Small Business Environmental Assistance Program

The Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP), established under Section 507 of the Clean Air Act, is a resource available to help small businesses understand and comply with environmental regulations. Florida's SBEAP is housed within the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Air Resource Management.

Although the SBEAP is primarily air-focused, staff either provide direct assistance with multimedia questions or refer customers to the appropriate environmental program area.

To qualify for assistance as a small business, the business must have fewer than 100 employees, release less than 75 tons of all regulated air pollutants and release less than 50 tons of any single regulated air pollutant.

• SBEAP General Information Flyer

Services

Florida's SBEAP provides free and confidential environmental permitting and compliance assistance to small businesses through a variety of services including:

Phone or Email Consultations

• SBEAP Hotline Number: 800-722-7457
• SBEAP Email: Small.Business@FloridaDEP.gov

Referrals to other Environmental Programs

• Environmental Assistance Directory

Regulatory Updates and Resources

The SBEAP disseminates news and information on environmental regulations that may affect small businesses and develops fact sheets, booklets, forms and other materials for specific industries covered under the Air General Permit Program.

Visit the National Small Business Environmental Assistance Program for more comprehensive regulatory updates and other resources for small businesses.

Outreach and Education

The SBEAP also partners with various organizations and trade associations to help protect the interests of small businesses and enhance awareness and compliance with environmental regulations.

Industry Associations

• Dry Cleaner South Eastern Fabricare Association
• Florida Concrete and Products Association
• Florida Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
• National Metal Finishing Resource Center
• Paints and Coatings Resource Center

Other Resource Links

• Florida Small Business Development Center
• Grants.gov
• Rolling 12-Month Calculator for General Sources

Ombudsman

Jessica Dalton
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Air Resource Management
2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 5500
Tallahassee, FL 32399
800-722-7457 / 850-717-9106

The Small Business Ombudsman oversees the SBEAP and serves as an advocate for Florida's small businesses. The ombudsman is responsible for keeping small businesses informed of impending or new regulations and associated requirements to enhance awareness and compliance, ensuring that small business interests are represented during the rule-making process and providing confidential assistance to small-business owners as requested.