summary
Introduced
11/20/2025
11/20/2025
In Committee
11/24/2025
11/24/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to construction disruption assistance; creating part XIII of ch. 288, F.S., to be entitled the "Construction Disruption Assistance Act"; creating s. 288.9991, F.S.; providing a short title; creating s. 288.9992, F.S.; providing legislative findings and purpose; creating s. 288.9993, F.S.; defining terms; creating s. 288.9994, F.S.; establishing rulemaking authority; creating s. 288.9995, F.S.; establishing the Construction Impact Relief Revolving Loan Program within the Department of Commerce; authorizing the Legislature to fund the program; requiring the department to provide specified financial assistance to eligible small businesses within construction zones; requiring the department to develop a public awareness and marketing campaign to promote the program in partnership with specified entities; providing requirements for the campaign; requiring applicants to submit specified information with their applications; requiring an applicant to agree to accept consultation from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network as a condition to participate in the program; prohibiting an applicant from participating in the program under certain circumstances; creating s. 288.9996, F.S.; directing hb501-00 the department to maintain and publish certain information about the program on its website, to update such information as changes occur, and to ensure that the website is accessible to certain persons with disabilities; creating s. 288.9997, F.S.; providing that the department or any of its officers, employees, agents, or contractors are not liable in any civil action arising out of or relating to specified duties of the program; requiring an applicant to acknowledge that submitting an application does not guarantee funding; providing that the department is not liable for any damages resulting from the department denying an applicant a loan or delaying loan disbursement or from certain activities; providing construction; providing that certain determinations, prioritizations, and decisions made are deemed final agency action and not subject to further judicial review; providing an exception; authorizing the department to adopt rules; creating s. 288.9998, F.S.; requiring the department, by a specified date, to submit an annual report containing certain information to the Governor and the Legislature; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Construction Disruption Assistance Act, establishing a new program to help small businesses (defined as those with 50 or fewer employees) that are negatively impacted by state and local government construction projects. The Construction Impact Relief Revolving Loan Program, housed within the Department of Commerce, will provide low-interest loans up to $100,000 to businesses whose primary access points are obstructed by construction activities. Applicants must demonstrate financial losses through documentation like revenue comparisons and photographic evidence of obstruction. The program will also develop a public awareness marketing campaign to encourage customer support for affected businesses, partnering with local chambers of commerce. Applicants must agree to consultation from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and cannot be participating in other loan programs. The department will maintain a website with program details, publish annual reports to the Governor and Legislature, and is protected from civil liability related to loan decisions. Critically, the bill acknowledges that prolonged construction projects can cause significant financial hardships for small businesses and aims to provide financial relief and support during infrastructure improvements. The program is set to be implemented by July 1, 2026, with the department required to adopt implementing rules by October 1, 2026.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
1st Reading (Original Filed Version) (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/501 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/501/BillText/Filed/PDF |
Loading...