On September 25, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that Florida would be entering Phase 3 of the COVID-19 Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Florida’s Reopening Plan.

In Phase 3, businesses can still require customers to wear masks, but DeSantis said: Penalties for not wearing a mask will no longer be enforced, and “all outstanding fines and penalties that have been applied against individuals are suspended.” 

Social distancing protocols are still recommended, here are some of the updates outlining what entering “Phase Three” means for individuals and businesses.

  • Travel – Non-essential travel may continue.
  • Telework – Employees should resume unrestricted staffing of worksites and implement the final phasing in of employees returning to work. For vulnerable populations, teleworking can be considered.
  • Employee Screening – Employers should take prudent and practical measures to ensure employees do not enter the premises if they believe they are infected with COVID-19 or show symptoms of influenza-like illness.
  • Travel – Employees should resume non-essential travel and adhere to CDC guidelines regarding isolation following travel.
  • Local Government Meetings – These meetings should return to in-person quorum and public participation for local government bodies.
  • Bars, Pubs, and Nightclubs – Bars, pubs, and nightclubs can now operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Restaurants – Restaurants and food service establishments may operate at full capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Gyms and Fitness Centers – Gyms and Fitness centers should open to full capacity but should maintain adequate sanitation practices among employees and patrons during all hours of operation.

Recreation

  • State parks should be fully opened, including overnight accommodations.
  • Public Beaches: Beaches should remain fully open.
  • Large Venues: (i.e. movie theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, bowling alleys, arcades, playhouses, casinos) These venues should reopen fully with limited social distancing protocols.

Large Sporting Events and Theme Parks

  • Large spectator sporting events should consider reducing capacity with limited social distancing protocols.
  • Theme parks may return to normal operations with limited social distancing protocols.

Vacation Rentals

  • Vacation Rentals should resume normal operating procedures but should continue to thoroughly clean and disinfect the property between rentals.

Personal Services Businesses

Personal Services Businesses, such as cosmetology salons, barber shops, and nail salons, should operate under full capacity but should consider the following mitigation measures:

  •  Regularly clean and disinfect working stations and equipment between interactions with customers to the greatest frequency feasible.
  • Remove all unnecessary, frequent-touch items such as magazines, newspapers, service menus, any other unnecessary paper products, and décor from customer service areas.

Retail Businesses

  • Operators of retail businesses should operate at full capacity but should continue to maintain adequate sanitation practices for employees and patrons.

The order still asks older residents and vulnerable populations with underlying medical conditions to heed caution and avoid large crowds while practicing social distancing.

For more details read the official Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. PLAN FOR FLORIDA’S RECOVERY.