Governor’s Executive Order Ends Local Fines From Violation Of COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on Wednesday that ends local fines related to COVID-19 restrictions.

The order states that it is “…a categorical, statewide remission of fines related to COVID-19 restrictions is warranted in light of the unprecedented local government restrictions imposed on individuals and businesses over the course of the past year.”

Jeffrey Swartz is a legal analyst and explains, “It orders that any fines that have been collected shall be returned to the person who paid them. Any fines that remain unpaid are now forgiven. It’s against any ordinance passed by any local government."

We've seen cities and counties pass orders limiting gatherings and mandating mask-wearing over the past year.

“It basically addresses itself to fines. I do not see anything that grants them setting aside their convictions for violating the ordinances. I don’t really think it has the power to do that. So this is really only giving back money to those paid fines,” said Swartz.

How will this affect those bars that had their liquor licenses suspended by the Tampa City Council (including Prana in Ybor)?

Luke Lirot is the attorney representing the night club. He said the he doesn't think this new order would permit the suspension.
“We’re simply going to present this to the city attorney’s office and say it’s a different rodeo today so take a better look and certainly pay attention to the fact that my clients have not been running amok. They’ve been doing everything that they reasonably could to make sure that they maintain a safe facility."

St. Petersburg’s mayor’s office states, "We will review this action. It is worth noting that local actions and protocols have helped to keep Floridians safe and healthy, and Ron DeSantis has benefited from that. Time and again, in the absence of state leadership and a coherent strategy, cities like St. Petersburg have had to take the lead. We will continue to do so as best we can."

Governor Ron Desantis explained in his press conference on Monday, “I think that there needs to be protection for folks. And you shouldn't have your entire livelihood just up ended, because of one emergency dictate by somebody and a mayor or a local government."

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