TALLAHASSEE – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that restaurants in Florida will stay open with some limitations in response to COVID-19. Restaurants will continue to operate with fifty-percent capacity to allow for the recommended six-foot separation between groups to support social distancing. He also encouraged Floridians to utilize take out and delivery services, while requiring restaurants to screen employees and prohibit entry for any employees displaying symptoms of the illness.
Governor DeSantis issued these statewide updates, while recognizing that other localities may go further as their COVID-19 cases vary regionally. Any consumers who display symptoms or do not feel well, should not patronize local establishments.
Governor DeSantis also announced that bars and nightclubs in Florida will be suspended for thirty days beginning at 5:00 p.m. today. In addition, he is following the CDC recommendations to prohibit groups of larger than 10 people on Florida beaches to allow for safe distancing between groups.
“I want to commend Governor DeSantis for his extraordinary leadership in keeping Floridians safe during this unprecedented time,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We appreciate his thoughtful and measured approach to this historic emergency event. He has shown great support for Florida’s restaurants. Permitting them to remain open will allow local businesses to continue to operate and provide employment while also providing an additional resource for consumer demand.”
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