FL H0893

Creates the Florida Small Business Fund to secure $50 million in loans from participating private lending institutions to small businesses and small start-up businesses by July 1, 2014.

Caps participating lenders' interest rates at 2 percent per annum and limits individual loans to $50,000 maximum based on demonstrated venture needs.

Requires loans to be split equally between existing small businesses (estimated value less than $250,000) and new start-up businesses (started by individuals with access to less than $50,000 in capital).

Loan applications must include owner information, business venture details, certified minority business enterprise status, and loan amount with purpose description; Department of Economic Opportunity selects participating lenders and qualifying businesses based on venture merits and state economic impact.

Authorizes the department to spend up to $500,000 before December 31, 2013 for a one-time public awareness campaign and permits consideration of a 20-percent participation goal for certified minority business enterprises.