Officials with the State of Florida’s Small Business Administration urge any business that has sustained economic damage related to 2007 drought conditions to contact their local Emergency Management Office and report the loss. The information gathered will help emergency managers determine whether Duval County is eligible to receive federal disaster assistance.  

Any business in Duval County that has experienced a significant, uninsured loss of revenue as a result of the recent drought conditions is asked to contact the Duval County Emergency Preparedness Division (EPD) at (904) 630-2472 to request a lost revenue worksheet. A significant loss is defined as a 40 percent or more decrease when comparing revenue generated between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2007, with the same period in 2006.

Examples of businesses that may be affected by the drought conditions include (but are not limited to) golf courses, lawn maintenance, retail garden centers, bait and tackle shops, and landscapers.

Completed worksheets must be returned to the EPD by the close of business on Thursday, July 12. For more information, business owners can contact the State Small Business Association at (800) 659-2955.