Our Florida Government Relations team is actively monitoring legislative, regulatory and administrative changes in Florida related to the novel COVID-19 pandemic.  The below is an update as of Friday, December 11th.

Below are direct links to governmental websites at the state, county and municipal levels for the areas that Buchanan serves in Florida. We are compiling these resources for our clients and firm friends providing direct access to the vital information needed for your business and personal use during this unprecedented time.

If you need additional resources or have specific questions, please visit the the Buchanan Florida Government Relations page for more information.

December 11, 2020

LATEST UPDATES – COVID-19 ALERTS

The Governor has announced this week how initial doses of the the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer will be distributed. The vaccine has been approved for emergency authorization by the FDA and distribution will begin shortly. Governor DeSantis has indicated that his first priority is to vaccinate long-term care residents and Florida’s frontline healthcare workers. The first round of the 179,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be allocated as follows:
 
– 97,500 doses will be sent to hospitals to administer vaccine to high-contact and high-exposure health care personnel.
 
– 60,450 doses of vaccine will be sent to CVS and Walgreens for use in long-term care facilities. Both companies are under contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to administer vaccines inside those facilities.
 
– 21,450 doses of vaccine will go directly to the Florida Department of Health. We will be using strike teams from Health, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the Florida National Guard to go into long-term care facilities and administer the vaccine in areas with a high concentration of facilities.

Click here to view Gov. DeSantis’ video message on the initial vaccine distribution in Florida and see below for the full transcript of the Governor’s video release.  

“Hi, I’m Governor Ron DeSantis. This week I was in Washington, D.C. meeting with key officials to discuss Florida’s vaccine distribution plans, as well as to highlight the potential of Operation Warp Speed.

The vaccine is beginning to be used all over the world, including in Great Britain and Canada, and we are excited to move forward here in the United States.

The federal government has allocated Florida 179,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine for our first shipment and we anticipate receiving these initial doses within the week.

We are working to get as much vaccine for our citizens as possible, but Florida will not, nor will any state, have enough to vaccinate everyone right off the bat.

So, we’ve set priorities to help protect our most vulnerable as well as those on the front lines of the pandemic.

Our top priority is residents of long-term care facilities. They are at the greatest risk and this vaccine could have a positive impact on them, not just protecting them from COVID, but allowing them to return to a more normal life.

Also, a top priority is health care workers who are in high risk and high contact environments. And those initial two priorities will be the focus of the 179,000 doses that we have initially received from the federal government.

Finally, as the vaccine supply increases over the next few weeks, we want to start getting it out to our elderly residents as well as those who may have significant comorbidities, making them high-risk for complications from COVID-19.

Now, in line with these priorities, the first round of the 179,400 doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be allocated as follows:

97,500 doses will be sent to hospitals to administer vaccine to high-contact and high-exposure health care personnel.

60,450 doses of vaccine will be sent to CVS and Walgreens for use in long-term care facilities. Both companies are under contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to administer vaccines inside those facilities.

21,450 doses of vaccine will go directly to the Florida Department of Health. We will be using strike teams from Health, the Florida Division of Emergency Management, and the Florida National Guard to go into long-term care facilities and administer the vaccine in areas with a high concentration of facilities.

These efforts will supplement those that CVS and Walgreens are preparing to undertake as partners in Operation Warp Speed.

Now, we hope to have more good news about additional doses of both the Pfizer and hopefully, the newly approved Moderna vaccine, next week.

And of course, we are looking forward to clinical trials concluding for Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine, which is a one-dose vaccine and does not require any special storage.

We’ll keep providing updates as we work to distribute these vaccines in the state of Florida.

God bless you and God bless the great state of Florida.

