Referencing President Trump’s March 31, 2020 “30 Days to Slow the Spread” guidance, on April 1, 2020, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joined the majority of other states and issued a Stay-at-Home Order.  The order takes effect on April 3, 2020 at 12.01 a.m.

The order instructs senior citizens and those with significant underlying medical conditions to stay at home and take all necessary measures to limit exposure to the virus.

Other individuals are required to limit their travel to what is necessary to provide or obtain “essential services” or to conduct “essential activities.”

Essential services include those sanctioned by the Department of Homeland Security’s Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce and those previously designated by Executive Order 20-89, which includes an expansive list of retail and commercial businesses related to healthcare, food and grocery, finance, transportation, professional services, and many others.  Other essential services may be added by online publication through the Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Department of Health.

Essential activities include attending religious services, participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines), and care for others, including pets.

Notably, the order specifically encourages employees to continue working from home, and for businesses to provide delivery, carry-out, or curbside services.