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Floridian Partners COVID-19 Update (as of 11/25/20)


Wednesday November 25, 2020 Coronavirus Update:

Total Cases in Florida: 961,676                        

Total Cases in US: 12,698,809

Total Florida Deaths: 18,254                             

Total US Deaths: 261,223

Total Florida Hospitalizations: 54,133

Although Florida has moved into Phase 3 of recovery, government officials at the federal, state, and local level continue to work diligently to prepare and enact emergency measures to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.  Below is a summary of emergency actions taken, resources, and links to additional information.

Federal:

On September 9, 2020 the CDC issued a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.  The moratorium is limited to those who: (1) would be evicted due to nonpayment of rent and (2) would be forced to relocate to a shared living space.  A sworn declaration is required and income limits apply.  The moratorium has been challenged by landlords and landlord associations in federal court.

On August 1, 2020, the federal unemployment assistance of $600 per week ends.

On July 23, 2020, the Center for Disease Control issued modified guidelines for reopening schools and childcare programs.  The new guidelines include a decision making tool to allow parents/guardians to determine whether or not to elect tele-education or a face to face classroom setting.

On July 17, 2020, the Center for Disease Control updated information related to persons at higher risk of severe outcomes related to COVID.  The most recent list of underlying conditions causing complications can be found here.  A copy of the most recent press briefing transcript can be found here.

On May 19, 2020, the Center for Disease Control issued guidelines for reopening schools during the pandemic.

On May 15, 2020, President Trump unveiled Operation Warp Speed, a program to develop a coronavirus vaccine with a stated goal of the early 2021.  The administration is providing roughly $10 billion to support the medical research effort, including funding for vaccine development.

On April 27, 2020, the Attorney General Barr released a Memo directing Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Eric Dreiband, and Matthew Schneider; the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan to review state COVID-19 emergency actions for violations of civil rights and take legal action where appropriate.

On Friday April 24, 2020, President Trump signed into law a second stimulus package, HR 266. The bill allocates an additional $484 billion in funding to assist with the pandemic, including $320 billion in additional funding to the Paycheck Protection Program.

On Monday April  20, 2020, at the President’s direction, CMS issued guidance encouraging localities, where the curve has flattened and hospital resources are available, to begin providing nonessential medical services and procedures again.

On Thursday April 16, 2020, President trump issued guidelines for reopening America. 

Friday, March 27, President Trump signed into law a $2 trillion coronavirus relief package — the biggest in U.S. history — which would provide hundreds of billions of dollars in loans and grants to major industries and small businesses, direct cash payments to many taxpayers and significantly expands unemployment benefits.  The bill, HR 748, is being referred to as the CARES Act. 

Additional updates on actions taken by federal agencies in response to COVID 19 can be found on USA.Gov’s webpage.

Florida:

Executive Office of the Governor:

Governor DeSantis has issued multiple executive orders regarding the pandemic.  Most recently his office issued EO2020-244 moving Florida into Phase 3, suspending local fines related to COVID violations and emphasizing right to work.  In addition, the Governor has let the moratorium on evictions and foreclosures expire, indicating the moratorium issued by the CDC is controlling.

3/1/20     EO 2020-51  Establishes Coronavirus Response Protocol and Directs Public Health Emergency

3/9/20     EO 2020-52  Emergency Management – COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

3/17/20   EO 2020-68  Emergency Management – COVID-19 regarding bars, beaches, and restaurants   

3/20/20   EO 2020-69  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Local Government Public Meetings

3/20/20   EO 2020-70  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Broward and Palm Beach County Closures of nonessential retail and commercial establishments

3/20/20   EO 2020-71  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Alcohol Sales, Restaurants, and Gyms closures

3/20/20   EO 2020-72  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Non-essential Elective Medical Procedures

3/23/20   EO 2020-80  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Airport Screening and Isolation

3/23/20   EO 2020-82  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Isolation of Individuals Traveling to Florida

3/24/20   EO 2020-83  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Protective Measures for Vulnerable Populations, Gatherings of Private Citizens and Density of the Workforce

3/26/20   EO 2020-85  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Telehealth and Immunizations for State Group Insurance

3/27/20   EO 2020-86  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Additional Requirements of Certain Individuals Traveling to Florida

