Orange County, Florida Orders Shutdown for Nonessential Businesses and Stay-at-Home for Individuals
Friday, March 27, 2020

Mayor Jerry L. Demings of Orange County, Florida (“Orange County”) issued an Executive Order (amended) (the “Order”) directing, in the interest of preserving public health and safety, all Orange County “non-essential retail and commercial businesses” to temporarily close and all residents to stay at home except to conduct certain “necessary activities.” The Order was issued on March 25, amended with clarifications on March 26, and will be in effect from March 26 until April 9, 2020, unless extended.

Non-Essential Businesses

Non-essential retail and commercial businesses temporarily ordered to close include, but are not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, water parks, pools, zoos, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, playgrounds, theme parks, bowling alleys, pool halls, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, country clubs, social clubs and fraternal organizations.

Essential Businesses

Essential businesses may remain open. The Order identifies 41 categories of business as essential, with primary categories listed below:

  • Healthcare providers and public health operations;

  • Food and household products and services;

  • Businesses that provide services for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals;

  • Housing providers;

  • Media services;

  • Providers of propane or natural gas;

  • Legal or accounting services and notaries public;

  • Auto- related facilities;

  • Banks and related financial institutions;

  • Businesses providing mailing and shipping services;

  • Restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food, but subject to federal, state and local emergency order limitations and requirements;

  • Businesses that sell medical equipment and supply providers;

  • Airlines, taxis, and other private transportation providers;

  • Home-based care, and facilities that care for seniors, adults, or children;

  • Businesses operating at an airport, government facility, or government office;

  • Construction sites, architectural, engineering and land surveying services;

  • Waste management services;

  • Businesses delivering products via mailing, shipping, or delivery services; and

  • Office space and administrative support related to the above-described businesses.

Individuals

Individuals are ordered not to leave their homes except to conduct certain necessary activities, while practicing social distancing. Necessary activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Basic Needs like visiting a health or veterinary care professional, obtaining medical supplies or medication, obtaining financial or legal services, obtaining food or grocery items or other household consumer products, care or assistance to minors, the elderly or persons with disabilities, government purposes; and for other like or similar purposes;

  • Physical Activity and Exercise;

  • Travel related to Basic Needs and Physical Activity;

  • Travel related to the Provision or Receipt of Essential Services; and

  • Other Travel to and from transportation facilities or hubs.

The Order does not limit religious or funeral services at any location, but all persons are urged to fully comply with all COVID-19 measures advised by the CDC. Penalties for violating the Order include a fine not exceeding $500, and/or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 60 days.

 

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