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.”

###

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: communications@myfloridalicense.com

(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. 

###

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

###

**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.

###

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. 

FLORIDA VOTERS SHOULD TAKE HEED AS FEDERAL DATA WARNS OF A JOBLESS WORKFORCE WITH BALLOT AMENDMENT 2

Congressional Budget Office Report Reveals Damaging Economic Impacts for Floridians with a Wage Hike

Tallahassee, FL — The Amendment 2 Hurts You campaign is urging voters this week to review a recent report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) about the severe and irreversible consequences of a $15 mandatory minimum wage inserted into the Florida Constitution.

This November 3, Florida voters have a choice about the future of Florida jobs, Florida small businesses and Florida’s economy. If Ballot Amendment 2, the $15 mandatory minimum wage is passed, a 2019 report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals Floridians stand to lose hundreds of thousands of jobs with an abrupt and massive wage hike.

According to CBO’s median estimate, with a mandated $15 minimum wage nationwide, “1.3 million workers who would otherwise be employed would be jobless in an average week in 2025.”

CBO’s analysis demonstrates how increasing the minimum wage could negatively affect employment and family income in Florida. If the nation were to increase the federal minimum wage, as many as 3.7 million Americans could become jobless as a direct result of the wage hike. The report estimates that a $15 wage hike would also reduce total real family income in 2025 by $9 billion nationwide.

“These data points stand as a warning to the havoc Ballot Amendment 2 will bring on our workforce and small business owners in Florida,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Our economy is on life support already, with tens of thousands of small businesses struggling to survive the COVID-19 pandemic. More than one million Floridians are currently without a job. We simply cannot risk killing more jobs and leaving more families without a source of income.”

The CBO report also confirms that Florida consumers will be left paying higher prices as the cost of the wage hike will be passed on through price increases. With businesses left to absorb the hefty cost, many will have to raise prices on goods and services.

The $15 mandatory minimum wage would “reduce business income and raise prices as higher labor costs were absorbed by business owners and then passed on to consumers; and reduce the nation’s output slightly through the reduction in employment and a corresponding decline in the nation’s stock of capital (such as buildings, machines, and technologies). On the basis of those effects and CBO’s estimate of the median effect on employment, the $15 option would reduce total real (inflation-adjusted) family income in 2025 by $9 billion.”

The CBO study and its findings were reported well before the COVID-19 pandemic forced millions of Floridians into unemployment, thousands of businesses to close and the economy to take a dive.

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 will increase payroll for businesses in the service industry by 77%.

Similar measures adopted in Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C., have proven to kill jobs. In these cities, the measure was implemented without the extreme challenges of a global pandemic.

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. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many were forced to close leaving hundreds of thousands of Florida workers without a job.

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.

###

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

Welcome back to the SafeStaff Connector.  The challenges and sheer volume of information from the pandemic caused us to minimize our food safety communication, but we couldn’t let Food Safety Month pass by without sharing some useful and relevant news.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association recently introduced our Seal of Commitment guest confidence program.  This is FRLA’s designation for demonstrating your commitment to safety and sanitation standards that will bring guests back.  The Seal of Commitment is a promise that your food service or lodging operation meets safety and sanitation standards prescribed by FRLA, and exceeds regulatory mandates. Seal of Commitment recipients have demonstrated their facility and staff are focused on guest health and safety. To qualify, businesses must meet these criteria:

• All managers have a current food manager certificate;
• All employees have a current food handler certificate;
• All employees complete an FRLA COVID-19 Sanitation & Safety Course;
• Establishments meet specific sanitation standards.

Visit our Seal of Commitment webpage to learn about the many benefits to earning this designation.

September is Food Safety Month: The National Restaurant Association, through its Food Safety Focus web page has published some great resources for you to use when training staff.  National Food Safety Month 2020 is themed as “Managing Risk:  30 Years of Food Safety.”   They’ve provided some downloadable materials such as a personal hygiene pop quiz, personal hygiene tips in poster format, reading material relating to best personal hygiene practices, cleaning and sanitizing, safe food prep, food safety procedures and COVID-19 precautions.  Find out more here.

SafeStaff Offers FREE Sanitation and Safety Training:  SafeStaff is offering FREE training for operating during the global pandemic to all FRLA members and RCS Training clients.  This training program will help you reopen and stay open safely and will instill confidence in your guests.  This training program covers:

• Maintaining professionalism during a public health crisis
• Effective cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
• Employee personal health and hygiene standards
• Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Delivering superior service while social distancing
• Security and safety during a vulnerable time

Contact SafeStaff at 800-537-9863 or rcs@frla.org for more information.  The program is offered online and to non-members as well. Find out more here.

COVID-19 Supplies:  If open, all hospitality industry members must utilize new procedures, products and solutions to comply with governmental requirements.  Visit FRLA’s COVID-19 Supplies directory for many of the supplies you need to remain open during the global pandemic. Learn more here.

COVID-19 Guidance for Restaurant Operations:  ServeSafe has compiled a good listing of everything you need for guidance with regards to operations during the global pandemic on their Food Safety Focus page.  Check it out.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Recommends Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill for Food Safety Education Month and Year-Round:  The USDA has posted some great information about Food Safety Month and recommendations on their FoodSafety.gov page to use for team training.

In addition, we are at the height of hurricane season in September, and it is always time to get a plan.  USDA has put together a poster and some information to assist with before, during and after for food safety in a disaster or emergency.  Visit their webpage for more info.

Foodhandler Training Is Mandatory In Florida!  Be sure your your employees are current and have received this important training.  Visit SafeStaff.org to learn more.

Tallahassee, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) will submit Florida’s application to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program.

This program, authorized by a memorandum from President Trump, provides additional temporary benefits for individuals who are eligible for Reemployment Assistance for weeks of unemployment ending on or after Aug. 1, 2020.

“On behalf of Floridians who are continuing to face challenges finding employment, I would like to thank President Trump for providing additional funding while they get back on their feet,” said Governor DeSantis. “We appreciate the opportunity to provide this temporary assistance through the Lost Wages Assistance program.”

Pending federal approval, this will allow Florida to offer an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must be currently receiving at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program weekly benefit amount and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Pending approval of Florida’s application, payments will be retroactive to August 1, 2020.

Floridians who are currently receiving Reemployment Assistance benefits, are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 and are currently receiving at least $100 per week in Reemployment Assistance benefits will be eligible to receive the additional $300 benefits from the LWA funds funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This includes individuals receiving:

• State Reemployment Assistance, including Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE) and Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Service members (UCX);
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC);
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA);
• Extended Benefits (EB);
• Short-Time Compensation (STC);
• Trade Readjustment Allowance (TRA); and
• Payments under the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) program.

The LWA program will be administered similarly to the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program. No additional application will be necessary. Eligible Floridians who are currently receiving Reemployment Assistance will receive their LWA benefits the same week they receive their weekly Reemployment Assistance benefits. 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.

Funding for this program comes from FEMA disaster relief funds. Guidance from FEMA and the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that states should be able to receive approximately three weeks’ worth of benefits upon approval, with additional weekly approval being granted on a weekly basis, depending on the remaining balance of the fund. However, funding could end at any time, and is contingent upon a required state match based on state re-employment assistance paid out during the period.

DEO is currently preparing to implement the LWA program to ensure eligible Floridians receive the additional benefits as quickly as possible.

###