Apr1

Palm Coast Response to COVID-19

Chiumento Law, PLLC is a full-service law firm in Palm CoastOn March 9, 2020, Governor DeSantis declared a state of emergency for the State of Florida. Similar orders are being issued all over the country and all over the world. The best thing you can do for your health and safety and the health and safety of your community is to stay home. This is difficult for individuals and for businesses. But, there is a direct correlation between the spread of COVID-19 and decline in the economy, so the best, most effective way to shore up the economy is to stop the spread of the virus. The City of Palm Coast has issued proclamations adopting and enforcing those issued by the governor. Here’s what your city has done to help.

Palm Coast’s Responses to COVID-19

  • On March 15 Mayor Holland declared a local state of emergency.
  • On March 19 the City announced it would not charge late fees on water bills or shut off water for non-payment during the state of emergency.
  • On March 22 Mayor Holland issued the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” Emergency Proclamation.
    • This proclamation is a call for a voluntary shelter at home.
  • Residents are asked to stay at home except for:
    • Tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including but not limited to pets
    • To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, s
    • To perform work providing essential products and services.
    • To care for a family member or pet in another household with minimal contact.
    • To travel to and from one place of employment, however all efforts should be made to work remotely.
  • Businesses are asked to do only
    • The minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of the business’s inventory, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits or for related functions.
    • The minimum necessary activities to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences
  • The City closed all city parks and trails in order to discourage public gathering.

Since then, the Governor has issued Emergency Orders 20-80 to 20-87.

The City of Palm Coast, in order to implement the Governor’s emergency orders, issued two emergency proclamations on March 30.

Effects of the March 30 Palm Coast Emergency Proclamations

The New York tri-state area (Connecticut, New Jersey, New York) is particularly badly hit by the virus, as is Louisiana. Anyone arriving from either of those places is required to self-isolate for fourteen (14) days. If arriving at the airport, they must report their name, home address, and address where they are staying to airport personnel.  Failure to do so is a crime punishable by a fine and/or jail time.

Anyone providing lodging to any traveler from those areas shall keep a report of their guests and make it available upon request to law enforcement or the Flagler County Health Department. Failure to keep or provide the report is a crime punishable by a fine and/or jail time.

All vacation rentals are halted. No one operating a property for vacation rental may accept new guests or new reservations. This applies to any place rented for shorter than 30 days, though not to hotels, motels, resorts or time-shares. It does not affect any previously booked stay that began up to March 28.

Failure to abide by the above will result in termination of the vacation rental license.  The City will report any known violations to DBPR. Violations may are also misdemeanors subject to criminal prosecution.

What to Do Now

These restrictions are so far the only mandatory restrictions imposed. If people follow the CDC guidelines for social distancing, and stay home voluntarily, then we should be able to avoid any more mandatory restrictions.

You can follow the City’s official Facebook page or the City website for news and resources.

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