Effective immediately, Florida will move into Phase 3 of reopening that will roll back many of the business restrictions in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.
Sebastian bars and restaurants will now have a right to work and operate their businesses without any restrictions. However, local governments can still regulate the operations in some ways relating to COVID-19.
“I think that this will be very, very important to the industry,” DeSantis said.
“The order that I’m signing today will guarantee restaurants can operate and will not allow closures. They can operate at a minimum of 50% regardless of local rule,” DeSantis added.
The State of Emergency order still runs through Nov. 3, but DeSantis said the state is not closing anything going forward.
The Florida governor did acknowledge that the state could see a second wave of cases.
“People shouldn’t think it’s over. They shouldn’t think it’s done. We could easily see a resurgence. I don’t think anybody knows,” said DeSantis.
Florida businesses can still operate with any self-imposed restrictions under the order. Restaurants can still choose not to open the dining room, or only allow 25 percent capacity.