###       Contact: Governor’s Press Office, (850) 717-9282, Media@eog.myflorida.com  

Update as of September 29, 2020:

LATEST UPDATES – COVID-19 ALERTS

*NEW Executive and Agency Orders

20-244 Executive Order Phase 3; Right to Work; Business Certainty; Suspension of Fines

Mandatory Testing for Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled Staff

Administrative Order 1-57.1: In Re: Phase 2 COVID-19 Emergency Court Operations Procedures



*NEW  Municipal and County Local Orders


Broward County Emergency Order 20-25: Reopening Guidelines

Biscayne Bay: Declaration of State of Emergency COVID-19 Extension Requiring Facial Coverings

Delray Beach: Resolution 176-20 – COVID 19 (Adopting PBC-EO26 Extending Facial Coverings Directive thru 10-22-20)


*NEW COVID Resource links

Memorandum from Senate President Galvano re: General Revenue Collection Report for August



Other COVID-19 Resource Links

Buchanan COVID-19 Resource Page

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Website
Complete List of Florida Communities with Shelter in Place Orders
COVID-19 and the Florida Budget (Provided by Jim Magill, Govt. Affairs Principal and Shareholder Raquel Rodriguez with Buchanan)
COVID-19 info from other states
COVID-19 Actions Research COVID Tracker-19 Projections in United States
COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing and Treatment of the Uninsured 
Database of School District Reopening Plans 
Department of Education Releases the Additional $6.2 billion in CARES Act Department of Health Emergency Order Suspending Rules during COVID-19
DeSantis puts FL budget on hold until Washington acts
FAQs on Executive Order 20-91 Essential Services and Activities during COVID-19 
FAQs on Phase 1 Stay-Smart Reopening Florida’s Economy
FDACS: $16 Billion in USDA Aid Now Available
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity  Reemployment Assistance Update
Florida: Districts Must Reopen School Campuses Next Month
Florida Association of Counties COVID-19 Information
Florida Counties and Municipalities Requiring Face Coverings
Florida COVID Action Dashboard
Florida Department of Health COVID Dashboard
Florida Division of Emergency Management – Essential Services List
Florida Division of Administrative Hearings 
Florida Hospital Association
Florida Job Resources
Florida League of Cities COVID-19 Information
Florida Public Transportation Association
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Florida Senate COVID-19 Resource Update 
Florida Supreme Court
Governor Ron DeSantis: Presentation from COVID-19 press conference
Gov. DeSantis: Governor’s Powerpoint Presentation from 5/15 press conference
Gov. DeSantis: INFOGRAPHIC – Full Phase 1
Gov. DeSantis: One Goal One Florida Initiative to Unite Floridians Against COVID-19
Gov. Ron DeSantis:  Governor’s Powerpoint Presentation
Governor’s Powerpoint Presentation from press conference on Long Term Care Facilities
Health and Human Services Officially Releases Additional Funding for Hospitals and Providers
HHS Launches COVID-19 Uninsured Program Portal
Latest Beach Openings
Leon County Mandates Face Masks Indoors
List of Mandatory Mask Orders
Local and State COVID-19 Responses and Orders
Miami Beach Halts all Short Term Rentals Due to COVID-19
Office of Economic & Demographic Research: General Revenue Fund Executive Summary
Office of Economic & Demographic Research: Monthly Revenue Report June 2020
Office of Economic & Demographic Research: Detailed Revenue Report June 2020
Questions and Answers with Secretary Mayhew Re: Hospitals and Nursing Homes
Questions and Answers with Secretary Mayhew Re: Hospitals and Nursing Homes 
ReOpen Florida Task Force Report
Reopening The Economy Federal Guidelines 
Senate President Galvano: Memorandum from Senate President Galvano re: August General Revenue Estimate
Senate President Galvano: Memorandum re: General Revenue Collection Report for June
“Stand Up Miami” Plan Announced by City of Miami
State University System of Florida— News & Updates
Supreme Court: Press Release: Chief Justice apologizes over failures in administration of Bar exam in pandemic
Supreme Court: Amendments to AOSC20-23 – Order extending COVID emergency procedures to early July
U.S. Small Business Administration COVID-19 Resources and Disaster Assistance
USF-patented 3D nasal swab is being used the world over to help in COVID-19 testing

Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney (BIR) hosted a webinar with former Florida Governor and Strategic Consultant to BIR, Jeb Bush and Speaker-Designate of the Florida House of Representatives, Chris Sprowls. The two leaders shared insights on emerging legislative priorities in Tallahassee and key recovery imperatives while offering a national perspective on long-term economic and cultural shifts driven by COVID-19. Click here for a summary of the conversation and a link to the webinar recording.
 

