Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program to support small businesses impacted by Hurricane Sally. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) administers the Emergency Bridge Loan program that provides short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses that experienced physical damage or economic injury during Hurricane Sally. The application period opened today and runs through November 14, 2020, or until the available funds are expended.

“The intense wind, rain and flooding from Hurricane Sally has led to extensive damage in Northwest Florida,” said Governor DeSantis. “We are working diligently to help these communities recover and I encourage affected small business owners to apply for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan to assist them with necessary funding to rebuild.”

DEO administers the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan program in partnership with the Florida Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network and Florida First Capital Finance Corporation to provide cash flow to businesses damaged by a disaster. The short-term, zero-interest loans help bridge the gap between the time damage is incurred and when long-term funding is secured, including Small Business Administration or commercially available loans, insurance claims or other resources. Up to $5 million has been allocated for the program.

“We want to do all we can to help the families, businesses, and communities affected by Hurricane Sally recover quickly and be resilient for the future,” said Dane Eagle, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Hurricane Sally has brought destructive coastal area flooding to Northwest Florida, and DEO will continue to work with these businesses and communities during the recovery process.”

“Getting employees back to work and providing businesses the support they need is integral to helping communities recover after a disaster,” said Dr. Cheryl Kirby, Chief Operating Officer for the Florida SBDC Network. “Small businesses are the backbone of our state’s economy and we want them to know we are here to help them through the recovery process.”

“We are ready to assist the Governor and state of Florida to deliver this vital assistance to the small business community we serve, as we have 24 times since 1992,” said Florida First Capital Finance Corporation President and CEO, Todd Kocourek.

Small business owners with two to 100 employees located in Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa counties affected by Hurricane Sally can apply for short-term loans up to $50,000, or in special cases $100,000, if warranted by the needs of the business.

DEO is currently surveying businesses in the affected counties through the Florida Business Damage Assessment Survey. To access the survey, please visit www.FloridaDisaster.biz and select “Hurricane Sally” from the dropdown menu. Response to the damage assessment is not an application for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan.

To apply or to learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL.

For questions regarding the Emergency Bridge Loan program, contact DEO at 833-832-4494 or email [email protected].

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**IN CASE YOU MISSED IT**

CHARLOTTE SUN: BALLOT AMENDMENT 2 “COULD HAVE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE STATE’S ECONOMY”

Tallahassee, FL — The Charlotte Sun newspaper on Sunday published an editorial providing details from small business owners and others on the real impact of Ballot Amendment 2, which would mandate a $15 minimum wage across Florida.

“But, at the same time, business owners are screaming that it will have a negative impact and will not be the cure-all for poverty its sponsors hope for…. The main theme, echoed by each of the restaurant owners, was that many of their employees make more than $15 an hour now — especially those who count tips as part of their salary. And, they said, the added overhead could threaten to put them out of business or, at the very least, force them to lay off employees.

“A Sun-Sentinel op-ed piece backed up their concerns. It said Amendment 2 could cost the state as many as 158,000 jobs. It charged that many entry level employees — think high school kids or school drop-outs — would not get the $15-and-hour jobs.”

This editorial highlights the concerns of businesses, workers and leaders across Florida who warn against the consequences of a mandatory $15 minimum wage hike. If passed, Florida would be the first state in the nation to pass such an exponential increase in the minimum wage.

•  An economic impact study revealed Florida has already lost 336k jobs due to COVID-19, and Ballot Amendment 2 will kill another 158k jobs.
• The National Taxpayers Union, a nonprofit that advocates for taxpayer interests at all levels of government, warned the amendment will devastate family-owned small businesses.
• A Florida TaxWatch economic impact report said that businesses will pay an additional $7.3 billion a year to employ the same number of workers today at a $15 minimum wage.

The Charlotte Sun also makes the case that the minimum wage should not be set by a constitutional amendment, something no other state in the nation has done.

“We don’t believe voters should ever have been put in a position to approve or vote against Amendment 2.

“Historically, the Sun does not believe the Florida Constitution should be weighed down with amendments seeking to fix problems our Legislature refuses to deal with.”

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

·         Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com

·         On Facebook

·         On Twitter

·         On LinkedIn

·         On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

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Paid Political Advertisement by Save Florida Jobs Inc.
230 South Adams St., Ste 200
Tallahassee, FL, 32301

Tallahassee, FL — This week, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) launched a tipped wage calculator on its website revealing the monumental cost Ballot Amendment 2 will have on Florida businesses if passed. The calculator helps small businesses determine the real cost Ballot Amendment 2 will have on their payroll expenses.