3/27/20   EO 2020-87  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Vacation Rental Closures

3/27/20   EO 2020-88  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Re-employment of Essential Personnel

3/30/20   EO 2020-89  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, Monroe County Public Access Restrictions

3/31/20   EO 2020-90  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Broward and Palm Beach County Closures

4/1/20     EO 2020-91  Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency

4/1/20     EO 2020-92  Executive Order amends Executive Order 20-91 re: Essential Services and Activities During COVID-19 Emergency

4/2/20     EO 2020-93  COVID-19 Emergency Order – Reemployment Assistance Program

4/2/20     EO 2020-94  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief

4/6/20     EO 2020-95  COVID-19 Emergency Order – Documentary Stamps for SBA Loans

4/8/20     EO 2020-97  Emergency Management – COVID-19 – Municipal Elections in Pasco County

4/10/20   EO 2020-103 Extends Executive Order 20-87 re: Vacation Rental Closures

4/16/20   EO 2020-104 Suspends biweekly reporting for unemployment claims until the expiration of EO 2020-52

4/29/20   EO 2020-111 Extends both the Vacation Rental Prohibition in EO 2020-87 and the designation of essential businesses in EO 2020-91

4/29/20   EO 2020-112 Phase 1 of Florida’s Recovery Plan  

5/8/20     EO 2020-114 Extends the state declaration of emergency for an additional 60 days

5/9/20     EO 2020-120 Moves Palm Beach County into Phase 1 and relaxes the restrictions against barber shops and cosmetology salons.

5/14/20   EO 2020-121 Extending mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief until June 2

5/14/20   EO 2020-122 Moves the counties of Broward and Miami-Dade into Phase 1

5/14/20   EO 2020-123 “Full” Phase 1 of Florida’s Recovery Plan

5/22/20   EO 2020-131 Extending Full Phase 1 to include youth sports and day camp programs

6/1/20     EO 2020-137 Extending mortgage and foreclosure and eviction relief until July 1

6/5/20     EO 2020-139 Moving South Florida to Phase 2

7/1/20     EO2020-159  Extending mortgage and foreclosure and eviction relief until August 1. 

7/7/20     EO2020-166   Extending the statewide emergency for another 60 days (Sept 5). 

7/29/20   EO2020-179  Extending remote public meetings

7/29/20   EO2020-180  Extending mortgage and foreclosure and eviction relief until September 1.

8/5/20     EO2020-192  Directing the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to enforce CDC best practices for restaurants. 

9/1/20     EO2020-211  Extending mortgage and foreclosure and eviction relief until October 1.

The Executive Office of the Governor has created a website listing all executive actions and emergency orders related to COVID.

The Florida Channel has created a COVID 19 update page where past press conferences with Governor DeSantis on this issue can be viewed.

Reopen Florida Task Force:

The meetings of the Reopen Florida Task force have concluded.  A list of the members of the Executive Committee can be found here.  Links to Subgroup member lists and materials presented to each and the final report can be found on the Governor’s COVID website.

Florida Legislature:

July 27, 2020, Senate President Bill Galvano issued a memorandum regarding the general revenue collection report.  Of note, Fiscal Year 2019‐20 ended with collections under estimate for the General Revenue Fund by nearly $1.9 billion.  The great majority of the shortfall, 84.7 percent, came from the Sales Tax distribution, which was down 6.1 percent from the anticipated level, as business activity was impacted by shutdowns in response to the pandemic.

The Governor has signed a the budget after vetoing more than 1 billion in spending. In addition to the beginning of the new fiscal year, 130 laws went into effect on July 1, a list of

April 24, 2020, Senate President Bill Galvano addressed the specific concerns raised by the State Democratic Caucus, which called for a special session.  The memo provided an update as to executive actions to date, and reiterated his previous position that there was no need for a special session at this time.

April 2, 2020,  Senate President Bill Galvano issued a memo providing a fiscal update for the state and indicating the need to call a special session to appropriate funds from the CARES Act.

Attorney General:

Following the issuance of EO 20-52, Attorney General Moody activated the Price Gouging Hotline.  A list of the commodities covered by the hotline can be found here.  On March 19, 2020, Attorney General Moody issued advisory legal opinion, AGO 2020-03, per the request of the Governor, to provide guidance on the issue of holding public meetings in the sunshine, in light of the pandemic. Most recently, Attorney General Moody sent a letter to the Florida Retail Federation encouraging limits on certain goods to discourage hoarding.

