Plan for Florida’s Recovery
Phase 1 of the Plan for Florida’s Recovery took effect May 4, 2020 and was updated effective May 11, 2020.
Phase 2 will take effect once Gov. DeSantis determines it is suitable to continue re-opening and after fully considering medical data in consultation with state health officials.
Local governments may adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including buildings, beaches and parks, that may be stricter than the state. Report a business that violates these orders to local law enforcement.
Note: Miami-Dade and Broward counties have not yet entered Phase 1 and will follow stricter protocol without the re-open provisions of Executive Order 20-112. Governor DeSantis added Palm Beach county to Phase 1 effective May 11, 2020.
| Individuals | Stay at home unless you’re going out for essential activities like grocery shopping, exercise, healthcare, religious worship, and caregiving. You may travel for work if you’re employed by an essential service or businesses that re-open at 25% building occupancy. Senior citizens and individuals with significant medical conditions may leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, go for a walk, or go to work. They should avoid close contact with people outside the home. All individuals, when in public, should maximize physical distance from others. Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people in circumstances that do not readily allow for physical distancing. Face masks are recommended for all those in face-to-face interactions and where you can’t social distance. |
| Businesses and Employers | All businesses are encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by phone. Restaurants may offer outdoor seating with six feet between tables and indoor seating at 25% building capacity. On-site sale and retail businesses may operate at 25% building capacity. Personal care services like barbershops and hair salons may reopen with limitations beginning May 11, 2020. Open businesses should follow appropriate social distancing and sanitation measures and limit groups to 10 people. See CDC guidance for more detail. Face masks are not required. See CDC guidance on face masks for customers, employees and employers. Exceeding 25% capacity may mean a second-degree misdemeanor with a fine up to $500. Certain regulated businesses may face enforcement action for violations from their regulatory agency. Bars, nightclubs and gyms must remain closed. |
| Travelers | Everyone entering Florida from the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York) must isolate or quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of entry or the duration of the presence in Florida, whichever is shorter. People employed by the airlines and those performing military, emergency, health, infrastructure or commercial-related activity are exempt. Vacation rentals are prohibited. |
| Schools and Childcare | Schools remain distance learning. Childcare centers that are currently open may stay open. |
| Nursing Homes | Visits to senior living facilities are prohibited. |
| Community Events | Sporting venues may operate but without spectators. Churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship may hold services, though local orders may restrict gatherings. See CDC guidance for faith organizations. Restrictions on beaches are set by local governments. Many state parks have reopened. Visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities and adherence to social distancing requirements. |
| Health Care Providers | Elective surgeries can resume. Medical services, including elective procedures, surgical centers, office surgery centers, dental offices, orthodontic offices, endodontic office and other health care practitioners' offices may fully re-open. Hospitals are required to assist nursing homes and long-term care facilities in protecting the vulnerable. They must maintain adequate bed capacity and PPE. They must also have the capacity to immediately convert additional surgical and intensive care beds in a surge situation and must not have received or sought any additional federal, state or local government assistance regarding PPE after resuming elective procedures. |
| Local Government | Museums and libraries may open at 25% building capacity as long as their local government allows. Interactive shared exhibits, like child play areas, remain closed. |
