PALM BAY, Fla., Oct. 25, 2026 — Florida officials have announced several recovery programs for Northwest Florida communities hit by Hurricane Isaias, according to releases from the Executive Office of the Governor. Here is what the state says is available, who it is for and what is still pending.
Temporary housing in travel trailers
The Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) is working with Emergency RV to give temporary shelter trailers to eligible residents displaced by significant storm damage, the governor's office said. Emergency RV is described in the release as "a nonprofit organization that provides temporary shelter to individuals and families affected by disasters" (EOG release).
At a press conference at The Salvation Army Multi-Agency Resource Center in Pensacola, the state announced it was awarding the first two trailers to storm-affected families (EOG release). The release says the program "has received nearly 300 applications" and that residents can apply at EmergencyRV.org (EOG release).
"Thanks to our partnership with Emergency RV, we have started providing travel trailers to Floridians displaced by significant hurricane damage, so they have a safe place to live while they rebuild," Gov. Ron DeSantis said in the release (EOG release).
Grants for first responders
The state also announced one-time $5,000 grants for eight first responders in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties who were personally affected by the storm while continuing to serve (EOG release). The release says the money comes through a partnership between the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida, in coordination with the Florida Sheriffs Association (EOG release).
No-interest loans for small businesses
In a separate release from Destin, the governor's office said more than $4.5 million had been approved through the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, with 65 businesses approved (EOG release). The program is administered by FloridaCommerce and "provides short-term, no-interest loans to small businesses that experienced economic injury or physical damage due to Hurricane Isaias," the release says (EOG release).
The loans are meant to bridge the gap while businesses wait for longer-term money such as insurance, according to the state (EOG release). Applications are open through Nov. 25, 2026, or until funds run out, at FloridaJobs.org/DisasterRecovery/EBL (EOG release).
The release says FloridaCommerce's Business Damage Assessment Survey collected 238 surveys (EOG release). Within 48 hours after landfall, the state says, eight strike teams canvassed businesses and connected with 737 owners across Escambia, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton counties (EOG release).
Federal help: requested, not yet decided
FDEM has asked President Donald Trump for a Major Disaster Declaration. The request covers Public Assistance for 15 counties and Individual Assistance for eligible residents in eight counties (EOG release). "The state is awaiting a federal decision," the release says (EOG release).
If approved, the state says, the declaration would help governments and certain nonprofits offset some response and recovery costs. It would also help individuals and households pay for temporary housing, basic home repairs, essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses (EOG release).
Hiring a contractor? Check the license
The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation advises storm-affected residents to check all licenses before hiring a contractor and to talk with their insurance agency before signing any agreements (EOG release). Licenses can be verified at MyFloridaLicense.com, and suspected unlicensed activity can be reported at ULA.MyFloridaLicense.com (EOG release).
For the latest updates, the state points residents to floridadisaster.org/updates (EOG release).
Sources
- Executive Office of the Governor, "Governor DeSantis Announces Temporary Sheltering and First Responder Assistance for Hurricane Isaias Survivors" (October 2026): https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-desantis-announces-temporary-sheltering-and-first-responder-assistance
- Executive Office of the Governor, "Governor Ron DeSantis Announces More Than $4.5 Million Approved for Florida Small Businesses Through the Emergency Bridge Loan Program Within 10 Days Following Hurricane Isaias" (October 2026): https://www.flgov.com/eog/news/press/2026/governor-ron-desantis-announces-more-45-million-approved-florida-small-businesses
← More State stories · All Launchpad stories · Spotted an error? Request a correction.