Contact: Joint Information Center on COVID-19 for the State of Florida (850) 815-4940, ESF14@em.myflorida.com

The State of Florida Issues COVID-19 Updates

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The State of Florida is responding to COVID-19. In an effort to keep Florida residents and visitors safe and aware regarding the status of the virus, the Florida Department of Health will issue this update every day, seven days per week.

Governor Ron DeSantis is in constant communication with Florida Division of Emergency Management Director Jared Moskowitz and State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the State of Florida continues to monitor and respond to the threat of COVID-19.

Today, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens where he announced the state will begin serology anti-body testing for health care workers and first responders.

• The state is working to implement these anti-body tests at the Orange County Convention Center testing site in Orlando and at the TIAA Bank Field testing site in Jacksonville.
• More information on these anti-body tests can be found on FDA’s website here.

Governor DeSantis also announced that the Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched the state’s first mobile testing lab which began testing at long-term care facilities in Miami-Dade County today.

• The lab has rapid testing capabilities, producing results in just 45 minutes and can conduct up to 3,500 tests per week.
• This mobile testing lab plans to visit long-term care facilities throughout the entire state of Florida.

During the press conference, Governor DeSantis highlighted the state’s new Critical Care Decontamination System at Hard Rock Stadium which will accept N95 masks from health care workers and first responders statewide to be decontaminated. The unit has the ability to decontaminate up to 80,000 masks per day, and the same mask can be decontaminated up to 20 times.

Recent actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

• To date, the Florida Department of Health has reported more than 1,000 contact tracers who are assisting with COVID-19 efforts across the state.
• The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched a website to track the mobile lab that is testing long-term care facilities across the state. The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available same day. The website is available here.
• To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:
  • 25,000,000 masks
  • Nearly 10,000,000 gloves
  • 1,600,000 face shields
  • More than 1,000,000 shoe covers
  • More than 400,000 gowns
  • More than 200,000 containers of hand sanitizer
  • 85,000 goggles
  • 37,000 coveralls
• For long-term care facilities alone, the Division has sent:
  • 10,000,000 masks
  • Nearly 1,000,000 gloves
  • More than 500,000 face shields
  • 160,000 gowns
• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, AHCA issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-1 on May 5 requiring COVID-19 testing by hospitals of all patients, regardless of symptoms, prior to discharge to long-term care facilities.
• At the Governor’s Direction, AHCA sent out guidance to nursing homes requiring the transfer of residents with verified or suspected cases if these facilities cannot appropriately isolate and adhere to the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 response.
• At the Governor’s Direction, AHCA issued a provider alert suspending prior authorization requirements and service limits for Medicaid behavior health services.
• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) participated in an Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Charlie Crist to discuss the Department’s initiatives to combat social isolation for seniors and their caregivers.
• DOEA participated in the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Region IV COVID-19 Consultation Roundtable Call with the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
• DOEA was one of two presenters during the AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities Webinar Series with over 120 participants from throughout the country. Discussion centered on how DOEA is using technology to combat social isolation.
• Approximately 2,500 Florida National Guardsmen (FLNG) are mobilized to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
• FLNG's has expanded its support to mobile testing teams and the community-based and walk-up test sites. To date, the FLNG has assisted in the testing of more than 141,780 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.
• FDOT is leading the coordination of DOH and the Florida Highway Patrol to implement Executive Order 20-86. To date, more than 19,100 traveler forms have been collected at the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints.
• FDOT continues to coordinate with public use airports, DOH and law enforcement to implement Executive Order 20-80. To date, more than 24,700 traveler forms have been collected at public use airports across the state.