Ballot Amendment 2 is a Constitutional amendment for voters to consider on November 3 that will raise the mandatory minimum wage in Florida to $15 an hour.

This calculator depicts the drastic effects of Ballot Amendment 2, revealing that payroll costs with the mandatory minimum wage could increase as high as 77%. With such an exorbitant hike in payroll costs, this ballot amendment will force small businesses that are already struggling to close, destroying local economies and killing additional jobs.

“Before COVID-19, Florida’s restaurant, lodging, and tourism industry generated more than $112 billion in annual economic impact and provided jobs for more than 1.5 million Florida families,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This tipped wage calculator will help to show Floridians the cold, hard numbers that will affect their bottom line and ultimately determine whether or not their business will survive.”

Small business owners and hospitality workers statewide have spearheaded the “Amendment 2 Hurts You” effort to educate Floridians about the detrimental effects Ballot Amendment 2 will have on Florida’s economy.

FRLA has served as one of the biggest advocates for the campaign.

“A new economic impact study has revealed that Florida will lose at least 158,0000 jobs for workers across the state if this ballot initiative is passed,” stated Dover. “Ballot Amendment 2 is a job killer, one that will leave the hospitality industry on life support. We cannot afford to lose the small, family-owned businesses that make Florida unique and are responsible for the majority of jobs created in this state.”

Florida’s unemployment rate stands at 11.3% due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Additionally, a recent economic analysis reports that COVID-19 has already destroyed about 336,000 direct and hotel-supported jobs and led to hundreds of thousands of job losses and billions in sales. Many of Florida’s businesses already have had to furlough staff and reduce hours.

This scheme has already created devastating consequences on several cities across the nation, including Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C., killing jobs, closing businesses and expanding the income gap.

FRLA urges Floridians to help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

ABOUT AMENDMENT 2 HURTS YOU:

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

• Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram

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Paid Political Advertisement by Save Florida Jobs Inc.
230 South Adams St., Ste 200
Tallahassee, FL 32301

TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association released a statement in response to the CDC Publication “Community and Close Contact Exposures Associated with COVID-19 Among Symptomatic Adults ≥ 18 Years in 11 Outpatient Health Care Facilities.”

The study was not conducted in Florida and irresponsibly seeks to blame dining out with COVID-19 positive cases in other states while not attributing or disclosing other consumer behavior prior to testing positive.

Statement from Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association

“The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association echoes the outrage of the National Restaurant Association in response to the irresponsible and misleading CDC study that blames COVID spread on a single industry. As the national association shared in their own statement, ‘The methodology used in the recent CDC article focused on the transmission of COVID-19 and restaurant visits contains numerous flaws, and the conclusions of the study are insufficient to guide consumer behavior. Across myriad industries, including gyms, restaurants, and retail, the conclusions reached by the researchers are not supported. Furthermore, the results calling out restaurants specifically are not supported by the data nor the methodology.’

This study singlehandedly focused on only one consumer behavior – patronizing local restaurants. What else did those individuals do during the two weeks prior to testing positive? Did they attend other locations such as grocery stores, retail, or other places where people gather? How can it specifically be blamed on one behavior? Restaurants across Florida have gone above and beyond to adapt to requirements and enhance sanitation and operating procedures to ensure the safety of their employees and guests. We FULLY support their safe operation and the continuation of mask wearing, social distancing, active managerial control, and good hand hygiene. The study was conducted in July during nationwide COVID peaks, and, although no participants in the study were in Florida, we feel compelled to speak out and admonish the CDC for this report that will unnecessarily cause anxiety and fear at a time when we are coming together as a state to safely move forward under the thoughtful and measured approach by Governor Ron DeSantis and DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears.”

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In case you missed it, Governor Ron DeSantis announced today that Broward and Miami-Dade Counties will move to Phase 2 of his “Safe. Smart. Step by Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery.” The Order, among other things, affects restaurants, which are allowed to open to indoor dining at 50%, bar areas at restaurants may be open for seated service, and full capacity outdoor seating is permitted with appropriate social distancing.

Also announced last night was the re-opening of bars effective Monday, September 14. DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears released Emergency Order 2020-10, which rescinds the previous Order that closed bars for on-premises consumption of alcohol. Please note that it was announced by both Broward and Miami-Dade County leadership that bars WILL NOT be permitted to open in those counties at this time. Bars will also remain closed per leadership in Palm Beach County. 

FRLA previously shared EOG guidance on Phase 2 and FAQs, which are shared again below, along with the Governor’s original Phase 2 Executive Order 20-139 which provides additional details.

Read The Executive Order here.

