Business Loans in Florida: Options, Rates and Resources
Complete guide to business financing in Florida including state programs, SBA resources, and industry-specific financing for Sunshine State business owners.
Florida is home to over 3 million small businesses, ranking third nationally in small business activity. From Miami's international trade hub to Orlando's tourism industry, Tampa Bay's growing tech scene to Jacksonville's logistics sector, Florida businesses benefit from a favorable tax environment and diverse economy.
With no state personal income tax and strong population growth, Florida attracts businesses relocating from higher-cost states. This guide covers financing options and resources available to Florida business owners.
Business Loan Options Available in Florida
Florida business owners have access to all major financing products:
- SBA 7(a) Loans — $25K–$5M with 10–25 year terms. Popular for Florida businesses seeking long-term growth capital.
- Term Loans — $25K–$500K+ with 1–5 year terms. Faster funding for time-sensitive opportunities.
- Business Lines of Credit — $10K–$250K revolving. Essential for managing tourism and hospitality seasonality.
- Equipment Financing — Finance up to 100% of equipment cost. Common in construction, healthcare, and marine industries.
- Merchant Cash Advances — Fast funding based on card sales. Higher cost but minimal requirements.
- Invoice Factoring — Convert B2B receivables to immediate cash. Popular in distribution and manufacturing.
Florida-Specific Business Programs and Resources
Florida offers state-backed programs to support small business growth:
- Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program — Provides short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses impacted by declared disasters. Administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
- Florida First Capital Finance Corporation (FFCFC) — Certified Development Company for SBA 504 loans, helping Florida businesses finance real estate and major equipment.
- Enterprise Florida — The state's primary economic development organization, providing business expansion assistance and connecting businesses with capital resources.
- Florida Export Finance Corporation — Helps Florida exporters access working capital and credit enhancements for international trade.
- Black Business Loan Program — Florida-based program providing access to capital for Black-owned businesses.
SBA Resources in Florida
Florida has 2 SBA District Offices: Miami and Jacksonville. Both provide free counseling, loan guidance, and disaster recovery assistance.
Florida SBDC Network
Florida's Small Business Development Center network includes over 40 locations across the state:
- Florida SBDC at University of West Florida — Serves the Panhandle region
- Florida SBDC at University of North Florida — Serves Northeast Florida
- Florida SBDC at University of Central Florida — Serves Central Florida
- Florida SBDC at University of South Florida — Serves Tampa Bay region
- Florida SBDC at Florida Atlantic University — Serves Southeast Florida
- Florida SBDC at Florida International University — Serves Miami-Dade and Monroe counties
All locations provide free business consulting, loan application assistance, and specialized industry guidance.
Top Industries in Florida and Financing Needs
Florida's key industries have distinct financing requirements:
| Industry | Typical Financing Uses | Common Products |
|---|---|---|
| Tourism/Hospitality | Renovations, equipment, seasonal cash flow | LOC, SBA 7(a), equipment financing |
| Construction | Equipment, project working capital | Equipment financing, LOC, invoice factoring |
| Healthcare | Practice acquisition, equipment, expansion | SBA 7(a), equipment financing |
| Marine/Boating | Inventory, service equipment, marina improvements | Inventory financing, equipment loans |
| Real Estate Services | Working capital, technology, expansion | LOC, term loans |
| International Trade | Inventory, logistics, export financing | Trade finance, LOC, invoice factoring |
Florida Business Lending Statistics
Understanding Florida's lending landscape:
- Number of Small Businesses: Over 3 million (99.8% of all Florida businesses)
- SBA 7(a) Lending Volume: Florida ranks in top 5 nationally with over $3 billion in annual SBA lending
- Average SBA Loan Size: Approximately $385,000
- Top SBA Lending Counties: Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Hillsborough (Tampa), Orange (Orlando)
Considerations for Florida Business Owners
Several factors are relevant to financing Florida businesses:
- No State Income Tax — Florida has no personal income tax, improving after-loan-payment cash flow.
- Hurricane/Disaster Exposure — Lenders may ask about business continuity planning and insurance coverage. The state's bridge loan program provides post-disaster support.
- Seasonality — Tourism-dependent businesses have predictable seasonal patterns. Lines of credit help manage slow seasons.
- Population Growth — Florida's strong migration trends support business expansion prospects.
- International Trade — Miami is a major international trade hub. Export financing and trade credit products are readily available.
Hurricane Season Planning
Establish credit facilities before hurricane season (June-November). Having pre-approved lines of credit provides financial resilience if disaster strikes.
How Liminal Serves Florida Businesses
Through our marketplace, Florida business owners can:
- Compare offers from 75+ lenders serving Florida businesses
- Complete one application to access multiple financing options
- Get matched with lenders experienced in your industry
- Access both national and Florida-focused lending institutions
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Our free pre-qualification takes 2 minutes and has no credit score impact. See what financing is available for your Florida business.
Ready to explore your options?
See what financing you qualify for in minutes — no impact to your credit score.
Related Articles
SBA Loans Explained: A No-BS Guide for First-Time Business Owners
Cut through the jargon and understand exactly what SBA loans are, the three main programs, typical rates and terms, who qualifies, and what the process actually looks like.
Read more →Business Lines of Credit Explained: The Flexible Funding Option Every Founder Should Understand
Learn how business lines of credit work, including revolving vs non-revolving options, secured vs unsecured structures, typical credit limits, interest rates, fees, and when a LOC is the right choice for your business.
Read more →Equipment Financing: How to Get the Machinery, Vehicles, and Tech Your Business Needs
Learn how equipment financing works, what qualifies as equipment, typical loan terms and rates, and how self-collateralization makes approval easier for businesses of all sizes.
Read more →Important Disclosure
Not Financial Advice: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. You should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.
No Guarantee of Financing: Liminal Lending Co. is a business loan marketplace that connects borrowers with third-party lenders. We are not a lender and do not make credit decisions. Submitting an application does not guarantee approval or funding. Loan terms, rates, and availability vary by lender and are subject to borrower qualifications and lender criteria.
Third-Party Lenders: All loan products are offered by independent third-party lenders. Liminal Lending Co. is an Independent Sales Organization (ISO) and receives compensation from lenders for successful referrals. Terms and conditions of any loan are between you and the lender.
Rate Information: Rates, terms, and fees mentioned in this article are estimates based on publicly available information and may not reflect current market conditions or specific lender offers. Actual rates depend on creditworthiness, business financials, and lender policies.
Information May Change: Financial markets, lending regulations, and economic conditions are subject to rapid change. While we strive to keep our content accurate and up-to-date, information in this article may become outdated. Always verify current rates, terms, program availability, and regulatory requirements with lenders and official sources before making financial decisions.