Commissioner of Agriculture:

Commissioner Freed, following the closure of schools outlined in EO 20-52, authorized alternate delivery methods for school systems providing meals to students.  Her office continues to monitor state supply chains and provide updates to consumers regularly. A link to all emergency orders and rules put out by this department, to date, can be found here.  

Chief Financial Officer:

On March 30, 2020, Chief Patronis issued a directive to the Florida Division of Risk Management to provide workers compensation benefits to state employees on the front lines.

Florida Department of Health:

As the lead agency for tracking and containing this healthcare crisis, on March 1, 2020, the Department issued a Declaration of Public Health Emergency.  The Department has issued an update to the initial declaration suspending certain statutory requirements for out of state providers and the telemedicine ban for medical marijuana.  The Department also provides a tracking dashboard for cases within the state that is updated twice daily.  The Department provides regular updates on all actions taken by all executive agencies in relation to COVID-19, the most recent update was issued on March 30. The Department has issued multiple communications to medical providers regarding COVID-19.  A list of all COVID related emergency orders issued by the Department can be found here.

Florida Department of Education:

On July 6, 2020 Commissioner Corcoran issued an Emergency Order requiring schools to open 5 days each week beginning in the fall.

Florida Division of Emergency Management:

As lead agency for coordinating response and necessary supplies to mitigate the pandemic, the Division has issued emergency orders prohibiting visitors in certain state facilities.  The most recent order listing facilities prohibiting visitors was issued March 16, 2020.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

On Friday March 27, the Commission issued an emergency order directing all boating vessels to maintain a distance of 50 feet or more from other vessels and restricting boat occupancy to ten or less people.

Local Governments:

All 67 Florida counties have at least one confirmed case of the virus, and all counties have declared a local emergency.  Below is a table detailing the emergency actions of all 67 Florida counties to date.  Counties interested in reopening short term vacation rentals were directed by executive order to submit plans to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.  A list of all counties currently approved to operate short term rentals can be found here. Copies of all the Declarations of Emergency and Emergency Orders, including the plans for safe operations of vacation rentals can also be found on the website for Florida Association of Counties.


