FLORIDA · NAICS 31-33
Florida manufacturing projects benefit from the strongest 2026 program economics, with 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture. Studies validate throughput, capacity, order-book assumptions, and the capital plan that supports a viable operating model through the loan term.
FEASIBILITY TRIGGER
Fiscal 2026 gives manufacturers the strongest program economics, with 7(a) fees waived on loans up to $950,000, 504 fees waived entirely, and a $5.5 million debenture.
From FY2010 through FY2026, Florida recorded 3,104 SBA-disbursed manufacturing loans across the 7(a) and 504 programs, representing $2.17 billion in approved financing at an average loan size of $698,000. The state sits at rank #5 of 38 for manufacturing SBA lending volume and holds 5.5% of the national manufacturing dollar pool. 7(a) accounts for 82.6% of the count, 504 for the rest, with 545 fresh approvals dated FY2024 or later.
| Disbursed loans (FY2010–FY2026) | 3,104 |
| Approved volume | $2.17 billion |
| Average loan size | $698,000 |
| 7(a) share | 82.6% |
| Approvals since FY2024 | 545 |
| State rank by loan count | #5 of 38 |
Among the 2,143 seasoned loans in this segment (approvals FY2010–FY2021), 8.6% reached adverse resolution — purchased, liquidated, or charged off. The national benchmark for manufacturing is 6.6%, against 7.3% across all industries. That performance runs above the national benchmark for this asset class, which is a factor lenders weigh in their credit decision.
Source: SBA 7(a) and 504 FOIA loan-level data, as of March 31, 2026. Disbursed loans only. See data methodology.
A 8.6% adverse-resolution rate against the national manufacturing benchmark of 6.6% tells credit committees to scrutinize revenue projections and coverage assumptions closely on Florida deals in this class. A rigorous third-party feasibility study — built on documented demand, defensible pricing, and stressed coverage — carries meaningful weight in that underwriting conversation, particularly at an average loan size of $698,000 across 3,104 loans.
Every Florida manufacturing project we underwrite follows the same lender ready process: independent market analysis, site and technical review, and financial projections tested against SBA SOP 50 10 8 standards. Our SBA feasibility study consultants guide explains scope, timing, deliverables, and what lenders and CDCs expect in the report.
Florida projects often fit SBA 504 where owner-occupied real estate anchors the deal, with the 50/40/10 structure delivering up to 90 percent financing at a fixed debenture rate, while SBA 7(a) covers acquisitions, working capital, and equipment. From July 4, 2026 eligible borrowers can combine 7(a) and 504 for up to $10 million in total program credit.
The North Florida district closed 87 loans to small manufacturers for nearly $64 million in fiscal 2025, up from 71 the prior year.
For a national view of this asset class, see our manufacturing SBA feasibility overview, and read our related analysis in the manufacturing lending research on our blog.
Public SBA and CDC program records, cited as program evidence
SBA 504 through Florida First Capital
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