Businesses to face fines for violating COVID-19 guidelines

A new emergency executive order signed today — Friday, Dec. 4 — by Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings will hand down fines to businesses found to have violated COVID-19 protocols. 

In order for businesses to comply with the the executive order, businesses must maintain the following protocols: Make sure employees and guests maintain social distancing; ensure employees wear face coverings at all time; require guests to wear face coverings; and the company must place appropriate signage throughout the business to remind patrons and employees to wear masks and maintain social distance.

The first violation of these rules will result in a $500 fine issued by law enforcement officers or code enforcement officers, though a citation issued by a special magistrate would result in a fine of $1,000 per day for the first violation — that fine would increase to $5,000 a day for repeat violations. Lastly, if a special magistrate finds a violation — or violations — to be irreparable or irreversible, a $15,000 fine can be imposed per violation.

 Demings will discuss the executive order in full during a press conference tomorrow — Saturday, Dec. 5 — at 4:30 p.m.