The proposed bill establishes the Construction Disruption Assistance Act, which aims to provide financial relief and support to small businesses adversely affected by state and local government construction projects. It creates a new part within chapter 288 of the Florida Statutes, consisting of sections 288.9991 to 288.9997. The Act includes provisions for defining terms, establishing rulemaking authority, and creating the Construction Impact Relief Program within the Department of Commerce. This program will offer financial assistance, including grants of up to $25,000 and low-interest loans of up to $100,000, to eligible small businesses located in construction zones.
Additionally, the bill mandates the development of a public awareness campaign to promote the program and encourage community support for impacted businesses. The Department of Commerce is tasked with establishing a hotline for information dissemination and is required to submit an annual report detailing the program's performance, including the number of businesses served and funds disbursed. The Act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.