Summary of COVID‑19 Orders and Regulations
The summaries on this page are organized by category. I have indicated if a guideline or regulation has expired or been overridden. You can jump straight to a category (or subcategory) using the links below.
This page was last updated on September 14, at 7:35pm.
If you believe a guideline or regulation was misinterpreted or overlooked, please let me know.
These summaries are of regulations and executive orders from the State of Florida related to coronavirus and COVID-19.
If you would prefer to read the orders by issuance date, please visit the Updates page.
Emergency Declarations
March 1, 2020 - Governor directed State Health Officer and Surgeon General to declare a Public Health Emergency
Issued 2020-03-01
Governor declares a State of Emergency.
Adjutant General ordered to activate Florida National Guard as needed
Issued 2020-03-09
Expires after 60 days unless extended
EO 20-114 extends order another 60 days, until July 7, 2020
EO 20-166 extends order another 60 days, until September 5, 2020
EO 20-213 extends order another 60 days, until November 4, 2020
Phase 2
Phase 1
Essential Services
Essential Services
The State of Florida has now posted an official list of all Essential Services covered under Executive Order 20-91
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
This list of Essential Services continues with EO 20-112
Essential Activities
Below is the full list of those activities designated as essential.
Other essential services may be added with the approval of the State Coordinating Officer in coordination with the State Health Officer. These other essential services will be listed at www.floridadisaster.org.
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship
- Participating in recreation activities that allow for social distancing such as:
- walking
- biking
- hiking
- fishing
- hunting
- running
- swimming
- Youth recreational sports, programs, summer camps, and child care.
- Taking care of pets
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
This list of Essential Activities continues with EO 20-112
Non-Essential Services and Activities
A social gathering in a public space is NOT an essential activity
- Groups limited to no more than 50 people
- Enforced by local authorities
Businesses that are considered non-essential must close their physical locations to customers. They may continue to operate on a pick-up or delivery basis provided all social distancing measures are observed.
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
EO 20-139 increased the group number to 50
Phase 1 & 2 Reopenings
During Phase 1, a select number of other services will be allowed to reopen under additional guidelines, including restaurants and food establishments, non-essential medical procedures. Phase 2 allows for the reopening of bars & pubs, movie theaters, bowling alleys, tattoo parlors, and more.
EO 20-112 Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-139 Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
DBPR EO 2020-09, effective June 26, 2020 Bars & Pubs can no longer sell alcohol for on-site consumption
Retail
- In-store retail establishments may open storefronts if they abide by the following:
- Abide by safety guidelines issued by CDC and OSHA
Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-123 increases capacity to 50% and brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
EO 20-139 increases retail to full capacity, effective June 5, 2020
Personal Services
- Barbershops, Cosmetology Salons, and Cosmetology Specialty Salons may operate if they adopt appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures as outlined by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons, massage establishments, and other personal services may operate if they adopt appropriate social distancing and precautionary measures as outlined by the DBPR
Issued 2020-05-09, effective from 12:01 on May 11, 2020
EO 20-123 brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
EO 20-139 allows for all personal services, effective June 5, 2020
Entertainment
Entertainment businesses may now operate according to the following guidelines:
- 50% capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitation
- Includes (but not limited to) movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades
Pari-mutuel [betting] facilities may submit a written request to reopen from a County Mayor or Administrator.
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Amusement Parks
May submit a re-opening plan to the State of Florida. The plan must include:
- A proposed date for re-opening
- Proposed guidelines to ensure guest and staff safety
- An endorsement letter from County Mayor or City Mayor and County Administrator that:
- Identifies a certain re-opening date
- Verifies that official has approved the submitted reopening plan
Issued 2020-05-14, effective from 12:01 on May 18, 2020
Sports
- May host training, competitions, events and games
- Preempts any local ruling prohibiting such operations
- Youth recreational sports may operate
Issued 2020-05-14, effective from 12:01 on May 18, 2020
Other
Museums and libraries may open if they abide by the following:
- Open at no more than 50% of building occupancy
- Only if permitted by government
- Any component that has interactive functions or exhibits remain closed
- Child play areas remain closed
Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-123 increases capacity to 50% and brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
Elections
Primary & General Elections
Vote By Mail
Vote-By-Mail may begin earlier than 7am on the 22nd date before the election upon completion of the public Logic & Accuracy Testing of tabulation machines/equipment.
