Florida small businesses are navigating unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a particularly challenging time for farms and agritourism operators, as the free market economy has been dramatically impacted. As Florida starts to re-open, it is unclear if all agritourism activities are permitted during Phase 1 of re-opening. We received this recent advisory from Steven L. Hall, General Counsel for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
“The Department’s understanding of the Governor’s Executive Order 20-112 starts with Executive Order 20-91, which directs all persons in Florida to limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities as provided in the order. These are the restrictions that have been in place since April 1, 2020. Agritourism activities related to wedding barns are not listed as essential in the Governor’s executive orders.
Beginning May 4, 2020, Executive Order 20-112 expands the list of services and activities allowed to operate (beyond those essential services and activities allowed in Executive Order 20-91) to those specifically provided in Sections 3, 4, and 5 including restaurants, libraries, museums, and elective medical procedures with occupancy limitations and other enumerated requirements. It is the Department’s understanding that if the service or activity is not specifically referenced as an essential service or activity by Executive Order 20-91 or listed in Executive Order 20-112, then the Governor’s executive orders continues to prohibit travel for those services or activities.
The Executive Orders referenced are linked above for your convenience. I have also provided links below to other documents prepared by the Executive Office of the Governor to explain the referenced Executive Orders.”
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Executive Order 20-91
Additions of Essential Services to EO 20-91
Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Executive Order 20-112
