The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Activates Business Damage Assessment Survey to Assess Damages to the State's Agriculture from Freezing Temperatures

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact freezing temperatures had on the state’s agriculture businesses. Survey responses will allow the state to gather data and evaluate resources impacted businesses may need to recover after the freezing weather that occurred during the weekend of January 28-30, 2022. 
 
“The agriculture business in Florida is an integral part of the state’s economy, and we are going to do everything we can to help the farmers who were impacted by freezing temperatures this past weekend,” said Governor DeSantis. “I am urging impacted businesses to complete the business damage assessment survey so we can help our farmers get back on their feet.”
 
“At the direction of Governor DeSantis, we encourage any business impacted by the freezing weather event to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey at FloridaDisaster.biz,” said DEO Secretary Dane Eagle. “This invaluable data will help the state evaluate the extent of the damage and provide businesses additional resources as needed.”
 
Because of foregoing conditions, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 22-27 declaring a state of emergency in Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Lucie, Sumter, and Volusia counties. All businesses impacted should complete the survey.

Results from this survey will be shared with various federal, state, and local agencies to implement appropriate relief. Businesses can complete the survey online at FloridaDisaster.biz by selecting “Freezing Weather Event January 2022” from the dropdown menu. If you need additional assistance with your business, please call 850-815-4925 or email ESF-18@EM.MyFlorida.com. 

 
About DEO
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.