Oct 14, 2021 - COVID

Florida investigates businesses enforcing COVID-19 safety rules

Illustration of business doors being barricaded by a vaccine needle.

Maura Losch/Axios

The state Department of Health is investigating a bevy of Florida businesses for enforcing COVID-19 safety rules that violate the state's law against them.

Flashback: Florida passed a law this year that prohibits businesses from requiring customers to show a proof of vaccine. The department of health can "enforce penalties on applicable entities or institutions that require documentation of vaccination or post-exposure status."

  • For municipalities, the fine can be as high as $5,000 per infraction.
  • Anyone can report a violation to [email protected].

Details: The list of businesses (and a few people, like Orlando Mayor Jerry Demings and Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe) is made up mostly of music and performance venues.

  • Local spots include the Straz Center and MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater in Tampa, plus the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

Yes, but: There are also some outliers, like the Gasparilla Music Festival, the Miami Marlins and, strangely, the Florida Trail Association.

  • Also WTH?: "Starbucks" and "Titusville, Florida's Space Coast."

💬 Our thought bubble: We’d like to hear more about Titanium Yoga's "VAX ONLY" classes.

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