Governor DeSantis has issued New “Safer At Home” Order

As you have likely now heard, Governor DeSantis has issued a new statewide “Safer At Home” Order that mandates closure of non-essential businesses and limits citizens activities outside their homes to those deemed essential. Executive Order Number 20-91, a copy of which can be found at this link, becomes effective Friday, April 3, 2020 at 12:01 AM and will remain in effect until at least Thursday, April 30. As you will see, the Governor’s Order references and incorporates the categorization of essential businesses from Miami-Dade County’s Emergency Order 07-20 and its subsequent amendments.

Thankfully, Miami-Dade County’s Emergency Order 07-20 was amended to explicitly provide that new and used automobile dealerships are essential businesses and can remain open. Thus, dealerships across Florida are allowed to continue to operate as long as they ensure that customers practice social distancing and continue to take heightened steps to ensure sanitation and disinfection of their premises, especially high-touch areas. Importantly, though, while DeSantis’ Order supersedes any less-strict county or city orders, it does not supersede county or city orders that are more strict. So, if your local government has already mandated the closure of certain dealership activities (e.g., sales, but not service), unfortunately, the Governor’s Order will not provide your dealership any relief.

The Team at BSM will continue to keep you updated with important information during these unprecedented times. Please stay safe and healthy.

Any questions related to this Alert can be directed to Richard Sox, Esq., at rsox@dealerlawyer.com or by telephone at (850) 878-6404.

The foregoing information is provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed or interpreted as legal advice.