Statistics and Developments in Florida with Respect to COVID-19

As the Florida statewide stay at-home order is approaching the end of its first month, some sobering statistics have emerged demonstrating the far-ranging and devastating impact the coronavirus has had on the state’s residents.  Those statistics include the following:

• Over 30,000 reported cases of the coronavirus in the state;
• Over 1,000 deaths;
• More than 500,000 unemployment cases were filed last week. Indeed in a mere one-month period, there have been more furloughs and mass layoffs than there were in the entire year in 2019.  The majority of layoffs and mass furloughs related to the coronavirus have been in the restaurant and hotel industries, together with recreation, entertainment and the arts—all industries which have been hit particularly hard by COVID-19.

Nevertheless, with optimism that the curve is flattening in Florida and that stay-at-home measures are having a positive and appreciable impact, beaches in Jacksonville and neighboring St. John’s County re-opened last week—with social distancing guidelines still in effect.  A number of other counties have followed this week by reopening  their beaches, including beaches in Sarasota County, Flagler County and famed Cocoa Beach.  In addition, department stores and flower shops in the state have been given permission to re-open.

Executive Order 20-91, Florida’s statewide stay-at-home order, is currently set to expire in less than a week on April 30, 2020, unless it is further extended.  There have been no COVID-19 executive orders issued since the latter part of last week.

As the law continues to evolve on these matters, please note that this article is current as of date and time of publication and may not reflect subsequent developments. The content and interpretation of the issues addressed herein is subject to change. Cole Schotz P.C. disclaims any and all liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this publication to the fullest extent permitted by law. This is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Do not act or refrain from acting upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining legal, financial and tax advice.  For further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to your firm contact or to any of the attorneys listed in this publication.