Miami-Dade County updates emergency orders and New Normal Guide as state enters Phase 3

Miami-Dade County is complying with Executive Order 20-244 under the statewide opening rules set forth by Governor Ron DeSantis, while keeping in place elements of the County’s orders that protect the residents of Miami-Dade County during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

We are providing links to the County’s revised Orders, in keeping with the Governor’s Order 20-244, here. 

Please review the County’s revised New Normal Guide here for the updated rules as they pertain to a particular business.

All businesses, including essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and construction companies, must continue to comply with the County safety rules as outlined in the updated Guide to help prevent the spread of the virus. 

MASKS & DISTANCING 

At minimum, all businesses should ensure masks are worn by employees and the public at all times, and that work areas and showrooms are set up to promote physical distancing of at least 6 feet. 

RESTAURANTS, BARS & CLUBS

In keeping with the Governor’s Order, the County’s 50 percent capacity limits for restaurants will remain in place as a minimum, with the expansion of more than 50% capacity allowed for restaurants and other venues that can accommodate more tables while also keeping a 6-foot separation between tables. Restaurants can reach 100 percent capacity by including outdoor table service where practicable. The maximum seating per table indoors or outside continues - no more than six people per table or up to ten from the same household.

For restaurants and bars that do not have sufficient floor space for tables to reach the 50 percent capacity minimum, they will be allowed to set tables closer together to reach the 50 percent minimum. 

Bars with only counter service will be allowed to reach 50 percent capacity with seating that is separated at the bar as far as possible between parties being served to reach a minimum of 50 percent capacity. 

Clubs that include dancing must require that masks be worn on the dance floor. Eating and drinking will be allowed only at tables. 

CURFEW & FINES

Miami-Dade County will continue its 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. countywide curfew for the time being in an effort to curtail late-night activities that facilitate the spread of the virus. 

Violators will be cited with a second-degree criminal misdemeanor that sets a maximum $500 fine and/or 180 days in jail. 

Per the Governor’s Order suspending all fines and penalties applied to  individuals for violating the County’s COVID-19 public health orders, Miami-Dade County will continue to issue civil citations for individuals not wearing masks and will process fines and penalties as permitted. 

“Throughout this pandemic, Miami-Dade County has taken measured steps guided by the Centers for Disease Control,  the Florida Department of Health and our local medical experts that include epidemiologists and infectious disease specialists,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez said. “As our infection rates continue to drop below 5 percent and our hospitalizations continue to decline, I am proud of the community’s response in helping tamp down the spread of this virus. 

“I am grateful for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ leadership and partnership that has enabled Miami-Dade County and all of South Florida to be part of the Governor’s statewide reopening of all businesses. Many people are suffering, and I have been working hard to get us to the right conditions to open up our economy.

“I want to stress that we are at a critical juncture to continue to save lives and get our economy moving forward. Even as all businesses are being opened, everyone must continue to take personal responsibility and wear facial coverings in public places, stay at least six feet away from others and wash their hands often to stop the spread of the virus, particularly to protect those with high-risk medical conditions and our senior citizens.

“We want to continue to celebrate the gains we have made on the public health front, keep our hospitals operating efficiently to be able to care for all patients and not have to revert back to emergency closures because of a spike that overwhelms our health care system.

“Together, we are respecting one another by following the public health rules and are getting people back to work safely.”