March 18 (Fox13)

• Four students from the University of Florida tested positive
  • One of those students had been traveling internationally
• To slow the spread of the virus, nearly all public events in the state have been canceled
• During Tuesday morning’s press conference, Gov. DeSantis announced the following: 
  • All bars and nightclubs in the state would close for 30 days beginning on Wednesday, March 18, at 5 p.m. 
  • Gatherings of more than 10 people will be banned on beaches

March 20, 3:56 p.m. (TCPalm)

Thursday, 8:45 a.m. 

Cash collection on state toll roads suspended; drivers to receive a bill in the mail. 

• As of 8 a.m., March 19,The Central Florida Expressway Authority is suspending cash collection for tolls on Florida roads, is shifting to license plate tolling. 
• Drivers who normally pay cash at toll booths will continue to pay the cash rate and will receive a billing statement in the mail for tolls incurred. 

Thursday, 5:15 p.m.

• Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs that do not comply with restrictions in the governor’s COVID-19 executive order may face license suspensions, according to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). 
• The order also requires restaurants to limit their occupancy rate to 50% and follow CDC guidelines by ensuring a 6-foot distance between groups while limiting parties to no more than 10 people. 

Thursday, 6:41 p.m.

• With tests for COVID-19 heading to every region of Florida, officials are preparing for a potential surge by ordering more supplies than needed to meet the current demand.
• Officials are accommodating for patients who have more extreme symptoms of COVID-19. 
• To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, officials also are shutting down parks and zoos

Thursday, 8:34 p.m. 

• On Thursday evening, a UCF student was confirmed to have COVID-19. 
  • Student Health Services is in direct contact with his roommates, the Florida Department of Health (FDOH), faculty members, and classmates to request they monitor their health.

Friday, 1:15 p.m.

• On the morning of Friday, March 20, Gov. DeSantis ordered all movie theatres, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, gymnasiums, fitness studios, and beaches to close in Broward County and Palm Beach County until March 31. 
• In a separate order, he also allowed local governments to meet by teleconferencing to comply with the federal guidelines of social-distancing measures.
• Local governments may now use telephone and video conferencing. 

Friday, 3:30 p.m. 

• Gov. DeSantis ordered state restaurants and food-service establishments to close their dining rooms and use their kitchens solely for takeout and delivery purposes
  • The executive order is to “take immediate effect” and is issued for 60 days

“Your Central Florida Coronavirus Guide” (March 20, 4 p.m.)

Anna V. Eskmani for Florida House 47

Updates from Executive branch 

• Gov. DeSantis issued Executive Order 20–52 declaring a State of Emergency for COVID-19.
• The Florida Division of Emergency Management has activated Level I to coordinate the state’s response to COVID-19.
  • The National Guard has been mobilized to help with COVID-19 responses.
• All agencies including The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles have been directed to suspend drivers’ license renewal requirements for 30 days.
• The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has published a resource page.

Orange County Curfews 

• Orange County Mayor, Jerry Demings has put into place a county-wide curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m every day, as of Thursday, March 19.
• Curfew exceptions include: commuting to and from places of employment, the provision of fire, police, emergency and hospital services, medical patients, utility repairs, state and local government employees providing services, and emergency calls by physicians within the curfew area.
• Orange County has a one-stop web page for up-to-date information. 

Newest Updates Impacting Restaurants, Bars, Beaches, and Gyms 

• Gov. DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-71, directing all restaurants and food establishments within the State of Florida to suspend on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers. 
  • This Executive Order lifts the restriction that prohibits a specially licensed food service establishment from selling package sales of alcohol for delivery, take-out or consumption off-premises for restaurants complying with Executive Order 20-68, through the expiration of the state of emergency declared in Executive Order 20-52.
    • Alcohol sales to go with food that is picked up or delivered will be permitted and I.D. will be required for orders including alcohol.
• The Executive Order requires the closures of gymnasiums and fitness centers within the State of Florida. 
  • DBPR shall utilize its authorities under Florida law to further implement and enforce the provisions of this Executive Order and shall take additional measures as necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.

Social Distancing 

• It has been recommended that local authorities strongly consider canceling mass gatherings and follow CDC guidelines.

Universities & Colleges 

• Frontier Airlines has announced opportunities for college students to travel domestically for free.
• University of Central Florida
  • UCF is moving all courses online effective March 16, for spring and summer semesters.
  • Commencement ceremonies have also been postponed. 
  • Note that UCF is offering limited services through the Knights Pantry via prepared bags for students who can’t afford meals. UCF is also working with Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida to direct students needing additional resources.
• Rollins College
  • On Monday, March 23, Rollins will be moving all courses to be online. 

• Valencia College
  •  Valencia College is canceling all face-to-face classes until March 23 and will close its campuses to students and employees until March 30. 
  • Classes currently being taught online will continue as scheduled. 

Housing Payments/ Utilities 

• Utility companies have suspended disconnects among the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Homeowners who are facing a temporary hardship due to the COVID-19 and heightened safety measures such as businesses shutting down have options to postpone mortgage payments, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
• Many telecommunications companies are easing shutoffs and waiving late fees to accommodate consumers who might be struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• It is highly encouraged to check in with companies/landlords that you make monthly payments to, to see what their policies are amid COVID-19. 

Tax Filing Deadline Changes 

• The Treasury Department and IRS have been instructed to extend the April 15, 2020 deadline for filing federal income tax returns for those affected by COVID-19. 
  • The change is only for this year. 
  • No new date has been established yet, but it is expected to be between June 15 and Oct. 15. 
• The Governor in Florida has also instructed the Department of Revenue to allow flexibility with sales tax and corporate income tax deadlines.
• The Florida Department of Revenue has added a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for child support customers. 
• The Florida Department of Revenue has established a dedicated team to address tax-related issues pertaining to COVID-19, where taxpayers can send questions and concerns. 
  • The Department encourages all taxpayers to use our e-services applications to file and pay taxes or contact our call center at (850) 488–6800.

Travel Concerns 

• The FDOH is advising all individuals who have traveled internationally to follow the new CDC guidelines.
  • Level 3: CDC recommends 14-day self-isolation and social distancing upon return to the United States. Social distancing includes avoiding going out in public and close personal interactions. If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your County Health Department (CHD) or health care, provider.
  • Level 2 and Cruises: Travelers should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the United States.
    • If you become symptomatic, immediately self-isolate and contact your CHD or health care provider.

• International Travel 
  • The State Department issued a travel guidelines that applies to all countries, instructing American not to travel internationally and U.S. citizens abroad to return home. 
  • Many areas throughout the world are also experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions.
  • Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice.
  • Gov. DeSantis said he is suspending all travel for state employees for 30 days and asking the 90,000 people who work for state agencies to work from home if they can.
• Cruise Ships 
  • On Thursday, Princess Cruises announced suspension of operations for 60 days. 
  • As of Friday, Cruise Lines International Association announced they would suspend sailing operations to and from U.S. ports for 30 days on Friday. 
• Airlines 
  • Forbes has provided a master list of major international airline changes and cancellation policies.