Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings created an Orange County Code Enforcement Strike Team that goes to Central Florida businesses to see if they are enforcing safety guidelines such as social distancing and face coverings.
First-time offenders could get away with a warning. Fines begin at $500. Fines of $1,000 to $5,000 per day could be issued for repeat violations and a $15,000 fine could be issued for “irreparable or irreversible” violations like a “super-spreader” event.
Since Florida’s phase three re-opening in September 2020, pictures have surfaced outside local businesses of big crowds and few coronavirus safety protocols.
Demings’ order specifically says it does not conflict with Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order which suspends the collection of fines and penalties associated with COVID-19 which is “enforced upon individuals.” Demings says that because his order calls for a non-criminal code enforcement penalty on businesses.
Three Orange County businesses received citations and 19 got warnings over a nine-day period that began on New Year’s Eve as the county continued its crackdown on establishments that fail to maintain coronavirus safety standards. Over 6,000 businesses have received visits. In all, 98% have been in compliance with executive orders.
Among the businesses fined are, nightclubs like Celine and Social in downtown Orlando, The Knights Pub and Infyniti Nightclub near UCF.
Restaurants fined include, Country House Restaurant, Hank’s Crab Shack and Seafood, Hong Fu, Napoli Pizza & Sub, Tin Roof, Truffoire, a kiosk at The Florida Mall.
Other assorted businesses include, 7-Eleven at 3000 W. Colonial Drive, Knight Library, Universal Hyundai, and USA Smoke Shop.
