Broward County Increases Penalties for those Violating Emergency Orders

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For Immediate Release – Thursday, July 9, 2020
Ale Assenza, aassenza@coralsprings.org, 954-344-1008
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Broward County Increases Penalties for those
Violating Emergency Orders

Coral Springs, FL – In effort to contain the spread of COVID-19, Broward County issued Emergency Order 20-21, which increases penalties for those who are in violation of emergency orders. The order is effective Friday, July 10, 2020.

Businesses non-compliant with local emergency orders will receive a citation and are required to close for 24 hours after their first violation. Every subsequent citation will incur an additional 72 hours of closure for the business.

In addition, food establishments and restaurants may continue takeout, delivery, drive-through and pick-up services, however, between 10 p.m. until 5 a.m., must discontinue the on-site consumption of food and alcoholic beverages.

Furthermore, seating at food establishments and restaurants will now be limited to six per table, with the exception of groups from the same household, for which the limit is 10 people per table. Consumption of food and beverages must be done seated at the table.

Facial coverings must be worn properly at all times if at an establishment other than at an amenity, such as parks, pools, and beaches. Facial coverings are not required when participating in strenuous physical activity, including exercising or when in a pool, ocean or other body of water, provided that social distancing of 6 feet is maintained. Proper use includes the covering over the nose and mouth as the CDC recommends. When the nose is exposed or the covering is worn at the chin, the facial covering is not effective in protecting the public from the spread of the virus.

Failure to comply with any requirements included in Broward County Emergency Orders, is subject to misdemeanor fines up to $500 per violation, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both, and/or as civil fines of $1,000 per day per violation or fines up to $15,000 per violation for a knowing violation that is irreparable or irreversible in nature.

If these new penalties and restrictions do not prove substantial for the mitigation of the virus and compliance of businesses and patrons, rollbacks of previously opened establishments and activities may be put in place. It is imperative that residents and local businesses comply with all emergency orders and do their diligence to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.

Protecting the health and wellbeing of our residents has been and will continue to be our central focus until we have managed to mitigate and control the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

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