Additional actions the state has taken to respond to COVID-19:

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

• To date, the Florida Department of Health has reported more than 1,000 contact tracers who are assisting with COVID-19 efforts across the state.
• DOH announced that the list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases will now include active cases in each facility in order to provide real-time data. The list of long-term care facilities with active COVID-19 cases is available here. 
• DOH is providing a report detailing surveillance data for every Florida county. Previously, this information was only available for select communities. The surveillance data report is available here.
• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees declared a Public Health Emergency for COVID-19 in Florida.
• Governor DeSantis announced that the state ordered an additional 2,500 test kits to supplement the adequate resources already available to test for COVID-19. These additional test kits will enable the Department of Health, working with Florida health care providers, to test up to an additional 625,000 individuals. The Governor also suspended non-essential in state and all out-of-state travel for state employees for 30 days.
• DOH established a public call center for questions regarding COVID-19. The call center launched Monday, March 2, and is open 24/7.
• DOH established mechanisms for monitoring and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding epidemiological activities.
• DOH distributed CDC Interim Guidance for public health personnel evaluating Persons Under Investigation (PUI) and asymptomatic close contacts of confirmed cases at their home or non-home residential settings to CHDs.
• DOH approved and disseminated an updated Clinician Screening Tool for identifying COVID-19 PUIs.
• DOH implemented testing at all three State Public Health Laboratories.
• DOH distributed updated laboratory guidance regarding implementation of testing at State Public Health Laboratories.
• DOH has worked to implement additional private lab testing.
• DOH has developed and disseminated pandemic planning guidance. 
• Advised CHDs and HCCs to retain expired personal protective equipment until further notice.
• DOH is continuing support for long-term care facilities with REST teams. DOH strike teams have completed assessments for 3,874 long term care facilities to determine immediate unmet needs and promote appropriate infection control practices.
• DOH strike teams are continuing to respond to long term care facilities with COVID-19 positive patients.
• In an effort to increase testing, Governor DeSantis has directed Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees on an emergency temporary basis to allow licensed pharmacists in Florida to order and administer COVID-19 tests.
• DOH is working with Florida’s Board of Pharmacy and Florida’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation on mobile pharmacy compliance guidance.

FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

• The Florida Division of Emergency Management has launched a website to track the mobile lab that is testing long-term care facilities across the state. The mobile lab can test up to 3,500 individuals per week and supports rapid testing, with results available same day. The website is available here.
• To date, the Florida Division of Emergency Management has sent the following PPE to support health care workers and first responders:
  • 25,000,000 masks
  • Nearly 10,000,000 gloves
  • 1,600,000 face shields
  • More than 1,000,000 shoe covers
  • More than 400,000 gowns
  • More than 200,000 containers of hand sanitizer
  • 85,000 goggles
  • 37,000 coveralls
• For long-term care facilities alone, the Division has sent:
  • 10,000,000 masks
  • Nearly 1,000,000 gloves
  • More than 500,000 face shields
  • 160,000 gowns
• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the state has established 12 drive-thru and 10 walk-up testing sites across the state, with more coming online. More than 100,000 people have been tested at these sites. Floridians can find a site near them here.
• Find more information on DEM’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA AGENCY FOR HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION

• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, AHCA issued Emergency Rule 59AER20-1 on May 5 requiring COVID-19 testing by hospitals of all patients, regardless of symptoms, prior to discharge to long-term care facilities.
• AHCA sent out an email to nursing homes requiring the transfer of residents with verified or suspected cases if these facilities cannot appropriately isolate and adhere to the CDC recommendations for COVID-19 response.
• AHCA issued a provider alert announcing additional flexibilities within the Medicaid program made at the direction of Governor DeSantis. Authorization requirements and services limits for medically necessary behavioral health care for are now waived.
• On April 14, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) issued Emergency Order AHCA 20-002 to temporarily suspend nursing home and Intermediate Care Facility assessment payments for March 2020 to help alleviate financial burdens. This EO suspension aims to alleviate financial burdens incurred at these facilities due to COVID-19.
• AHCA has created a new temporary Personal Care Attendant program to help long-term care facilities fill staffing shortages. The program provides an 8-hour training on assisting with direct care so that personal care attendants can temporarily perform additional duties.
• AHCA has been working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure current Medicaid recipients maintain benefits during the state of emergency. Medicaid application deadlines have also been extended.
• AHCA has made on-site visits to more than 900 long-term care and residential facilities since the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. Additionally, AHCA has made over 5,000 telephone calls to residential providers statewide to assess infection control and prevention strategies, ensure county health department and local emergency operations center contact information are up to date, and assess supplies (specifically PPE.)
• Find more information on AHCA’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