Poll Workers
- All state employees are encouraged to serve as poll workers in their own counties.
- Any state employee may receive Administrative Leave to serve as a poll worker, if approved by their supervisor, and meet the necessary conditions.
- Administrative Leave is not available for time spent as a poll worker for Early Voting.
- Other-Personal-Services employees are not eligible for any paid leave if they serve as a poll worker.
- All county, municipal, and other public entities are encouraged to provide the same or similar incentives for their employees to serve as poll workers.
Election Administration and Coordination
- Social Distancing and cleaning procedures must be implemented by Supervisor of Elections for Early Voting and Election Day
- The Director of the Division of Emergency Management shall coordinate with each County Emergency Management Director to make sure each Supervisor of Elections has the necessary PPE, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products
- Any other aid or assistance needed to fulfill this Executive Order should be provided by any executive agency, and all other state and local agencies when requested by any Supervisor of Elections.
Polling Locations
- It is encouraged that all Superintendents of Schools close all K-12 schools in their district to be used as polling locations on Primary Election Day or General Election Day.
- Any school district that closes will need to adjust their 2020-2021 school calendar accordingly.
- All school district faculty, staff, and instructors of school districts that close are encouraged to serve as poll workers.
Notice to the Public
- Any Supervisor of Elections that exercises authority under this Executive Order should notify the public in a timely manner regarding any changes in voting locations or procedures
- Notification should be made in a manner designed to ensure widespread dissemination of voting information to members of the public
- Notification methods should include (but are not limited to) print and broadcast media, websites, social media postings, and required posted signage at polling locations.
- Any Supervisor of Elections who exercises authority under this Executive Order shall certify that fact to the Director of the Division of Elections within 48 hours.
Applicable to Primary Election on August 18, 2020 and General Election on November 3, 2020.
Pasco County
Municipal elections for the cities of San Antonio, Dade City, and Zephyrhills have been rescheduled to June 30, 2020.
Issued 2020-05-15
Food
Alcohol
Licensed food establishments with proper alcoholic beverage licenses may sell alcohol for delivery, take-out, or consumption off-premises
- Must be sold in sealed container for consumption off-premises
- Must be accompanied by a food order
Issued 2020-03-20
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Licensed vendors of alcoholic beverages may request the return of undamaged alcoholic beverages purchased for events cancelled in response to COVID-19 so long as guidelines are followed
Issued 2020-03-20
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Renewal of any license, permit, registration, or certificate issued by the DBPR Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, for the purposes of engaging in the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in the State of Florida before December 31, 2020 has been suspended through that date.
Issued 2020-08-28
Bars, Pubs, and Nightclubs
Bars and pubs may re-open if they abide by the following:
- Adopt appropriate social distancing measures
- Minimum of 6 feet between parties or, if indoors, appropriate partitions
- Limiting parties to 10 or fewer people
- Limit indoor occupancy to no more than 50% of their building occupancy with appropriate social distancing
- Outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing
Nightclubs must remain closed at this time.
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Restaurants
Restaurants and food establishments may allow on-premises consumption of food and beverage if they abide by the following:
- Implement employee screening protocols pursuant to guidance developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Adopt appropriate social distancing measures
- Minimum of 6 feet between parties or, if indoors, appropriate partitions
- Limiting parties to 10 or fewer people
- Limit indoor occupancy to no more than 50% of their building occupancy with appropriate social distancing
- Outdoor seating is permissible with appropriate social distancing
Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-123 increases capacity to 50% and brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
EO 20-139 allows for the reopening of bar sections, effective June 5, 2020
EO 20-192 adds mandatory employee screening, effective August 5, 2020
All employees and other service personnel must be screened and prevented from entering if...
- Infected with COVID-19 and has not had 2 consecutive negative test results separated by 24 hours
- Showing, presenting signs or symptoms of, or disclosing the presence of a respiratory infection, including cough, fever, shortness of breath or sore throat;
Who has been in contact with any person(s) known to be infected with COVID-19, who has not yet tested negative for COVID-19 within the past 14 days; - Who traveled through any airport within the past 14 days
- Who traveled on a cruise ship within the past 14 days
Issued 2020-03-19
Expires after 30 days unless extended
EO 20-91 extends order through duration of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Healthcare Provisions
Medical Licenses
Licensed Medical professionals and workers, social workers, and counselors from other states may provide services to persons affected so long as the services are rendered free-of-charge under the auspices of the American Red Cross or the Florida Department of Health.