CountyEmergency ActionsMeasures Implemented
AlachuaEmergency Declared March 19th renewed May 11thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Facial covering order.
BakerNo formal declaration of emergencyClosure of county facilities and suspension of meetings
BayCommissioners voted to enact emergency measures March 17th renewed May 12thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.
BradfordVerbal Emergency Declared March 17thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. General enactment no specific measures taken
BrevardCommissioners declared state of emergency March 14th renewed May 22ndVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules
BrowardEmergency Declared March 17th, renewed May 11th EO 2020-122Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.  Reopening guidelines.
CalhounEmergency declared March 17th renewed April 21stGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
CharlotteEmergency declared March 17th renewed May 26thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules. Facial coverings resolution.
CitrusVerbal declaration of emergency by commissioner’s March 16th renewed May 29thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.. Beaches open with no restrictions
ClayCounty Commissioners declared state of emergency March 13th renewed May 29thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.
CollierCommissioners declared state of emergency March 16thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beaches with no restrictions. Facial covering order.
ColumbiaEmergency declared March 19thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.
DadeEmergency declared March 12th renewed April 1st EO 2020-122Beaches open limited hours and subject to social distancing rules. Amended Phase 2  order limiting restaurants to outdoor seating, closing movie theatres, and prohibiting short term vacation rentals.
DesotoEmergency declared March 22ndVacation rentals open subject to conditions.
DixieEmergency declared March 19Vacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beaches open no restrictions
DuvalMayor declared state of emergency March 19th, renewed April 9thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access with no restrictions
EscambiaEmergency Declared March 17th renewed March 27thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.
FlaglerCommissioners voted to enact emergency measures March 16thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.
FranklinCommissioners voted to enact emergency measures March 16th renewed May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules
GadsdenResolution of State of Emergency declared March 13th and renewed March 20thReopening guidelines.
GilchristEmergency declared March 20th renewed April 17thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
GladesEmergency declared March 19thGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
GulfEmergency declared March 18thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access with no restrictions.
HamiltonEmergency declared March 17th, renewed April 24th
HardeeEmergency declared March 19thGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
HendryEmergency declared March 19thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
Hernando Emergency declared March 19th renewed May 1stVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access allowed limited to exercise and social distancing rules starting April 29th.
HighlandsEmergency declared March 18thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
HillsboroughEmergency declared March 12th and renewed May7thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Facial covering order.
HolmesEmergency declared March 17thGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
Indian RiverEmergency declared March 17th, renewed May 26thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  beach access allowed limited to exercise and social distancing rules starting April 28th. Facial covering order.
JacksonEmergency declared March 17th renewed May 26thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
JeffersonEmergency declared March 16th renewed June 1st General enactment no specific measures taken
LafayetteEmergency declared March 19th renewed April 23rdVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
LakeEmergency declared March 19th renewed May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions
LeeEmergency declared March 18th renewed May 26thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beaches with no limitations, dog and some athletic parks open
LeonEmergency declared March 16th renewed April 2nd Vacation rentals open subject to conditions.   Facial covering order.
LevyEmergency declared March 17th renewed April 21stVacation rentals open subject to conditions.   Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.
LibertyEmergency declared March 16th renewed May 4thGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
MadisonResolution passed March 18th to declare state of emergencyGeneral enactment no specific measures taken
ManateeEmergency declared March 16th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions. Beach access beach with no restrictions. Facial covering order.
MarionEmergency declared March 16th renewed May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.
MartinEmergency declared March 16th extended May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beaches open with no limitations, closed for July 4 Holiday
MonroeEmergency declared March 15th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions. Facial covering order.
NassauEmergency declared March 19th renewed May 13thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules
OkaloosaEmergency declared March 17th, renewed April 14thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access with no restrictions. Order requiring businesses to post signage related to facial covering requirements.
OkeechobeeEmergency declared March 19th renewed April 2ndVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
OrangeEmergency declared March 17th  renewed May 15thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  
OsceolaEmergency declared March 16th. Renewed May 7thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. Golf courses, parks, marinas, and community pools open
Palm BeachEmergency declared March 13th, renewed May 9th. EO 20-120Vacation rental plan approved, but paused due to increase in cases. Beaches access limited to special hours and social distancing rules. Facial covering order revised. Reopening guidelines.
PascoEmergency declared March 12th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions, beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules. Facial covering order
PinellasEmergency declared March 13th. Renewed May 19thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beaches open no hourly limitations, must follow CDC guidelines as of May 4. Facial covering order.
PolkEmergency declared March 16th renewed May 25th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
PutnamEmergency declared March 17th renewed May 8thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  
Santa RosaEmergency declared March 18th renewed May 8thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access with no restrictions
SarasotaEmergency declared March 15th renewed May 15thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access with no restrictions
SeminoleEmergency declared March 15th renewed May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Facial covering order.
St. JohnsEmergency declared March 17th renewed May 25thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access with no restrictions. Facial covering order.
St. LucieDeclaration of state of Emergency March 17th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions.  beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules  Facial covering order.
SumpterEmergency declared March 18th renewed May 19th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
SuwanneeResolution of Emergency March 17th renewed April 21st Vacation rentals open subject to conditions
TaylorEmergency declared March 19th renewed May 20thVacation rentals open subject to conditions. 
UnionEmergency declared March 17th, renewed June 1st General enactment no specific measures taken
VolusiaEmergency declared March 13th renewed May 19th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.  Facial coverings encouraged.
WakullaEmergency declared March 17th renewed May 12thVacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beaches open with no limitations other than CDC guidelines.
WaltonEmergency declared March 17th Vacation rentals open subject to conditions.  Beach access allowed limited to special hours and social distancing rules.
WashingtonEmergency declared March 17th renewed March 24th General enactment no specific measures taken

In addition to the countywide measures detailed above several cities have imposed restrictions under municipal declarations of emergency.  The Florida League of Cities has compiled a website with links to cities that have enacted specific COVID 19 measures. 

Litigation:

A summary of COVID related litigation directed towards governmental entities, county by county, can be found here.

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