COVID-19 vaccination rules seem to change day-to-day. Customers, employees, employers, and business owners may find their heads spinning as they try to do the right thing. Do they pay attention to state laws or federal? Are Executive Orders suggestions, or do they have the same effect as a law passed by the legislature?
It’s a Tangled Web of COVID-19 Vaccination Laws, Rules, and Regulations
In New York City, the mayor is forcing businesses to enforce COVID-19 vaccine mandates or be fined. But in Florida, the opposite is true. The government may fine businesses, government offices, and schools for requiring their customers to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
That’s because the Florida Legislature passed bill SB 2006 earlier this year. Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 2006 into law in May. Under the new law, the Florida Department of Health is authorized to fine businesses up to $5,000 per individual violation. If a business rejects three customers for failing to produce a COVID-19 vaccination card, that business could face up to $15,000 in fines.
The new law allows businesses and governments to mandate vaccinations for their employees. However, Governor DeSantis does not support such mandates. DeSantis also resists mandates for medical facilities and nursing homes because many are already understaffed. Terminating unvaccinated staff members could dramatically lower the standard of care, putting patients at risk.
Meanwhile, several federal executive orders have addressed COVID-19 vaccinations in the workplace as well. Employers
What’s a Business to Do?
Business owners already have a myriad of rules, regulations, and laws to follow. The new vaccination laws might cause some additional stress, but business owners could consider the following tips:
- Remain up-to-date on new laws as they become effective. This could help you prevent future problems with local, state, and federal authorities.
- Ask the Department of Health or other government agencies for help if you are unsure how to proceed. In some situations, government offices are providing conflicting information.
- Talk to a Florida business lawyer or your corporate counsel as soon as possible. You might be able to ward off trouble by being prepared.
Although the landscape seems to shift every few days, businesses still need to address COVID-19 vaccination concerns.
Navigating COVID-19 Vaccination Laws Isn’t Easy
When faced with shifting legal requirements, talk to a business attorney. The advice you receive could help you avoid costly mistakes.
Attorney Richard Sierra at the Florida Small Business Center assists clients like you with business and litigation matters. As always, Our Goal Is to Help You Succeed™. For an appointment, you may call us at 1-866-842-5202 or use the contact form on our website. We represent clients throughout the State of Florida, including Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, Jupiter, Deerfield Beach, Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Orlando, Naples, Fort Myers, Sarasota, Tampa, and surrounding communities.