RECENT EXECUTIVE ORDERS

#2020-210 Executive Order delays renewal deadline for holders of any license, permit, registration, or certificate issued by DBPR for purposes of engaging in the manufacturing, sale, or distribution of alcoholic beverages in Florida
FL Dept. of Health: Renewal of Public Health Emergency
1st Judicial Circuit: Administrative Order 2020-34 COVID-19 Phase 2 Summoning of Jurors and Excusal Postponement Process
FL Supreme Court: Florida Bar exam rescheduled for October 13 due to pandemic
Agency for Persons with Disabilities: Memorandum – APD Licensed Homes – Assisting Group Home Residents with Transitioning Back to School
FL Supreme Court: Florida Bar Exam postponed & future plans announced
FL Department of Health: Emergency Order 20-012 re: Suspension of Statutes, Rules And Orders, Made Necessary by COVID-19
12th Judicial Circuit: S-2020-08a.2 – Lifts the Temporary Suspension of Jury Summonses Due to COVID-19
#2020-192 Executive Order amends Executive Orders 20-68, 20-139, and 20-166
12th Judicial Circuit: AO2020-15b.1 [Suspension of Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Actions and Residential Evictions Related to Non-Payment Due to COVID-19]
18th Judicial Circuit: Administrative Order 20-15 – 6th Amendment: Supersedes all previous 20-15 orders: In Re – Continuation of Operations Bases Upon Covid-19 Concerns
Agency for Health Care Administration: Emergency Rule 59AER20-8 Hospital Screening Requirements for Long-Term Care Facility Residents
Office of Economic & Demographic Research: Revised Detailed Revenue Report for June 2020
Gov. DeSantis: Executive Order 20-180 (Limited Extension of Mortgage Foreclosure and Eviction Relief)
Gov. DeSantis: Executive Order 20-179 (Emergency Management COVID-19 Local Government Public Meetings)
FL Supreme Court: Administrative Order No. AOSC20-65 (Extension of Legal Education Requirements under Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.112)
17th Judicial Circuit: Administrative Order 2020-63- Temp
14th Judicial Circuit: Amendment 3 to Administrative Order #2020-11 – COVID-19 Operational Plan for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Transistioning from Phase 1 to Phase 2
Dept. of Education: 2020-21 Florida’s Optional Innovative Plan (DOE Template for School Districts)
Gov. DeSantis: Executive Order 20-166, extending the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 20-52 for 60 days.
Department of Environmental Protection: Third Amended and Restated Emergency Order 20-0239 – Extension of Time to Comply with Specified Deadlines
Governor DeSantis: Presentation from COVID-19 press conference



STATE OF FLORIDA – EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 

For a full complete list of Executive Orders from Governor DeSantis and more information on COVID-19, visit Executive Orders and the Office of the Governor.
 
STATEWIDE DECLARATIONS OF EMERGENCY AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS
On March 1st 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51 declaring a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On March 9th 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-52, declaring a State of Emergency in Florida. By declaring a State of Emergency, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that state and local governments have the resources and flexibility they need to prepare and respond to this pandemic.


Emergency Bridge Loan Available & Other Economic Resources
Governor Ron DeSantis activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program on March 16, 2020 to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The bridge loan program, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will provide short-term, interest-free loans to small businesses (2-100 employees) that experienced economic injury from COVID-19. The maximum loan is $50,000, but can be increased to $100,000 in special cases warranted by need. The application period opened March 17, 2020 and continues until May 8, 2020. Applications are being accepted through May 8, 2020 and can be accessed at www.floridadisasterloan.org.

