tax Credit

The CARES Act created a new employee tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses due to COVID-19.

National Restaurant Association Employee Relief Fund

Through the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, the NRA will provide grants to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, financially, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Apply for a grant starting Thursday, April 2, 2020. Each approved grant is $500, one per person only.

Bartender Emergency Assistance Program

The USBG is offering a grant program to provide financial assistance to those suffering lost revenue due to COVID-19. This grant is meant only for individuals (not businesses) and servers may apply if your place of work holds a full liquor license and you serve alcoholic beverages as part of your job. Grants are typically awarded in 4 to 6 weeks. Applications can be submitted online (only) and can be found at the link above.

Southern Smoke

Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis. Southern Smoke is accepting grant applications from restaurant owners and service industry workers who are dealing with closed businesses or significant declines in revenue due to COVID-19.

One Fair Wage Emergency Fund

OFW is providing assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers — who are seeing their income decline during this disaster, or aren’t able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns. Upon completing the online form, an organizer from One Fair Wage will reach out to you within 7-10 days.

Golden Rule Charity

Golden Rule Charity offers grants to hospitality industry workers (employed at least part time.) To qualify for a grant, you must be employed in a restaurant/hospitality establishment for 6 months. You must apply no later than 6 months after onset of need.

Facebook Small Business Grants Program

Facebook is offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries where we operate. They will begin taking applications in the coming weeks. In the meantime, you can sign up to receive more information when it becomes available.

Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Crisis Relief Fund

A formal application process for crisis relief through the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation has not been established. At this time, you are encouraged to e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to express interest. They are collecting contact information and will distribute information about how to apply as soon as possible.

Florida Reemployment Assistance

If your employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as unemployment compensation.)

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United Relief Fund

The National Restaurant Worker Relief Fund is a pool of money raised by members and donors of the Restaurant Opportunities Centers United. To apply, complete the contact form at the link above and a staff member will be in contact to discuss your needs.

US Sommelier Emergency Fund

This fund is specifically dedicated for restaurant sommeliers who have lost wages due to COVID-19 in the United States. If selected, they will call you for a 5-10 minute interview. Applicants are eligible for grants of $250, $500, and $1,000 that will be awarded to those determined by the board to be of the greatest need. Depending on availability of funds, distribution will begin on March 25.

All Faiths Food Bank

All Faiths Food Bank’s mobile pantry program continues as scheduled. Find a food program at the link above. AFFB has partnered with Sarasota County Food and Nutrition Services to provide meals to children and families affected by the temporary school closures. Any/all children 18 or under will be provided meals starting on Monday, March 23. The meal service will run Monday through Friday each week until schools reopen. Visit the link above to view food pick up locations. View this link 

2-1-1

Access 2-1-1 Human Services by phone, email, chat or text (just text your zip code to 898-211). Reaching out will get you connected to a multilingual 2-1-1 specialist in your area who can put you in touch with local organizations providing critical services. The Season of Sharing Campaign helps individuals and families on the verge of homelessness and 2-1-1 is the starting point for this service.  

Children of Restaurant Employees (C.O.R.E.)

CORE offers assistance to hospitality industry families that have been diagnosed with COVID-19. If a family qualifies for CORE support, they may receive a grant to cover medical bills for children, gas cards, groceries, clothing, medical supplies and therapies, utilities, rent and mortgage, and other essential needs a family might need to navigate their specific circumstance. Apply online at the link above.

Another Round, Another Rally Emergency Relief Fund

ARAR is currently collecting funds for all types of workers affected by COVID-19. The group is distributing $500 grants to those who have lost jobs or hours because of the pandemic. Apply online at the link above.

James Beard Foundation Relief Fund

Due to an overwhelming response within hours of opening, the Foundation has suspended the application for the JBF Food and Beverage Industry Relief Fund at this time. We will notify our audiences if the application is going to reopen. Please continue to check www.jamesbeard.org for updated information.

NEW* ServSafe Free Courses & Training (Take Out & Delivery Precautions for COVID-19)

National Restaurant Association’s Fact Sheet (in English and Spanish)

CDC’s Covid-19 Frequently Asked Questions

CDC’s Guidelines for Preventing Spread of Covid-19 at Work

CDC’s Guidelines for Preventing Spread of Covid-19 at Home

CDC’s Guidelines for What to Do if You’re Sick

CDC’s Guidelines for Symptoms to Watch For

Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation

FRLA COVID-19 Resources

National Restaurant Association COV-19 Resources

Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation Resource Page

Florida's Disaster Assistance for Businesses

Spill The Dish

Restaurant Opportunities Center United Resource Page