Phase 2 Reopening Florida

Phase 2 of Florida's recovery, as outlined in Executive Order 20-139 took effect on Friday, June 5^th. 

Executive Order #20-180- Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief

Executive Order #20-139 re: Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery

Individuals remain encouraged to follow social distancing and safety protocols outlined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Further, Executive Order 20-139 outlines the following-

• Senior citizens and individuals with significant underlying medical conditions are encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
• Individuals are encouraged to avoid congregating groups larger than 50 persons.
• In-store retail businesses, including gyms and fitness centers, may operate at full capacity with the continuance of appropriate social distancing and sanitation protocols. 
• Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to, movie theatres, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, and arcades may operate at 50% capacity, adhering to appropriate social distancing and sanitation guidelines. 

We urge and encourage you to stay up to date with any emergency or executive orders issued by your respective county/municipality. Local governments may adopt additional requirements for businesses, venues, etc., to operate that are more restrictive than requirements issued by the state.

Additional Executive Orders that Remain Effect

Executive Order #20-180 re: Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief

• This Order was amended to extend previous Executive Orders, 20-94, 20-121, 20-137, and 20-159, suspending foreclosures and evictions on the basis of nonpayment until October 1, 2020. 

• This extension of the eviction moratorium has several notable changes that are the product of conversions had between FAA and the Governor's office. These changes are outlined below. 
• Section 2. (Eviction)
  • (A).- This Order supersedes past suspensions and calls for the prevention of "final action" versus prohibiting an eviction filing altogether. 
  • (B.) For purposes of this section, adversely affected by the COVID-19 emergency means loss of employment, diminished wages or business income, or other monetary loss realized during the Florida State of Emergency directly impacting the ability of a residential tenant to make rent payments. 
  • (C.)- Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to suspend or otherwise affect eviction proceedings unrelated to non-payment of rent. 
• Section 3.
  • All payments, including tolled payments, are due when an individual is no longer adversely affect by the COVID-19 emergency. 

Please note, we urge and encourage you to consult with your landlord/tenant attorney and/or your legal counsel on any questions pertaining to specifics in this Order. 

Executive Order 20-114 re: Emergency Management- Extension of Executive Order 20-52- COVID-19

• Please note, during a declared State of Emergency, an increase in rent that represents a "gross disparity" between what the price was 30 days prior to the declaration and the proposed increase is prohibited (per FL Statute 501.160). 

Additional Reopening Information

• Florida Department of Education's  (FDOE) Reopening Florida's Schools and the CARES Act

By County Information

Orange County

• Orange County Emergency Executive Order 2020-23 COVID-19 and the Requirement of Face Masks.
• Orange County is adhering to the Executive Order issued by the Governor and will be entering Phase 2 on Friday, June 5, 2020.
• Orange County launched its COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Program on Tuesday, August 25th. You can read more about program guidelines and criteria, here. 

Seminole County

• On Wednesday, August 26th, Seminole County opened its Seminole CARES individual assistance program portal. The program gives one-time grants to individuals that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19. What the grant can be used for, eligibility criteria, required documentation, and FAQs can be found here. 
• On Monday, June 29th, Seminole County issued Executive Order 20-30: The Use of Social Distancing/Facial Coverings that requires individuals working, living, visiting, or doing business in Seminole County to wear a face mask in businesses, places of assembly and other places otherwise open to the public. 
  • This Order will go into effect Wednesday, July 1, 2020.
• Seminole County is adhering to the Executive Order issued by the Governor and will be entering Phase 2 on Friday. 

Osceola County

• Osceola County is adhering to the Executive Order issued by the Governor and will be entering Phase 2 on Friday.
  • The County's Executive Order Requiring Cloth Facial Coverings remains in effect.
• On Monday, July 20th, the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners voted to add fines to the County's mask mandate.
  • Penalties are as follows-
    • First Offense- Warning
    • Second Offense- $25.00
    • Third Offense- $25.00
    • Fourth Offense- $50.00

Lake County

• Lake County is adhering to the Executive Order issued by the Governor and will be entering Phase 2 on Friday.
  • Further, the County resumed a variety of in-person services on June 1, 2020. 
• The County also launched its website, Elevate Lake to spur the economic stability restoration. The website outlines the County's recovery plan which is broken down by phases to align with federal and state guidelines. 

Volusia County

• Volusia County is adhering to the Executive Order issued by the Governor and will be entering Phase 2 on Friday.
• The County announced its Relaunch Volusia plan that outlines the County's reopening strategy and future pandemic preparation. 
• The cities of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, and Orange City have adopted resolutions that require the wearing of facial coverings in public. Order specific information can be found here. 

Additional Resources

• See 2020 Executive Orders issued by Governor Ron DeSantis.
• Review the Florida Department of Health's "Current Situation in Florida," outlining the most recent COVID-19 case data, as well as, Plan for Florida's Recovery. 
• Read The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)'s Considerations for Businesses and Workplaces. The CDC has outlined a number of recommendations for businesses/workplaces to consider to craft their reopening processes and procedures. 
• Reference the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)'s, Enforcement Memoranda, and Alerts for Business Reopenings.