The Department also announced resources the Reemployment Assistance Program if a Floridians’ employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance.

Businesses Encouraged to Respond 
The Florida Business Damage Assessment survey has been activated to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.  The survey can be taken at here: Business Damage Assessment Survey

DIRECT LINKS TO STATE AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS
Florida agencies and departmental websites are provided below wherein you can access agency specific COVID-19 information relating to the areas of expertise for each entity.  We included the direct link to these sites rather than summarize information, for most sites, because this information sometimes changes daily and these links will help ensure you have the most up to date accurate information. 

Florida Department of Emergency Management

  • The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated at a Level 1 and the National Guard has been mobilized.
  • Because Florida has declared a State of Emergency, all counties has been designated Category B under the Public Assistance Program. In order for an entity to participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance Program, the entity must complete a Request for Public Assistance (RPA). The deadline to request assistance is currently April 12, 2020. Directions to submit the RPA form can be found here. 
  • For those wishing to learn more about the Public Assistance Program, FDEM and FEMA are offering training sessions for potential applicants beginning on March 23, 2020.
  • If your facility is running low on supplies, call your county Emergency Management Office so that a Mission Request can be added on your facility’s behalf. Fill out an Emergency Requisition Request Form to submit to your Emergency Management Office to receive a mission number.
  • If you are not sure how to complete the request, please reference the resource request process document prepared by the Florida Hospital Association for more information.

Florida Department of Health
The Department of Health’s Website has numerous resources including helpful information about the virus, how to prevent and prepare, and what to do if someone is concerned they might have it and where to go to be tested.  The site also includes information regarding the active cases currently reported in Florida. Among other things, it enables the extension of deadlines for compliance with regulatory requirements and decision deadlines by state agencies.

Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA)
The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) directs nursing homes and residential healthcare facilities to immediately review facility protocols including visitor screening to ensure precautions are in place to limit introduction of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance to facilities to screen patients and visitors for symptoms of acute respiratory illness before entering healthcare facilities. Health Care facilities should keep up to date on recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 on the CDC’s website.

AHCA, in coordination with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM), is hosting ongoing statewide calls for hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, intermediate care facilities, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, group homes, and adult family care home in conjunction with the Florida Hospital Association to provide the most up-to-date information regarding issued impacting the aging and vulnerable populations and restricting visitors. In addition, ACHA will be granting a 90-day extension to all licenses for health care provider and regulated facilities.

Florida Department of Business Professional Regulation
On March 16, 2020, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued DBPR Emergency Order 2020-01, suspending the license renewal deadline period for a period of 30 days following the existing renewal dealing for any license, permit, registration, or certificate with an expiration occurring in March or April. The order also provides that license renewal requirements for completion of continuing education, if applicable, are also suspended for the same time period. 

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is currently surveying businesses and non-profits throughout the state of Florida who have been impacted by COVID-19. Businesses can access the Business Damage Assessment survey here. This is not an application for assistance.

Florida Department of Education
Commissioner Corcoran urges the cancelation of any mass gatherings, community events, and extracurricular activities, including sporting events of ten (10) or more people, school readiness, volunteer prekindergarten, public and private K-12, career and technical centers, and public and private colleges and universities.
All school districts and colleges and universities have transitioned to e-learning or distance learning for the remainder of the spring semester.
Additionally, all graduation ceremonies previously scheduled in May have been cancelled.

Florida Office of Financial Regulation
Commissioner Russell Weigel has issued a proclamation suspending filing requirement for branch office locations of securities broker-dealers, issuer-dealers, and investment advisers impacted by COVID-19. If a broker-dealer, issuer-dealer, or investment adviser is required by the emergency to relocate operations or displace personnel to a temporary location that is not currently filed as a branch office or identified as a regular non-branch location, the dealer, issuer/dealer, or investment adviser should use its best efforts to provide written notification to the OFR, as soon as possible, but no later than five (5) days, after establishing a new temporary office or space-sharing arrangement. 

