For daily Franklin County COVID-19 updates from the Florida Department of Health text FRANKLINCV19 to 888777. Questions with this service call Florida Department of Health Franklin County at 850-653-2111. Visit Florida Department of Health's dashboard for detailed information on COVID-19.
Recent Updates
City of Apalachicola issued an Emergency Proclamation requiring face masks inside most buildings, effective July 2. Visit City of Apalachicola's website for more information.
Effective Friday, June 26, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation is suspending on premises consumption of alcohol at bars statewide. Visit the Florida DBPR website for more information.
Short Term Rentals
On May 19, 2020 Franklin County received approval to permit the operation of vacation rentals in Franklin County pursuant to the provisions of Executive Order 20-123 as issued by Governor Ron DeSantis on May 15, 2020. Click here to read the approval letter from DBPR and Franklin County's Short Term Rental Plan.
Events
Many events in Apalachicola and along Florida’s Forgotten Coast have been postponed as a result of the potential for exposure to the COVID-19 virus, including Apalachicola's Art and Wine Walk and Annual Car and Boat Show.
Small Business Resources
Download the required USDOL poster for the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Please note that employers are required by law to post this in a visible location with your other labor law posters.The effective date of the Act is April 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020. The Department of Labor’s Wage & Hour Division has just updated its Q&A website that addresses many of the questions that people have been asking.
Paycheck Protection Program
Application
Borrower Information Fact Sheet
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The Small Business Administration has updated its website with information about Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and the additional assistance for small business owners provided in the CARES Act, including the opportunity to receive up to a $10,000 advance on an EIDL for emergency capital. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce have developed a Small Business Guide and Checklist for coronavirus emergency loans. Click here for the Small Business Loan Assistance/online application.
Download the Express Bridge Loan (EBL) Pilot Program Guide here.
Florida Small Business Bridge Loans
On March 16, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. Click here for more information.
Damage Assessment Survey
Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by DEO, will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin. The survey can be taken online at www.floridadisaster.biz
Reemployment Assistance
Governor DeSantis has reminded Floridians that if their employment has been negatively impacted because of mitigation efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, these Floridians may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance. Click here for more information.
To assist industry professionals whose employment has been negatively impacted by COVID-19, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is now offering its Hospitality and Tourism Management online certification program free of charge. To learn more or register, click here. Registration deadline is April 7, 2020.
