Broward County Cracks Down on Businesses that Violate COVID-19 Restrictions

Broward County leaders have gradually been allowing various businesses to reopen. But now there is concern that success in controlling the spread of the virus depends on business and resident compliance with reopening guidelines and restrictions. The problem is that the percentage of positive cases of COVID-19 cases in Broward continues increase.

Broward County has issued an Emergency Order that outlines penalties for establishments that fail to comply with Emergency Orders mandating sanitization, social distancing, facial coverings and other requirements intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All prior Emergency Orders also remain in effect.

The new Order is effective Friday, June 26, 2020 and states that:

  • Establishments cited for operating in violation of any County Emergency Order shall immediately close for a minimum 24-hour period.
  • They may reopen after 24 hours, provided they 1) conduct a thorough review of applicable Emergency Orders and take all necessary measures to bring the establishment into compliance and 2) submit and receive notice of acceptance of attestation, under penalty of perjury by the owner, general manager, or chief executive officer of the establishment, emailed to the County at Reopening@Broward.org
  • Once the attestation is received and accepted, the establishment will be inspected by local code enforcement or law enforcement authorities, within five calendar days after reopening, to confirm that the violation has been corrected.
  • Repeat violations will be presumed to be knowing violations and will be subject to stricter penalties, including a fine of up to $15,000.     

Mayor Holness said: “We’re relying on the entire public. If you see something that is going to effect your health, the communities health and the economy of our community you need to call 311, because if we shut down, everyone of us is going to hurt. It’s incumbent for all of us to participate and comply, because all of us are in this together.”

Picture of Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in content marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Marketing Management from the University of Florida and a Content Manager Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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