• The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) issued emergency order, EO 2020-05 which suspends existing license renewal deadlines until June 1, 2020, for existing renewals between March – May 2020. It also applies to continuing education requirements and waives all late fees.
• DBPR has updated its dedicated compliance complaint form to include an option for reporting vacation rental compliance concerns. The department’s Division of Hotels and Restaurants continues to monitor, review, and assign complaints received through this form for follow-up by division inspectors.
• Find more information on DBPR’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

• Per the Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) request, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved Florida’s waiver to permit the state to launch a pilot project that will allow families to purchase groceries online with their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card beginning April 21, 2020.
• Under Governor DeSantis’ direction, DCF has temporarily increased SNAP recipients’ benefit amount to the maximum monthly allotment based on household size through May 2020.
• DCF worked with DOH to develop precautionary protocols for child welfare professionals and adult protective investigators who may have to make in-person visits to ensure the safety of those vulnerable populations.
• Find more information on DCF’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

• FDC has distributed cloth face coverings to all correctional officers and inmates at correctional institutions statewide.
• The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is closely aligned with the CDC Interim Guidance on Management of COVID-19 in Correctional and Detention Facilities.
• New inmate commitments from county jails undergo additional screening and 14-day quarantine before placement within the general population.
• FDC has suspended visitation and volunteer programs at all correctional institutions statewide.
• Find more information on FDC’s response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

• DEO extended Emergency Order 20-011 waiving certain state requirements for Reemployment Assistance. The online work registration and work search requirements of section 443.091, F.S. will continue to be suspended consistent with the "emergency flexibility" guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. These actions will enable DEO to move quickly to expedite Reemployment Assistance payments as Floridians go back to work. These suspensions shall expire on May 9, 2020.
• DEO announced the availability of The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program that provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program. Eligibility includes independent contractors, gig workers and individuals who are self-employed. Working Floridians who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.
• DEO announced the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program is now available to all eligible Floridians. Floridians can visit floridajobs.org and select “File a Claim” to apply for federal or state benefits. Individuals may also call 1-833-FL-Apply (1-833-352-7759) for any questions they may have.
• Beginning April 20, DEO will provide daily updates on the efforts made to address the challenges to Florida’s Reemployment Assistance program in response to COVID-19. This includes a new State Reemployment Assistance Claims Dashboard that will be updated daily to reflect the total number of Reemployment Assistance Claims submitted, verified, processed, and paid.
• Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-104 waiving the requirement for Floridians to claim their weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
• DEO announced more than 1,000 small businesses have been awarded more than $49 million from the Florida Small Emergency Bridge Loan. 
• Governor DeSantis has waived the work search and work registration requirements for individuals requesting Reemployment Assistance benefits, as well as the waiting week for receiving benefits. For more information, see the Reemployment Assistance Frequently Asked Questions.
• The Business Damage Assessment survey is activated and continues to accept surveys to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations and determine the appropriate actions for recovery.
• Find more information on DEO’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

• The Department of Education’s (DOE) Office of Early Learning, in coordination with local early learning coalitions, has prioritized and increased access to childcare services for first responders and health care professionals by creating an expedited referral process to swiftly provide priority access.
• Florida College System institutions and private institutions across the state have donated more than 130 ventilators typically used in medical training programs to local hospitals, community medical centers and other facilities.
• Since April 1, 2020, when DOE announced the waiver of certification exam fees, more than 31,000 educators have signed up to take the Florida Teacher Certification Examination using the waiver. This translates into over 62,000 actual exam registrations for a savings value of more than $8 million for Florida educators.
• Governor Ron DeSantis and Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that 32,614 laptop computers are being distributed to 34 mostly small, rural school districts throughout Florida and the Florida A&M University Developmental Research School.
• DOE has delayed the deadline for teacher certification requirements and offered a fee waiver for testing. More than 22,000 teachers have taken advantage of the fee waiver so far.
• The Florida Virtual School has created the Online Learning Community with engaging and informative content for teachers and parents of K-12 students.
• Governor Ron DeSantis and Commissioner of Education Richard Corcoran recommended that all Florida public and private K-12 schools continue distance learning and keep school campuses closed through June 3, the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. DOE has compiled dozens of free distance learning resources on its emergency response page here. 
• Find more information on DOE’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS

