Florida will start enforcing fine for seeking proof of vaccination

The state will start issuing $5,000 fines to businesses, schools and government agencies that require people to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.

By Annabelle Sikes
| 5:00 p.m. September 2, 2021

West Orange Times & Observer
News

Starting Sept. 16 businesses, schools and government agencies could be fined $5,000 if they ask for proof of a COVID-19 vaccine.

In a ruling issued last Friday, the Florida Department of Health said violators of the vaccine proof law can appeal but must pay within 30 days if the penalty is finalized.

Gov. Ron DeSantis in May signed a bill prohibiting businesses and schools from requiring proof of vaccination, citing a need to prevent "government overreach."

Infection rates in Florida have increased over the summer, as the state suffered from impacts of the Delta variant. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has reported more than 15,000 patients currently are hospitalized in Florida, up from about 1,800 in June.

author

Annabelle Sikes

News Editor Annabelle Sikes was born in Boca Raton and moved to Orlando in 2018 to attend the University of Central Florida. She graduated from UCF in May 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in sociology. Her past journalism experiences include serving as a web producer at the Orlando Sentinel, a reporter at The Community Paper, managing editor for NSM Today, digital manager at Centric Magazine and as an intern for the Orlando Weekly.