Florida Reopening Update: May 15
On May 14 the Governor issued Executive Order 20-122 which authorizes Broward and Miami-Dade Counties to enter Phase 1 of re-opening (known as the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida' s Recovery).
Miami-Dade County:
Miami-Dade County is expected to issue an Emergency Order implementing Phase 1, similar to what Broward County did today (see below for Broward details). A reminder that Miami-Dade County did issue a lengthy guidance document yesterday. The “The New Normal Guide,” details various standards for businesses throughout all phases of re-opening.
Broward County:
In accordance with the Governor’s action, Broward County has issued Emergency Order 20-10, effective in Broward County May 18 at 12:01 am, which sets forth guidelines for the following non-essential businesses that are included in Phase 1, and are able to open with several restrictions. These are as follows:
Continuation of the Required CDC Guidelines: First, all must continue to adhere to CDC Guidelines regarding social distancing and facial coverings. Continue to uphold the prohibition that groups of more than ten (10) people are not permitted to congregate in public spaces that do not allow for the required social distancing.
Professional businesses that are allowed up to and through this order, must also continue to adhere to the guidelines set forth, such as limited public access and to encourage teleworking. Additional restrictions on general business requirements can be found in attachment 1.
Restaurants and Food Establishments: Restaurants and Food Establishments must comply with the six-foot (6’) distancing requirement and comply with the 50% of the maximum indoor seating capacity. This allows for indoor and outdoor seating, that combined shall not exceed the existing total maximum occupancy for the establishment. Outdoor seating areas will be subject to additional limitations required by the applicable municipality. Specific guidelines are included in attachment 2, within the Broward County order.
Retail Establishments: Retail establishments selling goods other than personal services, can open at a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of indoor occupancy. Specific guidelines are included in attachment 3, within the Broward County order.
Personal Services - Barbershops, cosmetology salons, and cosmetology specialty salons: (businesses and establishments providing personal services by licensed professionals) may operate provided all operations comply with the extensive guidelines included in attachment 4, within the Broward County order.
Movie Theaters: Existing licensed drive-in outdoor movie theaters can operate at up to 50% capacity provided they comply with the guidelines included in attachment 5, within the Broward County order. Indoor movie theaters remain closed.
Community Rooms, Fitness Centers, and Gyms: Community Rooms, Fitness Centers, and Gyms located within multifamily housing developments or community associations can operate at their option with restrictions, including a fifty percent (50%) maximum occupancy, residents only, no guests allowed. These may operate provided they comply with the guidelines included in attachment 6, within the Broward County order. Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and shower facilities remain closed.
Public Community Pools and Private Club Pools: Public pools and private club pools (including municipal pools) can open, with specific restrictions found in attachment 7, within the Broward County order. The water features at facilities operated by Broward County Parks and Recreation remain closed.
Museums: Museums can open with a maximum 25% capacity, with restrictions on any component of the museum that are interactive, including child play areas, which must remain closed. Museums may operate provided they comply with the guidelines included in attachment 8, within the Broward County order.
Enforcement and Penalties: Violations will be prosecuted in the same manner as misdemeanors are prosecuted including fines of up to $500 per violation and imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, or both.
Broward County Emergency Order 20-10
The Broward order is applicable to all incorporated and unincorporated areas in Broward County. It was made in coordination with municipalities in Broward County. However, it does allow municipalities to establish more stringent standards within their jurisdictions, to the extent permitted by law.