• The Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) participated in an Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Charlie Crist to discuss the Department’s initiatives to combat social isolation for seniors and their caregivers.
• DOEA participated in the Administration for Community Living (ACL) Region IV COVID-19 Consultation Roundtable Call with the states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
• DOEA was one of two presenters during the AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities Webinar Series with more than 120 participants from throughout the country. Discussion centered on how DOEA is using technology to combat social isolation.
• For the week ending May 1, the Department of Elder Affairs’ (DOEA) Area Agency for Aging (AAA) delivered approximately 400,000 meals to older adults throughout Florida, a 24% increase from the previous week and a 201% increase from pre-COVID-19 volume.
• DOEA continued to provide technical assistance to Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) regarding meals, billing, data entry, shopping assistance, telephone reassurance, health and wellness programs, and the elder helpline.
• Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52 issued by Governor DeSantis, the DOEA issued Emergency Order 20-01 on March 31 pertaining to in-person guardian visitation requirements where COVID-19 response and mitigation measures prevent such visits.
• DOEA issued Guidance in furtherance of Order 20-01 on March 31 for Public and Professional Guardians to remain in compliance with Florida Statute 744.361(14).
• DOEA has created a dedicated webpage to provide resources on COVID-19 including: tips for caregivers, information on closures of senior centers and adult day care centers, and alternative services for congregate meal sites.
• Find more information on DOEA’s COVID-19 response here.

ENTERPRISE FLORIDA

• Enterprise Florida, Inc. (EFI) conducted regional calls with stakeholders across the state this week to identify ideas for long-range economic recovery.
• EFI suspended initial fees for its Microfinance Loan Guarantee Program to support Florida’s small business community impacted by COVID-19. Interested businesses must apply through a local lender. For further information please contact your lender or visit Enterprise Florida’s website.
• See resources compiled by EFI for businesses impacted by COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

• Effective May 4, DEP is beginning to re-open Florida Parks. During this early phase of re-opening, visitors should expect limited hours, capacity and amenities. To start, the Department is opening 80 parks and trails throughout Florida. This list can be found here.
• On April 1, DEP issued an Emergency Final Order (EFO) granting a 30-day extension to the deadline for its regulated facilities to submit routine paperwork and reports.
• Find more information on DEP’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA OFFICE OF FINANCIAL REGULATION

• The Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has issued Emergency Order 2020-03 temporarily expanding the motor vehicle retail installment initial payment rule.
• OFR has issued Emergency Order 2020-02 extending certain filing deadlines for Florida’s financial services providers.
• OFR has issued Emergency Order 2020-01 extending certain renewal deadlines for money services businesses.  
• OFR has provided guidance for consumer finance businesses and professionals.
• OFR has provided guidance and an operational update for Florida’s securities businesses and professionals.
• OFR has provided informational guidance and an update to Florida’s financial institutions.
• OFR has created helpful resource lists for businesses and individuals to contact their financial services providers:
  • Florida Financial Institution Resource List
  • Top 40 Mortgage Servicers Resource List
• Additional Financial Information and Resources List
• Find more information on OFR’s COVID-19 response and available resources here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES

• At the direction of Governor DeSantis, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued an Emergency Order extending all Florida driver licenses, commercial driver licenses and identification cards that expire March 16 through May 31, 2020.
• The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with the implementation and enforcement of Executive Order 20-86 at the direction of Governor DeSantis.
• Pursuant to Executive Order 20-52 issued by Governor DeSantis, FLHSMV Executive Director Rhodes has waived commercial truck hours of service regulations and other related regulations so that emergency supplies, equipment, commodities and resources can be moved more quickly and efficiently throughout the state.
• Find more information on FLHSMV’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA OFFICE OF INSURANCE REGULATION