Issued 2020-03-09
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
Medical Services
Elective procedures prohibited by EO 20-72 may go into effect under the following conditions:
- The facility has the capacity to immediately convert additional facility-identified surgical and intensive care beds for treatment of COVID-19 patients in a surge capacity situation
- The facility has adequate PPE to complete all medical procedures and respond to COVID-19 treatment needs without seeking additional federal or state assistance regarding PPE supplies
- Has not sought any additional federal, state, or local government assistance regarding PPE supplies since resuming elective procedures
- Has not refused to provide support to and proactively engage with skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities and other long-term care providers
Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-123 brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
Prescriptions
Pharmacists may give an emergency 30-day prescription refill to National Guard members activated in an area or county outside their residence
Issued 2020-03-09
Expires at the end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
State Employees Health Benefits
All state Employee Health benefits now include telehealth services at no additional cost to employees
Issued 2020-03-26
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
Can get immunizations at participating physicians office or participating pharmacy
Issued 2020-03-26
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
100% coverage for influenza vaccination
Issued 2020-03-26
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
Health Monitoring, Isolation & Quarantine
Mandatory Monitoring
Anyone that meets CDC guidelines will be actively monitored for at least 14 days or until they receive a negative test
- A risk assessment must be conducted within 24 hours of learning an individual meets CDC criteria
- Twice-daily temperature checks
- Isolated or quarantined for at least 14 days or until they receive a negative test
Issued 2020-03-01
Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities
Everyone working in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Main Point
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Self-Isolation
Senior citizens and individuals with significant underlying medical conditions are instructed to stay at home and take all measures to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.
If it is necessary to leave home for essential services or activities, all measures to limit exposure to COVID-19 should be taken.
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112 & EO 20-139
Everyone in Florida shall continue to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home. They may participate in the following:
- Obtaining or providing necessary essential services
- Conducting necessary essential activities
- Obtaining or providing other approved services
Issued 2020-04-29, effective from 12:01 on May 4, 2020
EO 20-123 increases capacity to 50% and brings all counties into Phase 1, effective May 18, 2020
EO 20-139 moves most counties to Phase 2, increasing capacity for certain approved services and adding additional approved services
Financial
Mortgages & Evictions
Mortgage foreclosures and rental evictions are suspended for the next 45 days.
All mortgage payments and rent are still due, this order does not reduce the amount owed.
EO 20-180 amends the original order as follows:
- Mortgage foreclosure and eviction relief is limited to single-family mortgagors and residential tenants
- These suspensions are only for those adversely affected by the COVID-19 emergency, which is defined as:
- loss of employment
- diminished wages or business income
- other monetary loss realized during the Florida State of Emergency directly impacting ability to make payment
- All payments, including tolled payments, are due when an individual is no longer adversely affected by the COVID-19 emergency
Issued 2020-04-02
Expires in 45 days unless extended by subsequent order
EO 20-121 extends order until 12:01 a.m. on June 2, 2020
EO 20-137 extends order until 12:01 a.m. on July 1, 2020
EO 20-159 extends order until 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 2020
EO 20-180 extends order until 12:01 a.m. on September 1, 2020
EO 20-211 extends order until 12:01 a.m. on October 1, 2020
Small Business Loans
Documentary stamp taxes collected by the State of Florida will not be owed on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans
Issued 2020-04-06
Expires at end of EO 20-52 unless extended by subsequent order
Recreation
Beaches
Anyone on the beach must follow CDC guidance by limiting gatherings to no more than 10 people and be at least 6 feet from other groups
Issued 2020-03-19
Expires in 30 days unless extended
EO 20-91 extends order through duration of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Gyms and Fitness Centers/Studios
Gyms and Fitness Centers/Studios may reopen if they abide by the following:
- Adopt appropriate safety measures
- Minimum of 6 feet between individuals
- Sufficient cleaning supplies for cleaning surfaces and machines – at minimum must be required of all patrons after use
Issued 2020-05-14, effective from 12:01 on May 18, 2020
EO 20-139 allows for full capacity, effective June 5, 2020
Gatherings are limited to less than 50 people.
