Governor’s order: What stays open, what has to close

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Wednesday that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday, asking all Floridians to “limit movement to only essential services and activities,” and stay at home.

So what exactly will stay open and what will close?

You don’t have to rush to the grocery store or order carryout from your favorite restaurant by Friday – those places will remain open.

MORE: Read the full list of essential services per Homeland Security

You can still go outside for a walk, a run or a bike ride – as long as you social distance.

But there are several businesses that don’t fall onto the essential services and activities list, and they’ll have to close their doors until at least April 30, when the order is scheduled to be lifted.

Hair salons are among those that will need to close.

“A lot of our clients have canceled. We haven’t really had a lot of new people calling,” said Jessica Nicefield, owner of Scene 826 Hair Salon in Fort Myers.

With the governor’s executive order, Nicefield’s business is about to be hit even harder.

“Honestly, I’m just glad that I have a good landlord that is willing to defer rent and not evict anyone, but with this order, it literally just takes all of the money out of the hairstylists’ pockets.”

Hair salons are just one of several businesses that don’t fall into the 16 categories the Department of Homeland Security lists as essential industries.

Health care, transportation systems, financial services, and food are all deemed essential. That means you can go to the doctor, ride the bus, go to the bank and the grocery store.

You can also worship with your church, do outdoor recreational activities, take care of your pets and care for loved ones and friends, as long as you follow social distancing guidelines.

But if you’re out for reasons other than those, or the additional exceptions Homeland Security lists, you could find yourself in trouble.

“The sheriff’s office will educate people first of course if they find them, but if this starts to become a problem, they do have the ability to do a fine or potentially 60 days in jail,” said Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman.

The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said people keep calling them, seeking direction about the order. They’re asking you not to call them about that.

You can find more information and a list of essential businesses and services here.

DOCUMENT: Click here to read the executive order in its entirety