Governor DeSantis Moves Florida into Phase 3

On Sept. 25, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-244, moving all of Florida’s 67 counties into Phase 3 of the governor's re-opening plan. Executive Order 20-244 does the following:

• Removes state-level restrictions on businesses, such as restaurants.

• Provides that no COVID-19 emergency ordinance may prevent an individual from working or operating a business, giving Floridians and business owners needed certainty and the ability to provide for themselves and their families.

• Provides that restaurants may not be limited by a COVID-19 emergency order by any local government to less than 50% of their indoor capacity. If a restaurant is limited to less than 100% of its indoor capacity, such COVID-19 emergency order must satisfy the following.

  • Quantify the economic impact of each limitation or requirements on those restaurants; and

  • Explain why each limitation or requirement is necessary for public health.

• Suspends all outstanding fines and penalties, and the collection of such moving forward, applied against individuals related to COVID-19. 

• Vulnerable populations should inform their employer that they are a member of the vulnerable population so that their employers can plan accordingly. Employers may considered teleworking for vulnerable populations

• Employers should take prudent and practical measures to ensure employees do not enter the premises, if they believe they are infected with COVID-19 or show symptoms of influenza like illness.

• Local government meetings should return to in-person quorum and public participation for local government bodies.

• Bars, pubs, and nightclubs that derive more than 50% of their sales from alcohol, may operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.

• Restaurants and food service establishments may operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.

• Gyms and fitness centers should open to full capacity but should maintain adequate sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation.

• Theme parks may return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols.

• Retail businesses may operate at full capacity, and should continue to maintain adequate sanitation practices for employees and patrons.

For more information:

• Executive Order 20-244