Flood loans available in Hernando County

Low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration are now available for Hernando County residents affected by August’s storms and flooding.

SBA Acting Administrator Jeanne Hulit said in a press release the SBA made the loans available at the request of Gov. Rick Scott, who asked Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Sumter counties be declared a disaster area.

Residents and businesses that were damaged from Aug. 15-26 are eligible to apply.

Homeowners can receive loans up to $200,000 to spend on building repairs, and homeowners and renters can receive up to $40,000 to replace damaged personal property. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million.

Interests rates can be as low as 1.937 percent for homeowners, according to the SBA.

Those interested can apply at Brooksville City Hall, 201 Howell Ave. in Brooksville. SBA representatives will be on site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on week days through Sept. 26. Saturday hours are from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the office is closed on Sunday.

Those affected by the storms can also fill out the loan application online at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The deadline to apply for a damaged property loan is Nov. 18.