FAQs About Florida Block Grant Program
What is the Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program?
The Florida Block Grant Disaster Relief Program is a new grant program managed by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and is separate from other federal or state funded programs. Rather than a loan or a payment reimbursement, the block grant provides direct payment to Producers to help recover from infrastructure damage, market loss, citrus production loss, and/or timber that was damaged or destroyed as a result of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and/or Milton in 2023/2024.
How do I apply for the block grant?
Producers should continue to monitor the website: www.blockgrant.fdacs.gov for updates on progress of the program. Once the application period opens, Producers can create a profile and review the application online. Once an application is submitted a Case Manager will be assigned and will assist the Producer with the application process.
What is a Case Manager?
Case Managers are grant specialists that are trained to assist applicants with the application process for the block grant. Each applicant to the block grant is assigned a Case Manager who will be their direct point of contact throughout the block grant application, review, and payment process.
Can I apply for multiple programs within the block grant?
Yes, any Producer can apply for as many programs under the block grant that they may be eligible for. Once determined to be an eligible Producer, each program will have different requirements that need to be met prior to receiving a payment. However, Producers should apply for all programs they are eligible for within a single application as multiple applications will not be allowed.
I think I am eligible for a program but I did not get an application, what do I do next?
Please contact the call center or your assigned case manager and they will be able to assist you with confirming if you are eligible for additional programs. If it is determined that you are eligible, they will be able to add an additional program to your application.
Is my block grant payment considered taxable income?
Yes, all block grant payments to applicants are considered taxable income and are subject to 1099 reporting with the IRS. As part of the application process, all applicants will be required to register in the State’s MyFloridaMarketPlace Vendor System and with the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to complete a Substitute Form W-9 for 1099 reporting purposes.
I have submitted an application to the block grant but I do not know if I am eligible. What are my next steps?
Your Case Manager will assist you with the application and eligibility verification process. Depending on the program(s) that you applied for, there will be certain criteria that need to be met for eligibility before a final determination can be made on the amount of funds you are eligible to receive through the program. Please review the Producer and Program Eligibility Page to review requirements for producers and the different programs.
If a Producer owned a property at the time of an Eligible Hurricane (Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton) but sold it prior to applying for the block grant, are they still eligible to receive funds?
No, to be eligible to receive funds through the block grant, a Producer must be the current owner of record or lessee with rights to the crop for the property in an eligible county.
Do producers need to own the claimed property or are lessee's eligible to apply?
Generally, both land owners and lessees are eligible under the program, with the exception of the Timber program, where only owners will be eligible to apply.
What is an eligible county?
Eligible counties are those within Florida that received a FEMA and/or USDA Disaster of Declaration as a result of Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, and Milton. Please see the Producer and Program Eligibility Page for a full listing of eligible counties.
Am I eligible to receive funds if I already cleared my land?
Yes, you may still be eligible to receive funds through the block grant even if you have cleared your land. Staff will utilize all available documentation to verify your eligibility for the program. Your Case Manager will be able to provide more information once you apply.
If I am participating or have participated in other state or federal programs, am I still eligible to participate in the block grant?
Yes, you may still be eligible to receive funds through the block grant even if you have already received funds from other state and federal grant programs. Please include details of these funds within your application and notify your Case Manager of any other grant funds you have received for Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, or Milton related losses on your property.
How do I receive my block grant payment?
Before payment can be made, you will need to register as a vendor through the MyFloridaMarketPlace and MyFloridaCFO systems. Please see link to MyFloridaMarketPlace to start the vendor registration process. If you prefer payment as a direct deposit, please navigate to MyFloridaCFO to register. If you prefer a hard copy check, do not complete your direct deposit registration. We advise that you wait until your Case Manager contacts you as they can assist you with this process.
If I received funds through the block grant specific to the Timber Loss do I have to reforest?
Yes, if you receive funds through the block grant on more than 20 acres, you are required to certify that you will reforest your land. Specifically, reforestation will be required for landowners receiving funding for catastrophic damaged pine stands or pine stands that were clearcut as a result of moderate or severe hurricane damage.
How are payments made if I share ownership on the land I include in my application, do you split up the payments for each owner?
The current owner of record is required to be the applicant for eligibility determination procedures. Should the owner of record elect to delegate authority to another individual or entity, a power of attorney will need to be submitted prior to processing the subject application. Payment will be processed to the applicant as registered in the State payment systems. Your Case Manager can assist with any unique situations.
What are the eligibility requirements for Producers and the different programs (Infrastructure, Market Loss, Citrus, Timber)?
Please review the Producer and Program Eligibility Page to review requirements for Producers and the different programs.
What type of documentation will I need to submit with my application?
The documentation required to submit your grant application will vary depending on the program(s) selected. Below is a list of documents that are requested on the application. Not all will be applicable to all participants. The list is not final as FDACS retains the discretion to ask for additional information to support the application as needed.
Applicant Information
-Proof of citizenship
-Proof of business ownership
-Tax documentation (one or more acceptable tax forms can be submitted)
-Proof of Ownership or Legal Responsibility
Infrastructure Program
-Time-stamped photos of damage
-Proof of operation
-Paid receipts or invoices
Market Loss Program
-Paid receipts or invoices
-Proof of shipment reduction; loss of buyer contract, or potential sales
-Proof of claimed acreage
Citrus Future Economic Loss Program
-Proof of 10% loss of production
-Proof of tree rehabilitation/replanting
-Proof of production/harvesting at time of application
-Proof of claimed acreage
Citrus Infrastructure Loss
-Proof of at least 10% loss in production
-Proof of tree rehabilitation/replanting
-Proof of production/harvesting at time of application
-Proof of claimed acreage
Timber Program
-Proof of claimed timber damage
-Proof of ownership of land
-Proof of claimed acreage
How long will it take to complete the application?
The time required to submit an application depends on your eligibility and the number of programs to which you are applying. We recommend having all documentation needed to submit with the application ready to be uploaded in a legible, electronic format to help expedite the process.
Can my application be expedited?
Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis relative to when applications were submitted. Producers are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process?
The program website, www.blockgrant.fdacs.gov, is the best place to find up-to-date information about the block grant program. If you have additional questions, please complete a Contact Us form at FDACS Support. A Case Manager will be assigned to your application upon submittal and will contact you within five (5) business days.
Who should I contact if I have questions about my submitted application?
Once you have been assigned a Case Manager, that individual will be your main point of contact. Case Managers are grant specialists that are trained to assist applicants with the application process for the block grant. Each applicant to the block grant is assigned a Case Manager who will be their direct point of contact throughout the block grant application, review, and payment processes.
How can I report suspected fraud, waste, and/or abuse?
If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, please contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Office of Inspector General (OIG):
Email: OIG@FDACS.gov
Mail: 2601 S. Blair Stone Road, Bldg. C, Ste. 3C, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: (850) 245-1360
Fax: (850) 245-1370
When will I get assigned my Case Manager and how do they contact me?
Once you have submitted your application, a Case Manager will be assigned. Your Case Manager will try to call or email you to introduce themselves, provide their contact information, and arrange for a longer call to review your application and answer any questions you may have.
Do I need to keep receipts of purchases and for how long/what details must I retain?
All documents for this block grant must be retained by the Producer for 3 years following the receipt of payment.
I already applied but need to change something on my application. How do I edit my application?
Once an application is submitted, a Producer is not able to edit the application. If there is information that needs to be edited or added to your application, please contact your Case Manager.
Can I use these funds to repay my FDACS Agriculture and Aquaculture Producers Emergency Recovery Loan?
Yes, funds may be used to repay your loan.