Florida Office of Insurance Regulation
The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has published a resource page on its website and will continuously update the page with important insurance resources. Most recently, OIR has extended the deadline to report claims data for the Assignment of Benefits (AOB) Data Call until June 1, 2020.

Florida Department of Management Services
The Division of State Purchasing organized the Florida Emergency Supplier Network and Florida Emergency Purchasing Network to assist state agencies and local governments with purchasing functions during emergencies.


EXISTING COUNTY/MUNICIPAL ORDERS

Martin County: 24th Extension of Local State of Emergency Declaration
Palm Beach County: Emergency Order Number 22 – Tanning, Tatooing and Body Piercing
City of Bonita Springs: Resolution No. 20-83 – Extending State of Emergency COVID-19
Brevard County: Twenty-third Extension of Local State of Emergency Declaration
Miami-Dade County: Amendment No. 4 to Emergency Order 18-20
Miami-Dade County: Emergency Order 28-20: Indoor dining and business, replaces previous orders
Orange County: Emergency Order 2020-36: Extension of State of Emergency
Palm Beach County: Declaration of Continuing State of Emergency
Sarasota County: Declaration of Extended State of Emergency
City of Altamonte Springs: Executive Order No. 2020-01-E24 Extension of Declared Local State of Emergency
City of Dania Beach: Nineteenth Declaration of State of Emergency Order
City of Doral: Emergency Order from the Mayor (No. 2020-48) Extension of Local State of Emergency Order
City of Miami Beach: Phase 2 Reopening Order and Emergency Measures Effective August 31, 2020
City of Sarasota: Extension of Emergency Declaration
Hillsborough County: Twenty-fourth Extension of Local State of Emergency Declaration
Miami-Dade County: Executive Order extending Declaration of State of Emergency in Miami-Dade County
Palm Beach County: Emergency Order Number 21 – Additional Directive on Recreational Facilities
Pinellas County: Resolution 20-76, Order Extending State of Local Emergency
City of Anna Maria: City Order #65: Requiring Facemask Use and Social Distancing
City of Delray Beach: Twenty-Forth Extension of State of Emergency Declaration
City of Doral: Emergency Order from the Mayor (No.2020-47) Extension of Local State of Emergency Orders 2020-36, 2020-37 & 2020-44
City of St. Petersburg: Executive Order 2020-38 -Extending Emergency through September 3
Nassau County: Resolution No. 2020-146 extending local State of Emergency
Nassau County: Executive Order No. 22 extending mask mandate an additional 30 days through September 25, 2020
Taylor County: Twenty-third Extension of Local State of Emergency Declaration
City of Anna Maria: City Order #63: Prohibiting Set-up of Beach Equipment Prior to Actual Rental on Beach
City of Anna Maria: City Order #64: Prohibiting Rental of Motorized Scooters and Micromobility Devices
City of Indiatlantic: Local Emergency Order No. 2020-17 regarding Covid-19 (Extending Previous Order Re: Use of Face Masks)
City of Miami Beach: Phase 2 Reopening Order and Emergency Measures Effective August 27, 2020
City of Miami Beach: Declaration of a State of Emergency Extended Through September 2, 2020
City of Orlando: State of Emergency – Extension
City of Delray Beach: Twenty-Third Extension of State of Emergency Declaration
Miami-Dade County: Executive Order extending Declaration of State of Emergency in Miami-Dade County
City of Anna Maria: City Order #59: Prohibiting Set-up of Beach Equipment Prior to Actual Rental on Beach
City of Anna Maria: City Order #60: Prohibiting Rental of Motorized Scooters and Micromobility Devices
City of Lauderhill: #20-28 – Twenty-Third 7-Day Extension
City of Sunrise: Extension of Declaration of State of Local Emergency
Lake County: Resolution No. 2020-134 Extension of the Declaration of a Local State of Emergency