Business Damage Assessment Survey from Lee County and the Economic Development
On September 29, Governor DeSantis activated the Business Damage Assessment (BDA) survey on www.FloridaDisaster.biz. The BDA survey is a self‐reporting tool for small and medium‐sized businesses to report physical and economic damages that result from a natural disaster.
Businesses affected by the storm were encouraged to complete the survey to provide an overall picture of the economic impact of Hurricane Ian. The BDA survey asks business owners a variety of questions to ascertain the extent of the damage caused by a natural disaster. Questions included:
- Did your business location suffer damages?
- Are you currently open for business?
- What were your business revenues during the period?
- Do you have business interruption insurance?
- Have you, or will you, lay off employees as a result of this disaster?
The purpose of this report was to analyze the BDA surveys received in the three weeks since the survey opened. It is important to note that these surveys typically represent 10‐15% of a population. This report did NOT encompass all economic damages in the state of Florida that resulted from Hurricane Ian. Instead, the true cost is likely at least 10 times the figures in this report.
Here are some of the major data points found from the survey:
- 2,316 Business Damage Assessment Surveys completed
- $821 million in physical and economic damages reported
- 667 permanent layoffs were reported
- Short-Term Capital is the #1 barrier hindering businesses from re-opening
- 71% of survey respondents indicated interest in relief services/programs
Click the button below to view the full damage assessment survey report.
