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Frequently Asked Questions: Safer At Home Order
Below are answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding Florida's Safer At Home Order courtesy of Governor Ron DeSantis:
Jump To:
I. General Questions
II. Essential Services and Activities
III. Activities and Travel
IV. Local Government and Enforcement
V. Resources
I. General Questions
Q: When did the Governor’s Executive Order take effect? How long does it last?
A: The Governor’s Executive Order took effect Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. It lasts until Thursday, April 30, 2020, unless extended.
Q: Is the Governor’s Executive Order consistent with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on 30 Days to Slow the Spread?
A: Yes. See the President’s and CDC’s guidance here.
Q: May senior citizens and individuals with significant medical conditions leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, or go for a walk, or go to work at an essential service?
A: Yes - they may leave their homes when necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.
II. Essential Services and Activities
Q: How do I know what qualifies as an essential service?
A: See the list here.
Q: How do I know what qualifies as an essential activity?
A: The Governor’s Executive Order lists the following:
- Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues and houses of worship; and
- Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming; and
- Taking care of pets; and
- Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.
See the list here.
Q: If my business is not an essential service, must I close the physical location to customers?
A: Yes.
Q: Am I allowed to continue my business from home or remotely?
A: Yes - the Governor’s Executive Order encourages individuals to work from home.
Q: May my business and its employees operate remotely and provide delivery of our product?
A: Yes - all businesses are encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by telephone.
Q: Does my business need a permit or other documentation to remain open?
A: No.
Q: Are restaurants, or other sellers of food and beverage, permitted to continue takeout and delivery services?
A: Yes. See Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) guidance here.
Q: May churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship hold services?
A: Yes. The Florida Department of Health encourages them to follow CDC guidance specific to faith organizations here.
Q: May childcare centers remain open?
A: Yes - for employees working at businesses or operations that are essential services, to the extent those childcare centers adhere to social distancing.
Q: May gun stores remain open?
A: Yes.
III. Activities and Travel
Q: May I exercise outside or participate in recreational activities?
A: Yes - if consistent with social distancing guidelines as published by the CDC.
Q: Can I visit or travel to a family member?
A: Yes - if caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.
Q: Can I travel out of state?
A: Yes; however, if you travel to New York, New Jersey, Connecticut or Louisiana you will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon your return.
IV. Local Government and Enforcement
Q: Are local authorities allowed to adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations or venues, including buildings, beaches and parks, that may be stricter than the Governor’s Executive Order?
A: Yes.
Q: How is the Governor’s Executive Order enforced?
A: By law enforcement. Violation of the Governor’s Executive Order is a second-degree misdemeanor.
Q: Where can I report a business that violates the Governor’s Executive Order?
A: Local law enforcement.
Q: Do I need a special permit to leave my house if I am going to an essential service or essential activity?
A: No. Some businesses may wish to provide a letter to employees to clarify that their business is indeed an essential service.
V. Resources
Q: If I need counseling, can I receive it?
A: Yes. For specific information on COVID-19 counseling, contact the Florida Department of Health at 1-866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office at 202-225-3026.