New Florida bill aims to support small businesses affected by construction projects | FOX 35 Orlando
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New Florida bill aims to support small businesses affected by construction projects

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Published  February 1, 2025 12:55am EST
Orange County
FOX 35 Orlando

Bill would help small businesses impacted by construction

FOX 35 has reported that many small businesses have shut down or have been hindered lately due to nearby road construction projects. Now two Central Florida state lawmakers want to keep those "open" signs up. State Rep. Anna Eskamani and State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith filed the "Business Disruption Act" to support small businesses impacted by construction projects.

The Brief

    • A new bill, HB 215, aims to provide $25,000 grants to small businesses affected by construction projects, with additional low-interest loans if needed.
    • The bill was introduced by Representatives Anna Eskamani and Carlos Guillermo Smith to help mitigate financial losses for businesses like Maffreys in Downtown Orlando, which faced a 20% profit drop due to nearby construction.
    • If passed, the bill would take effect in July 2025, offering critical support during disruptive infrastructure projects.

What we know:

ORLANDO, Fla. - A new bill, HB 215 — the Business Disruption Assistance Act — aims to support small businesses struggling due to prolonged construction projects. 

The bill, introduced by Florida Representative Anna Eskamani and Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith, both Democrats, would provide $25,000 grants for each phase of construction that affects a business. 

If additional financial aid is needed, low-interest small business loans would also be available. The bill is currently in committee meetings, with a legislative session set to begin in March.

What we don't know:

It remains unclear how many businesses would qualify for assistance or how the funding will be allocated. The Department of Commerce will need to establish rules for implementing the grant program, which could delay the timeline. Additionally, the long-term financial impact of the bill on state funds has yet to be fully assessed.

The backstory:

Small businesses in Orlando, such as Maffrey's, have struggled due to ongoing construction projects limiting customer access and cutting revenue. Co-owner Jeff Starks said a recent project lasted over a year, causing a 20% drop in profits and forcing them to change their business strategy to survive. 

Some businesses, like The Hammered Lamb, were unable to withstand the financial strain and have shut down. Without financial relief, more businesses could follow.

This bill seeks to create a safety net for those affected, ensuring they can remain operational while necessary improvements are made.

What they're saying:

Rep. Eskamani acknowledged the importance of these construction projects she also stressed its impact on small businesses.

"There are some necessary infrastructure improvements that will benefit small businesses in the long run, but in the short term, they can be incredibly damaging." 

Sen. Guillermo Smith emphasized the need for additional financial options.

"If for some reason those grants are not enough to keep these businesses that are struggling to the public works construction afloat, then we would also offer small business loans that would be very low interest loans." 

Starks, speaking from personal experience, supports the measure.

"These bills are necessary because if there is a struggle for a small business down the road from an impact of a state or local project, there's something — there’s a safety net of some sort. We didn't have that at all."

What's next:

If the bill passes, it currently lists an effective date of July 2025.

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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by Florida State Rep. Anna Eskamani and Florida State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, and Maffrey's co-owner Jeff Starks.

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