Contact: [email protected]

(850) 922-8981

DBPR Emergency Order 2020-10 Will Allow Alcohol Vendors to Operate Pursuant to

Phase 2 of Florida’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Recovery

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, at the direction of Governor Ron DeSantis, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) Secretary Halsey Beshears issued Emergency Order 2020-10, which rescinds the DBPR Amended Emergency Order 2020-09 effective on Monday, September 14, 2020.  Under DBPR Emergency Order 2020-10, bars and other alcoholic beverage vendors may resume sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises on Monday, provided that their operations comply with the parameters of Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery as established in Executive Order 20-139.  Beginning Monday, these vendors may operate at fifty percent of the facility’s indoor capacity, allow bar service to seated patrons, and permit outdoor seating and service with appropriate social distancing.

“In meetings with hundreds of owners of bars and breweries across the state, I’ve heard their stories of struggle, and I’ve observed their serious commitment to making health and safety a continuing priority in their businesses,” said DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears. “It’s time that we take this step, and it’s vital that we start moving forward with this sector of our hospitality industry who have endured one of the toughest paths for sustaining a business during this pandemic.”

For more information, see the attached DBPR Emergency Order 2020-10 or visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

UPDATE: As of September 11, 2020, County leadership for Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties have announced that bars will not be permitted to re-open at this time. 

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The Department of Business and Professional Regulation licenses and regulates more than one million businesses and professionals in the State of Florida, including accountants, architects and interior designers, asbestos consultants, athlete agents, auctioneers, barbers, building code administrators and inspectors, community association managers, construction contractors, cosmetologists, electrical contractors, employee leasing companies, geologists, home inspectors, landscape architects, mold assessors and remediators, pilot commissioners, real estate appraisers and brokers, and veterinarians, as well as businesses dealing in alcoholic beverages, tobacco, food service, public lodging, pari-mutuel wagering, and condominiums, timeshares, and other cooperative residential arrangements.  The Department’s mission is to license efficiently and regulate fairly.  For more information, please visit www.myfloridalicense.com.

Tallahassee, Fla. — Florida economic development and tourism leaders from across Florida are applauding Governor Ron DeSantis’ support of VISIT FLORIDA’s new in-state marketing campaign to help Florida’s tourism industry and economy recover from COVID-19.

“We appreciate Governor DeSantis’ measured approach throughout the COVID-19 epidemic and his focus on getting our economy going strong again. VISIT FLORIDA’s new campaign is a great way to help bolster travel during the fall and winter months. We encourage Floridians to enrich their lives by exploring the diverse regions of the state and experiencing first-hand destinations like Panama City Beach and the rest of Northwest Florida.” – Dan Rowe, Chairman of the VISIT FLORIDA Board of Directors; President & CEO, Visit Panama City Beach

“In-state travel will be crucial for bringing jobs and business back to the Orlando area. Thank you, Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for working to get businesses back up and running and safely opening so Floridians can get back to work.” – Frank Belzer, SVP, Portfolio Sales, Universal Orlando

“Florida’s tourism businesses and the jobs they create serve as the backbone of our state’s economy. I appreciate the efforts and dedication of Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA to jumpstart the recovery of Florida’s tourism industry through this campaign.” – Claire Bilby, SVP Sales, Events & Services, Disney Destinations, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts

“Reminding Floridians of the unforgettable experiences in their own state is a smart investment by VISIT FLORIDA and Governor DeSantis. This will allow us to quickly reach people who are willing to travel immediately – a great first step on our road to tourism recovery.” – Bobby Cornwell, Executive Director, Florida Association of RVs and Campgrounds

“VISIT FLORIDA’s in-state campaign is essential to the recovery of Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry. Together, we invite Floridians to explore the hidden gems within our home state, while reigniting the economy and providing local businesses the opportunity to protect and create jobs. FRLA is proud to partner with VISIT FLORIDA as we continue to promote the incomparable features of our great state, and we appreciate Governor DeSantis’ support for our industry.” – Carol Dover, President & CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)

“Our parks offer a variety of outdoor activities and opportunities for visitors to enjoy wide open spaces. VISIT FLORIDA’s campaign offers us a platform to share that message with potential travelers that we may otherwise not have been able to share. We’re thankful for all the support the entire tourism industry receives from both VISIT FLORIDA and Governor DeSantis.” – Eric Draper, Director, Florida Park Service

“Last week’s announcement from Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA is welcome news to Florida’s entire tourism industry. Our state is home to so many unforgettable experiences and Floridians should explore their home state. Sarasota looks forward to leveraging the co-operative advertising opportunities to help get the most out of our limited advertising dollars.” – Virginia Haley, Visit Sarasota County President and VISIT FLORIDA Immediate Past Chair

