Ward Law LLC is dedicated to keeping our clients informed about all things COVID-19 related. Our business is to ensure that you have all the information you need to keep your business going. In that regard, please read below for updates on the State of Florida.
Florida Issues Statewide Stay at Home Order
On Wednesday, April 1, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference to announce that he was issuing an executive order requiring all Floridians to limit their movements outside the home to only those necessary for essential services or essential activities. A complete list of what is considered essential under the statewide order was not provided at the time, but it was announced that grocery stores, gas stations, health care facilities, pharmacies, and childcare centers were included. Later in the day, the Executive Order was finally issued, which included a few activities considered essential and incorporated by reference other resources defining essential activities and businesses. That comprehensive list is provided below.
The Governor’s Order follows President Trump’s press conference on Tuesday in which reference was made to the (previously) seventeen states that had not yet issued stay at home orders. Florida was specifically discussed, and it appeared that there was some disconnect between what the President indicated had been communicated and what the Governor had heard from the White House. In yesterday’s press conference, Governor DeSantis indicated he had spoken with the President who agreed with the approach of issuing the Order.
According to the latest numbers from the Florida Department of Health, there are almost 7,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, including 87 deaths.
The stay at home order will take effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, April 3rd and last through the end of April. The Order continues the Governor’s piecemeal implementation of mitigation measures, largely following White House opinions of what action is necessary and what is overreaction. However, many localities had already issued their own stay at home orders of varying degrees.
Executive Order 20-91 limits individuals and businesses within the state to only essential services and/or activities. Obviously, this is a fluid situation, so there is a chance that a new order extending the dates may be issued.
Essential Services and Activities Under Florida’s New Stay at Home Order
The following essential activities are listed specifically in the Order:
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship
- Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming
- Taking care of pets
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend
The following list of essential businesses and activities are incorporated by reference:
- “‘Essential services’ means and encompasses the list detailed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, . . . and any subsequent lists published.”
- S. Department of Homeland Security Guidance –
- Healthcare/ Public Health
- Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Other First Responders
- Food and Agriculture
- Energy
- Water and Wastewater
- Transportation and Logistics
- Public Works and Infrastructure Support Services
- Communications and Information Technology
- Other Community- or Government-Based Operations and Essential Functions
- Hazardous Materials
- Financial Services
- Chemical
- Defense Industrial Base
- Commercial Facilities
- Residential/ Shelter Facilities and Services
- Hygiene Products and Services
- S. Department of Homeland Security Guidance –
- “Essential services also include those businesses and activities designated by Executive Order 20-89 and its attachment which consists of a list propounded by Miami-Dade County in multiple orders.”
- Miami-Dade Order 07-20
- Healthcare Providers
- Grocery stores
- Food cultivation
- Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals
- Newspapers, television, radio, and other media services
- Gas stations and auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities
- Banks and related financial institutions
- Hardware stores
- Contractors and other tradesmen, appliance repair personnel, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other structures
- Businesses providing mailing and shipping services
- Private colleges, trade schools, and technical colleges, but only as needed to facilitate online or distance learning
- Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers
- Restaurants/ food providers (takeaway only)
- Office supply products
- Shipping businesses
- Transportation Home-based care
- Assisted living facilities
- Legal or accounting services when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities
- Landscape and pool care business
- Childcare facilities
- Businesses operating at any airport, seaport, or other government facility
- Pet supply stores
- Logistics providers
- Telecommunications providers
- Provision of propane or natural gas
- Office space and administrative support
- Open construction sites
- Architectural, engineering, or land surveying services
- Factories
- Waste management
- Business interacting solely through electronic or telephonic means
For any questions about the Florida law updates, please email the Ward Law helpline any time at covid19helpline@thewardlaw.com.