DBPR sets up complaints portal for businesses not following guidelines

As Phase 1 takes effect in the state and restrictions start to roll back, there is some confusion about what is OK to do now in public and what continues to be prohibited by the governor’s order.

The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation has current information about what remains in effect during the coronavirus pandemic in Florida. And it is also a source for you to report any guidelines you believe businesses are infringing upon or violating.

If you believe any licensee is operating contrary to the Governor’s Executive Order 20-71, Executive Order 20-87, Executive Order 20-91, Executive Order 20-111, or Executive Order 20-112, you are encouraged to report the information to DBPR using its form. Other orders that do not pertain to businesses, such as Executive Order 20-82, have also been extended.

Executive Order 20-71 suspends the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink or in sealed containers for consumption on the premises at all licensed alcoholic beverage vendor premises.

Executive Order 20-87 orders all parties engaged in rental of vacation rental properties to suspend vacation rental operations. Vacation rentals are prohibited from making new reservations or bookings and shall not accept new guests for check-in for the duration of the order.

Executive Order 20-91 directs that all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities.

Executive Order 20-111 extends the vacation rental prohibitions of Executive Order 20-87 and the essential services and activities directives of Executive Order 20-91 until 12:01 a.m. on May 4, 2020.

Executive Order 20-112, effective on May 4, 2020, establishes the Phase One Recovery path to re-opening Florida in a manner that promotes business operation and economic recovery while maintaining focus on core safety principles. The Phase 1 Recovery directives include, in part, the following restrictions on certain businesses and business services:

• on-premises consumption of food and beverages may be allowed at restaurants while following social distancing guidelines and limiting indoor occupancy to no more than 25 percent of the building occupancy;
• sales of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption remain prohibited at bars, pubs and nightclubs that derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages;
• gyms and fitness centers closed by Executive Order 20-71 remain closed; and
• prohibitions on vacation rentals in Executive Order 20-87 remain in effect for the duration of Emergency Order 20-112.

MORE: See the full release provided by DBPR on its website.