Updates on Florida Executive Orders in Response to COVID-19

On April 29, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued two new executive orders with respect to COVID-19.   Executive Order 20-111 extends until May 4, 2020  Executive Order 20-91 which was Florida’s statewide, stay-at-home order.  That order was thereafter amended by Executive Order 20-92, the purpose of which was to ensure that local governments did not take actions that conflicted with Executive Order 20-91.  In addition, Executive Order 20-111 extends Executive Order 20-87, which had suspended vacation rental operations in Florida, until May 4, 2020, when it will be further extended by another executive order.

Governor also issued Executive Order 20-112 in an effort to begin the economic re-opening of the state.  It is described as “Phase 1: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.” Amongst other things it allows for the following:

• Restaurants may open to provide services on premises, limited to 25 percent of their occupancy capacity as long as proper social distancing  measures are in place;
• Retail stores, too, may open, provided that “they operate at no more than 25 percent of their building occupancy and abide by the safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA”;
• Subject to restrictions imposed by local governments, museums and libraries can open at 25 percent occupancy capacity;
• Elective medical procedures may resume, subject to the conditions set forth in the Executive Order.

The permitted services under Executive Order 20-112 are not presently permitted in Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.  As to those counties, Executive Order 20-112 provides that “allowances for services and activities from Sections 3 and 4 of this order will be considered in consultation with local leadership.”

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.