TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed some of Florida’s most powerful political leaders and business executives Monday to a committee that will map out the state’s reopening from the coronavirus shutdown that has crippled much of the economy. DeSantis appointments to the Re-Open Florida Task Force’s executive committee include Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, the…

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Agriculture Commissioner Nicole “Nikki” Fried issued the following emergency orders and rules related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency orders and rules may be viewed here. “During this pandemic, we are taking every step necessary to protect Floridians,” said Commissioner Fried. “This includes waiving fees for businesses and license applicants, extending the expiration on concealed weapons and security guard…

Tallahassee, Fla. – To minimize exposure to COVID-19 and help protect visitors and employees, the Governor has recommended state offices be temporarily closed to the public from Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, April 19th. As a result, FDACS Division of Licensing regional office personnel will not be available to fingerprint license applicants. Local law enforcement agencies and tax…

FLORIDA — The Miami Herald reported Florida Democrats voted in higher numbers than in the 2016 primary. Yesterday, Florida Democratic Party (FDP) executive director Juan Peñalosa released a statement highlighting the work FDP has done for years to boost vote-by-mail (VBM) and early vote and calling for the government to expand VBM programs to modernize our election system,…

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the activation of the Business Damage Assessment survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions…

Tallahassee, Fla. – Since the emergence of COVID-19 in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has remained in constant communication with State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees, public health officials at the local, state and federal levels and executive agency leaders. On March 1, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51 which directed Surgeon General Rivkees to declare a public health emergency…

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Sunday, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-51 directing a Public Health Emergency and statewide response protocol for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 20-51 (Establishes COVID-19 Response Protocol and Directs Public Health Emergency)             WHEREAS, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a severe acute…