What Are Florida’s Face Mask Requirements?
Gov. Ron DeSantis said he has no plans to issue a statewide mask requirement at this time, but also won’t preempt local regulations. Here’s Florida Politics’ roundup of regulations in the Sunshine State.
Florida Counties
Alachua County
While a mask requirement has been on the books some time, county officials announced it would be enforced with fines beginning on June 25, reports WCJB. Code enforcement plans to go to businesses with high levels of complaints and offer a warning and free mask, but then individuals who refuse to comply will be fined $125 on a first offense, $250 on a second, and $500 and a court appearance on third offense. The most recent order also includes requirements on signage in businesses where masks are mandatory.
Brevard County
Since government offices reopened to the public on May 18, reservations were required, and the use of face masks encouraged, Florida Today reports.
Broward County
The county issued an emergency order April 10 saying individuals must wear face coverings when visiting essential businesses, in cases where those businesses involve direct interaction between workers and the public, NBC 6 South Florida reports.
Duval County
Officials issued a mask order beginning at 5pm June 29. The requirement applies to public and indoor spaces, reports News4Jax. Duval County officials made clear the order applied throughout, including in the beachfront municipalities.
Gadsden County
County Commissioners put in place an order in May for everyone there to wear face masks while in public. That was briefly rescinded on May 15, WTXL reports, but was reinstated again May 22.
Hillsborough County
An executive order, approved on June 22 by the Hillsborough County Emergency Policy Group, requires facial coverings for employees and patrons at all businesses dealing with the public and where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order was extended but also significantly changed on July 6, shifting penalties for non-compliance away from business license holders and onto individual members of the public, reports Fox 13.
Indian River County
An emergency order is in effect as of June 26 requiring employees at businesses open to the public to wear masks. The requirement also applies to anyone visiting county facilities where social distancing is not possible, including libraries, or anyone using public transit. Exceptions apply including for certain health conditions and children under two.
Martin County
County Commissioners approved a requirement June 19 for employees at businesses open to the public, including groceries, restaurants and retail establishments, to wear face coverings.
Miami-Dade County
Mayor Carlos Giménez announced an expanded mask order on July 1 to apply to all public indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the county. Still the epicenter for COVID-19 cases in Florida, this expands an emergency order already requiring employees and visitors wear face coverings at grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, on public transit, in vehicles for hire and at any business where social distancing is impossible. The local order discourages the use of N95 masks because they are still in critical supply there. The requirement does not apply to children age two and younger or those with chronic preexisting breathing problems.
Palm Beach County
County Commissioners voted unanimously to mandate masks in public, The Palm Beach Post reports. Requirements will mimic those in Miami-Dade County. The requirement is in place for ride-shares and at any business currently allowed to operate in the county.
St. Lucie County
County Commissioners put a requirement for face coverings for employees of restaurants, grocery stores, food service, salons, gyms and other retail establishments and businesses open to the public, reports TC Palm. Fines range from $25 for a first offense to $150 for a third. The general public is encouraged but not required to wear masks, and medical exemptions are included in the county order.
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