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Travel & Vacations
Mandatory Quarantines
The following reasons for travel are now exempt:
- Commercial Activity
- Students traveling for academic work, internships, sports training, and any other activity or program approved by the educational institutions
Issued 2020-06-03, effective from 12:01 on June 5, 2020
Anyone entering Florida after March 10th from Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and other areas with substantial community spread must isolate or quarantine for 14 days after entering the state (or duration of visit if stay is shorter)
- Does not apply to airline employees or those performing military, emergency, or health response
- Individual is responsible for their own expenses (including medical care)
- Must inform any individual in Florida with whom they have had direct physical contact in the past 21 days that they traveled from an area with substantial community spread.
- Any law enforcement authority that interacts with a person in violation of this order shall immediately report the individual, along with personal identifying and contact information, to the Florida Department of Health.
Violation of order is a misdemeanor of the second degree
- punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 60 days, a fine not to exceed $500
Issued 2020-03-23, 2020-03-24, 20-03-27
Expires at end of EO 20-52 or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Airports
Local law enforcement, state law enforcement, and health officials will meet travelers on their flights from New York, Connecticut and New Jersey to screen incoming passengers and direct them to self-quarantine
Issued 2020-03-23
Expires at end of EO 20-52 or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Roadways
Appropriate checkpoints shall be established on roadways for persons and vehicles entering the State of Florida to require those persons to provide information, including in written form, regarding the origin of their travel and on the address of their location of isolation or quarantine for a period of 14 days
Issued 2020-03-27
Expires at end of EO 20-52 or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
DOT will facilitate locations for appropriate checkpoints, including welcome centers and rest stops, placement of road signs and advisories to provide information and to direct traffic
Issued 2020-03-27
Expires at end of EO 20-52 or upon an Executive Order lifting the isolation or quarantine after advice from the State Health Officer and Surgeon General
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Vacation Rentals
Counties may seek approval to operate vacation rentals by submitting a written request and county vacation rental safety plan to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Issued 2020-05-14, effective from 12:01 on May 18, 2020
Work & Employment
Business From A Distance
- All businesses and organizations are encouraged to provide delivery, carry-out and curb-side service
- Take orders online and over the phone when possible
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Remote Work
If you can work remotely, you are urged to do so
Issued 2020-03-24
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Workers of non-essential services are encouraged to continue working from home
Issued 2020-04-01, effective from 12:01 on April 3, 2020
Expires at end of EO 20-91 unless extended by subsequent order
These regulations are extended by EO 20-112
Retired State Employees
Continued Employment or Re-employment
- FRS Employees that have retired since October 1, 2019 or who may retire before August 1, 2020 and meet the following criteria:
- law enforcement officers
- first responders, emergency management and public safety personnel
- health and medical professionals
- other critical COVID-19 response personnel as identified and determined by a state agency
- May continue employment or re-employed immediately if it assists the COVID-19 emergency response
- Will not incur liability or void recent retirees' retirement account
- Retirement benefits related to time of re-employment will not be accrued before August 1, 2022
- Once re-employment ceases, the time toward completion of 6-month re-employment period and the 7th-12th month re-employment limitation period will cease to be tolled
Issued 2020-03-30
Re-employment shall be permitted until 30 days after expiration of EO 20-52, but not to extend beyond August 1, 2022
Government Operations
Local Governments
- Suspend requirements for in-person quorums
- Suspend requirements to meet in a specific public place
- Local government bodies may utilize communications media technology
- The following meetings may now be conducted remotely until October 15, 2020
- Any taxing authority holding a millage and budget hearing
- Hearings or meetings regarding a non ad valorem assessment
- The following meetings may now be conducted remotely until December 15, 2020
- Any value adjustment board holding a hearing or meeting
Issued 2020-03-20Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
These regulations are extended by EO 20-139
These regulations are extended by EO 20-150
Except for those listed above, these regulations are extended by EO 20-193 until October 1, 2020
County Specific State Directives
Broward County and Palm Beach County
Broward County and Palm Beach County beaches shall remain closed.
Issued 2020-03-31
Expires at end of EO 20-52, including any extensions
Miami-Dade County, Broward County, Palm Beach County, and Monroe County
All counties are part of Full Phase 2.
As of September 14, 2020
All counties are part of Full Phase 1.
Issued 2020-05-14, effective from 12:01 on May 18, 2020