TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced this week that Florida farmers, ranchers, and growers impacted by Hurricane Isaias can apply for interest-free loans through the Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program. Eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers can apply for loans of up to $500,000 to restore, repair or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses and other buildings, or to remove debris or restock aquaculture.
“Delivering immediate financial support to agricultural producers impacted by Hurricane Isaias is a critical first step to get them back on their feet,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “The Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides a start with immediate financial relief, ensuring that Florida’s farmers and ranchers begin to rebuild their buildings and infrastructure.”
The damaged property must be located in Baker, Bay, Calhoun, Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Okaloosa, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Suwannee, Taylor, Walton, Wakulla or Washington counties. Impacted producers are encouraged to take photos of any property damage sustained and save all receipts for recovery efforts and supplies. Specific details on the application process are available on the program’s webpage.
Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Natural Disaster Recovery Loan Program
- Interest-free loans up to $500,000 for eligible agriculture and aquaculture producers that have experienced damage or destruction from Hurricane Isaias.
- Loans may be used to restore, repair, or replace essential physical property, including fences, equipment, greenhouses, and other buildings, or to remove vegetative debris.
- Interested producers can learn more or apply here.
Producers who were previously awarded funds for damages sustained from recent hurricanes may be eligible to apply for damage sustained from this disaster. An applicant may not receive more than one loan per storm, more than two loans per year, or more than five loans in any three years.
During a special legislative session in November, 2023, the Florida Legislature passed House Bill 1-C, which provided $75 million to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for a revolving loan fund to support impacted agriculture and aquaculture producers recover from natural disasters. In 2025, the Florida Legislature provided an additional $40 million for the loan program.
For more information about Commissioner Simpson and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, visit FDACS.gov.
Source: FDACS