Florida face-covering rules: List of mandatory coronavirus mask orders in the Tampa Bay area
TAMPA, Fla. - As the COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread, Gov. Ron DeSantis says he will not issue a statewide order to require masks. But the Florida Department of Health has issued a public health advisory, asking all residents to wear masks in public and to socially distance.
Doctors and local officials in Florida are also encouraging the use of face-coverings, and in some cases, mandating it. Several counties and some local municipalities have mask orders in place.
In all cases, religious gatherings and those with pre-existing medical conditions who cannot wear a mask for health reasons are excluded.
Here’s the list of mask orders in the Tampa Bay area:
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
Countywide:
Masks are required in indoor public businesses for everyone over the age of 5. Exceptions include children in sports camps and daycares. Businesses are required to post signs and make announcements about the mask rule for all employees and patrons; individuals can face a $125 fine for non-compliance..
City of Tampa:
Masks are be required for everyone inside a business or public space where social distancing is not possible, based on an executive order from the mayor.
PINELLAS COUNTY:
Countywide:
Every adult must wear a mask while inside public buildings if they cannot social distance. Parents may decide if kids under 18 should have one on. All PSTA riders must wear masks.
City of St. Petersburg:
Everyone in St. Petersburg is required to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, based on an executive order from the mayor.
PASCO COUNTY:
Pasco County Administrator Dan Biles issued an executive order requiring anyone in the county over age 2 to wear a face covering while indoors at a public business or county government facility.
POLK COUNTY:
City of Lakeland:
A mandatory mask resolution went into effect July 2 for those within the city to wear a face covering while indoors. However, on Oct. 5, commissioners decided to let the mandate expire.
City of Winter Haven:
City commissioners unanimously voted in favor of a mandatory mask ordinance that went into effect Tuesday, July 14. It was allowed to expire on October 13.
SARASOTA COUNTY:
City of Sarasota:
Anyone over the age of 18 is required to wear face coverings in any indoor establishment within the city's limits and outdoors when it's not possible to properly social distance.
City of Venice:
Anyone over the age of six is required to wear a face covering, unless they are social distancing or exercising, among other exceptions.
MANATEE COUNTY:
Countywide:
The countywide mandate was repealed September 29. Residents are still encouraged to wear masks when they cannot safely distance.
Bradenton:
Bradenton businesses are required to post signs recommending that customers wear masks in public. The ordinance does not require the public to wear face coverings and it does not require businesses to force them to.
Longboat Key:
The town commission voted to enact a mandatory face-covering order as of Friday, July 3. Masks are required for everyone in indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing is not possible.
City of Holmes Beach:
The city of Holmes Beach, located on Anna Maria Island, has a mandatory mask order inside businesses. Non-compliance will result in a $250 fine and, if officials catch you a second time, that fine will go up to $500. There are exceptions while people are eating or drinking in a restaurant.
Anna Maria Island:
Masks are required in inside buildings in Anna Maria Island. The fine is $50 though the ordinance excludes people who are seated and eating at restaurants, or people sitting in offices.
CITRUS COUNTY:
No countywide order
HERNANDO COUNTY:
No countywide order
HIGHLANDS COUNTY:
No countywide order
HARDEE COUNTY:
No countywide order
DESOTO COUNTY:
No countywide order
If you feel sick:
The Florida Department of Health has opened a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-866-779-6121. Agents will answer questions around the clock. Questions may also be emailed to covid-19@flhealth.gov. Email responses will be sent during call center hours.
LINK: Florida's COVID-19 website
CORONAVIRUS IN FLORIDA: What you need to know
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