What Does Governor Desantis' New Plan Mean for Construction?

As you probably are aware, yesterday Governor DeSantis rolled out his Phase I for reopening Florida. For the construction industry, the order changes almost nothing. Essential businesses, like construction, are required to continue to follow safety guidelines issued by the CDC and OSHA. If employee screening or the use of personal protective equipment was previously required, it is to continue to be required. You can click here to view a copy of the actual executive order implementing the Governor’s plan. This order goes into effect on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 12:01 am.

Notably, the new executive order does not expressly extend all parts of the initial, state-wide stay at home order that was enacted on April 1, 2020 and expires at 12:01am on May 4, 2020.

The expiration of the state-wide stay at home order, brings the Pinellas County and Hillsborough County orders that are current, into effect. Pinellas County has indicated that it will determine, what, if any amendments to make to its stay-at-home orders tomorrow, May 1, 2020. Hillsborough County has extended government office closures/limitations through May 15, 2020, and is expected to make decisions on what to do with its stay-at-home order sometime today or tomorrow. Neither county’s orders expire automatically; they have to be rescinded by the relevant county.

The bottom line is that if you have already been safely operating your business, you should continue to do that for the forseeable future. If you are not located in Hillsborough County or Pinellas County, you should also check to see if your local municipality has a stay at home order that expires automatically, or will continue in effect after next Monday.

Stay safe out there, and please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions