Governor Ron DeSantis has officially issued an executive order regarding the phase one re-opening of Florida.

There’s a lot to break down when it comes to what this new order entails. Let’s review the major items the will affect local small businesses.

Effective Monday, May 4th for all Florida counties except Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach:

1. Restaurants can re-open indoor and outdoor seating, so long as there’s appropriate social distancing. Indoor seating will be limited to 25% capacity.

2. Retail stores, museums and libraries may also open at 25% capacity. Again, so long as CDC guidelines are followed.

3. Museum and library re-openings will vary depending on local government. Regardless, all interactive functions like play areas must remain closed.

4. The executive order does not change anything when it comes to the following:

  • Bars
  • Pubs
  • Nightclubs
  • Gyms
  • Movie theaters

5. The governor says he’s also waiting to see how salons and barbershops in other states work out the challenges of social distancing.

6. In regards to medical procedures, phase one will allow elective surgeries to resume. Which is something many were desperately hoping for.

That’s just the start of what this executive order entails.

DeSantis said there will be three phases to re-opening Florida.