Govenor Ron DeSantis News Release Archive

Business Damage Assessment Survey

On March 12, 2020 Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention

The Center for Disease Control continues to update guidance on COVID-19

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Updates
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond

Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.

United Way Suncoast Assistance Center

There are networks to support people in this time of crisis and the best way to find them is through United Way’s 2-1-1, a free 24 hour, 7 days a week, year-round service that connects area residents to critical health and social service resources.

There are multiple ways to access this resource:
By phone – Dial 211
By Email – uw211help@gmail.com
By Online Chat at – https://211.gs-humanservices.org/
By Text – Text zip code to 898-211

GrowFL Connect with an Expert

Small business owners can now connect with an expert thanks to GrowFL. Schedule a 30-minute appointment with one of GrowFL Experts. These are our GrowFL Corporate Partners and a trusted resource to you. To schedule a 30-minute call, visit our Expert Page and click on the calendar at the bottom of the page.

Recording Academy & MusiCares Relief Fund for Musicians

MusiCares is aware of the enormous financial burden to those whose creative practices and incomes are being adversely impacted by COVID-19. To help address the concerns of the industry during this time, they have expanded services to include lost income due to the cancellation of scheduled gigs or performances due to Coronavirus/COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Emergency Grants for Artists: Financial Relief Resources for Artists During COVID-19

With canceled exhibitions, classes, conferences and workshops over the span of a very short time, many artists are feeling the stress of lost income and an uncertain future. If you, like many, are finding that you need additional financial resources to get you through this time, there are emergency grants available for artists. This page has compiled a list of emergency resources for artists as well an ongoing list of crowdfunding efforts to provide financial relief for artists.

Treasury Secretary Has Deferred Tax Payments, and Waived Penalties

Small businesses can defer tax payments for 90 days. This covers a broad range of Americans, including small businesses that file as individuals who owe up to $1 million, and other categories of small businesses, sole proprietors, and corporations owing up to $10 million. Penalties and interest that would otherwise apply during this nearly three-month period will be waived.

IRS Coronavirus Tax Relief

The IRS has established a special section focused on steps to help taxpayers, businesses and others affected by the coronavirus. This page will be updated as new information is available.

Sign Up for CDC.gov Email Updates

The CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and domestic. Receive email updates about CDC’s public health work.