“Travel is at the core of Florida’s economy, and it’s great to see our state leaders acting to help tourism recover. People across the world should understand that Florida is a safe destination, and VISIT FLORIDA initially marketing within the state will help build needed confidence. Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA’s announcement is welcome news to everyone whose job depends on tourism.” – Malinda Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of Museums

“Floridians hold the key to our recovery. If every Floridian decided to take a trip within their community or within our state boundaries, we could quickly see positive momentum in the travel industry. Thanks to Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for this innovative campaign.” – Lisa Hulquist, VP, Marketing, SeaWorld Orlando

“A lot of people in Florida’s tourism sector are hurting right now due to COVID-19, and this initial recovery campaign from VISIT FLORIDA will send a clear and urgent message to our citizens. We need people to begin traveling within Florida. Thank you to Governor DeSantis and President and CEO Dana Young for their leadership on this important issue.” – Bill Lupfer, Executive Director, Florida Attractions Association

“Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong resident, VISIT FLORIDA’s campaign reinforces to Floridians that they live in a vacation state, and have the opportunity to take their next adventure close to home. We appreciate this thoughtful, safety-minded approach and the Governor’s support of VISIT FLORIDA and tourism in Florida.” – Joe Mayer, Director, Government Relations, Lockheed Martin

“The support of Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA is vital to the recovery of Florida’s tourism-dependent economy. Through their efforts with the launch of this campaign, destinations throughout the state have the opportunity to begin marketing our abundant offerings and highlighting how our fellow Floridians can enjoy them safely.” Kerry Morrissey, Director of PR & Community Relations, Ocean Properties

“As Floridians begin traveling again, we have the opportunity to highlight why their home state is the best place for a staycation. The VISIT FLORIDA campaign announced by Governor DeSantis allows our destination to reach these potential travelers and help our local tourism businesses recover.” – Jorge Pesquera, CEO, Discover the Palm Beaches

“Tourism is so vital to our state’s economy and our families in the Citrus County area. Together with Governor DeSantis, VISIT FLORIDA’s new campaign will safely deliver visitors into our communities and help people get back to work.” – John Pricher, Executive Director, Discover Crystal River

“Tourism accounts for thousands of jobs in the Kissimmee area. Without a strong recovery from the travel sector, our state’s economy will be much slower to recover. The smart approach by beginning marketing within the state will pay dividends. We appreciate Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA for last week’s announcement.” – Paul Proly, Director of Sales, Boggy Creek Airboats

“Across our entire state, the tourism industry has been focused on ensuring that our guests can have a safe experience. The Governor and VISIT FLORIDA encouraging our citizens to travel within our state is prudent and will allow us to reopen with much needed support.” – Jennifer Rominiecki, President & CEO, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

“VISIT FLORIDA continues to show its value in times of crisis. The marketing campaigns they offer their partners, both large and small, provide the opportunity to recover faster and with less financial stress than if they had to do it on their own. I applaud the work of Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA to protect the No. 1 industry in our state.” – Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Destinations Florida

“Without the support of VISIT FLORIDA and Governor DeSantis, small destinations like ours will struggle to recover from the impacts of COVID-19. VISIT FLORIDA’s in-state marketing campaign provides us with an opportunity to begin sharing our “open for business” message and highlight what we have to offer travelers in our own backyard.” – John Solomon, Executive Director, Franklin County TDC

“At Hawks Cay Resort, we’re so thrilled for last week’s announcement by Governor DeSantis and VISIT FLORIDA. This campaign will help our businesses with immediate economic relief by encouraging Floridians how important it is to support destinations in their own state first.” – Sheldon Suga, Vice President & Managing Director, Hawks Cay Resort

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**IN CASE YOU MISSED IT**

FLORIDA TAXWATCH RELEASES ANALYSIS OF AMENDMENT 2 – FLORIDA’S $15 MINIMUM WAGE INITIATIVE 

Tallahassee, FL — Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit government watchdog and taxpayer research institute, released an analysis of Ballot Amendment 2 this week, highlighting the destructive impacts this ballot initiative would have on taxpayers, employees and small business owners.

Florida TaxWatch (FTW) released a special report, Amendment 2: Florida’s $15 Minimum Wage Initiative analyzing the impacts on businesses and taxpayers of Florida’s $15 minimum wage initiative which will go before the voters this November as Amendment 2. In this report, TaxWatch finds a fundamental problem with increasing the minimum hourly wage to $15 is that while intended to create winners, it creates many more unintended losers, creating the potential for detrimental effects on taxpayers, small business, and low-skill workers. A 2019 report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) found that while implementing a federal $15 minimum wage could raise 1.3 million Americans out of poverty, as many as 3.7 million Americans who would otherwise be employed would be jobless as a result.

Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro said, “Floridians participating in the labor force deserve to be paid a fair wage for their hard work and we’ve seen both the public and private sector take action to protect the wages of workers in the Sunshine State. These actions, including the 2004 constitutional amendment approved by Florida voters to annually adjust the state minimum wage for inflation and moves by private companies to raise their own ‘minimum wage,’ have provided the support many Floridians need while maintaining flexibility for businesses large and small to operate within their means.

“While the road to a $15 state minimum wage may be paved with good intentions and even produce wins for some workers, its negative impacts could produce poor outcomes for too many of the very folks it aims to protect. Small businesses will be forced to increase labor expenditures, fixed-income Floridians will be faced with paying higher prices for goods and services, and low-skill workers are likely to receive fewer hours and employment opportunities. Florida TaxWatch encourages voters to reject Amendment 2 in November.”

HDG Hotels Chief People and Culture Officer Lisa Lombardo said, “Our industry is still struggling from the loss of team members and revenues associated with COVID-19. If a mandate to increase minimum wage goes into effect, the tourism industry – what is supposed to stand as the number one industry for the Sunshine State – will fall further into dark times.”

National Federation of Independent Business – Florida Executive Director Bill Herrle said, “2020 will be remembered as a year that we saw many small businesses disappear. Let’s not heap more upon their back.”

Anna Maria Oyster Bar Owner John Horne said, “It is critical to understand the significant unintended consequences that Amendment 2 will have not only on the hospitality industry, but businesses of all kinds across Florida. I want to thank Florida TaxWatch for their focus on this important issue that may well do more harm than good to many of the people that it was intended to help.”

According to estimates from the Financial Impact Estimating Conference, full implementation of Amendment 2 would result in increased annual wage costs to government agencies alone of $16 million in 2022 and $540 million in 2027 and thereafter.

Florida is currently one of 28 states that has established a minimum hourly wage that differs from the federal minimum hourly wage. Florida’s current minimum hourly wage is $8.56, $1.26 more than the federal minimum wage, and increases on January 1 of each year to match inflation. If approved by 60 percent of the voters, Amendment 2 will increase the state’s minimum hourly wage incrementally to $15.00 per hour on September 30th, 2026. Beginning September 30th, 2027, the minimum hourly wage will be adjusted annually for inflation.

Read the full special report, Amendment 2: Florida’s $15 Minimum Wage Initiative here.

Amendment 2 Hurts You is a campaign to raise awareness for the consequences of Ballot Amendment 2 on small businesses, workers and the economy.

Learn more about how Ballot Amendment 2 will devastate Florida:

• Online at Amendment2HurtsYou.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter
• On LinkedIn
• On Instagram

Help save Florida jobs by voting no on Ballot Amendment 2 this November.

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Paid Political Advertisement by Save Florida Jobs Inc.
230 South Adams St., Ste 200
Tallahassee, FL, 32301

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (Department) has completed the necessary technology changes to begin paying the Federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program benefits to eligible Floridians. This program, authorized by President Trump’s memorandum, provides additional benefits for individuals who are eligible for Reemployment Assistance for weeks of unemployment ending on or after August 1, 2020.

“We thank President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency for providing this relief to Floridians during this time of need,” said Governor DeSantis. “These additional funds will provide critical support to Florida’s unemployed workforce due to COVID-19.”

Florida has been approved to provide and has processed three weeks of LWA program benefits. This means the Department is providing an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must have a weekly benefit amount of at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Eligible Floridians should anticipate receiving benefits from the LWA program this week. Payments will be provided to eligible Floridians for weeks ending August 1, August 8 and August 15, 2020. The LWA program is administered similarly to the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program. No additional application is necessary. Eligible Floridians who are currently receiving Reemployment Assistance will receive their LWA benefits the same way they receive their weekly Reemployment Assistance benefits. However, a paper check will be issued if the payment method selected is debit card. DEO highly recommends that Reemployment Assistance claimants select direct deposit as their means of receiving benefits to ensure payments are received as quickly as possible.

The Department has updated benefit payment statuses to reflect the FPUC and LWA payments in CONNECT. To better understand a claimant’s Reemployment Assistance weekly benefit payment status, view the step by step guide here. To review the Frequently Asked Questions on the LWA program, click here.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-214, which approved Palm Beach County to move into Phase 2 of the Governor’s Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Palm Beach County has chosen a stricter implementation plan to open after the Labor Day holiday on Tuesday, September 8. Read more on Palm Beach County’s plans here.

A copy of Executive Order 20-214 is provided here.

Read about Phase 2 here.