• The Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-06M providing guidance on the use of technology to help combat the spread of COVID-19, including encouraging insurers to broaden access to care for telehealth services, and requesting Pharmacy Benefit Managers to transition to an electronic audit process in order to avoid unnecessary risk and maintain social distancing.
• OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-05M reminding insurers of applicable statutes regarding workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation insurers are expected to comply with all of the provisions of Florida’s Workers’ Compensation Law.
• OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-03M directing all insurers and other entities regulated by OIR to review and update their business continuity and/or continuity of operations plans. Companies are directed to immediately contact OIR if their continuity plans are activated and/or if business operations become compromised so it can work with insurers to avoid any disruption in consumer services.
• OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-04M providing general guidance on the treatment of policyholders as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to protect Floridians.
• OIR has issued Informational Memorandum OIR-20-02M as a reminder to all health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and other health entities to allow for early prescription refills.
• Find more information on OIR’s COVID-19 response here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

• The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is continuing to suspend visitation at all state-operated juvenile detention centers and juvenile residential commitment programs.
• DJJ has also instituted additional screening measures for essential personnel and vendors within juvenile facilities.
• Find more information on DJJ’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF LAW ENFORCEMENT

• FDLE continues to monitor protests held across the nation in relation to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders for threats or violence.
• FDLE continues to work with the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the Florida Sheriffs Association to monitor law enforcement staffing impacts and staffing needs due to COVID-19.
• FDLE continues to work with all Florida law enforcement entities on obtaining PPE needs.
• FDLE and FHP continue to facilitate the escort of testing collection kits statewide.
• FDLE continues to work with the Florida Sheriffs Association and Florida Police Chiefs Association to provide support to FHP at I-10 and I-95 checkpoints.
• FDLE continues to work with ESF-16 partners on airport screening missions.
• Find more information on FDLE’s COVID-19 response here.​

FLORIDA LOTTERY

• Effective March 23, Florida Lottery Headquarters and district offices are closed to the public until further notice.  
• Find more information on the Florida Lottery’s COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT SERVICES

• The Department of Management Services (DMS) launched a dedicated telework page to provide resources and tutorials for employees and employers operating in a remote work environment.
• At the Governor’s direction, DMS Secretary Jonathan Satter issued an emergency order to ensure federal benefits granted through The Families First Coronavirus Response Act are available to employees.
• As directed in Executive Order 20-52, DMS has amended the state employee health plan benefits plan documents to expand covered telehealth benefits at no additional employee cost.
• Also directed in Executive Order 20-52, DMS has amended the state employee health plan benefits plan documents to cover immunizations at participating in-network retail pharmacies at no cost to the member during this public health emergency.
• Find more information on DMS’ COVID-19 response here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AFFAIRS

• Approximately 2,500 Florida National Guardsmen (FLNG) are mobilized to support Florida’s response to COVID-19.
• FLNG's has expanded its support to mobile testing teams and the community-based and walk-up test sites. To date, the FLNG has assisted in the testing of more than 141,780 individuals for the COVID-19 virus.
• FLNG continues to support the state's COVID-19 response through augmentation to airport screening measures, statewide logistics support, coordination, planning and operational mission sets.
• Find more information on DMA’s response to COVID-19 here.

AGENCY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

• The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank hosted a drive-through food giveaway for Tachachale Developmental Disability Center (DDC) employees in Gainesville in honor of their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) sent out a Guidance Booklet to Providers and Waiver Support Coordinators recently to outline waiver changes and flexibilities as a result of COVID-19. It also included information on infection control measures and recommended actions when faced with various scenarios.
• APD is distributing washable face masks donated by The Family Care Council to providers and customers living in APD group homes.
• APD issued Emergency Order 20-03, which temporarily suspends face to face visits to administer the Questionnaire for Situational Information to determine the level of need of APD customers.
• Find more information on APD’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

• The Department of Revenue (DOR) has issued an emergency order extending certain corporate income tax (CIT) due dates. For corporations with a fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2019, the due date for Florida CIT payments is extended to June 1, 2020. For corporations with fiscal years ending Dec. 31, 2019, Jan. 31, 2020, or Feb. 29, 2020, the due date for Florida CIT returns is extended to August 3, 2020. The due dates for Florida CIT payments for corporations with fiscal years ending Jan. 31 or Feb. 29, 2020, remain June 1, 2020 and July 1, 2020, respectively.
• DOR has created a dedicated webpage for child support customers who have questions about the child support offset for Economic Impact Payments under the CARES Act. Under federal law, these payments are subject to federal offset for persons who owe past-due support.
• DOR has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for tax-related questions and information.
• The department also has a dedicated COVID-19 webpage for child support customers and alternative options for handling many child support case activities without visiting an office.
• Find more information on DOR’s response to COVID-19 here.

CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA

• Paper reemployment assistance applications are available at career centers statewide. Florida’s local workforce development boards are working with community partners, libraries, local legislators and other organizations for additional application distribution.
• CareerSource Florida has launched an integrated public and business outreach campaign, Help is Here, a comprehensive resource for employment and business services for impacted Floridians.
• For a list of the 24 local workforce development boards within the CareerSource Florida network and their contact information, please click here.

STATE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF FLORIDA

• The State University System (SUS) has directed all state universities to continue remote instruction through the end of the spring semester.
• The SUS has directed that traditional on-campus commencement ceremonies will not be held in May. Instead, each university is directed to develop an alternate schedule or method of delivery.
• Find more information on SUS’ response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE

• Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-97, delaying elections in Pasco County at the request of Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Brian Corley.
• On April 6, Secretary of State Laurel M. Lee announced the issuance of an emergency order and emergency rules to extend annual report filing deadlines for business entities, as well as outline changes to the candidate petition and candidate qualifying processes.
• Find more information on the Florida Department of State’s Response to COVID-19 here. 

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

• Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is expediting several infrastructure projects throughout the state due to the reduction in traffic from COVID-19. Find more information about FDOT’s accelerated projects here.
• FDOT is leading the coordination of DOH and the Florida Highway Patrol to implement Executive Order 20-86. To date, more than 19,100 traveler forms have been collected at the I-10 and I-95 checkpoints.
• FDOT continues to coordinate with seaports across the state to monitor port activity.
• FDOT continues to coordinate with public use airports, DOH and law enforcement to implement Executive Order 20-80. To date, more than 24,700 traveler forms have been collected at public use airports across the state.
• Find more information on FDOT’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ AFFAIRS 

• The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has restricted visitor access to its state veterans’ homes until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors. In addition, admissions in our network of state veterans’ homes are temporarily suspended.
• Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of COVID-19, flu or cold should call the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center toll free at (877) 741-3400 before coming to a VA facility. Clinicians are available to provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage.
• To contact a teleworking FDVA Veterans’ Claims Examiner, call (727) 319-7440 or email VSO@fdva.state.fl.us.
• Find more information on FDVA’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

• The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) continues to be in close communication with the Governor’s Office, the Florida Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding the most recent COVID-19 status and guidance.
• Find more information on FWC’s response to COVID-19 here.

FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION

• The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) issued an Emergency Rule to property owners and managers to suspend rent increases during this public health emergency on properties funded by Florida Housing. Those who choose to implement rent increases that impact residents during this global pandemic could result in consequences for future funding opportunities with Florida Housing.
• As Florida Housing continues to be committed to the health and well-being of all Floridians, we have compiled a list of resources with relevant information for homeowners, residents, developers, apartment owners, management companies, participating lenders, Realtors and SHIP administrators regarding COVID-19.
• Find more information on Florida Housing’s response to COVID-19 here.

VISIT FLORIDA

• VISIT FLORIDA’s four welcome centers are closed until further notice. VISIT FLORIDA welcome center staff members have been trained to provide customer service support for the Department of Economic Opportunity and are assisting with the influx of inquiries and calls from impacted businesses and workers throughout the state.
• Find more information on VISIT FLORIDA’s response to COVID-19 here.

VOLUNTEER FLORIDA

• As the lead agency for volunteerism and service, Volunteer Florida is working to support voluntary organizations across the state and nation by sharing resources, surveying needs and requesting that continuity of operations plans be created to avoid any service delivery disruption.
• Find more information on Volunteer Florida’s response to COVID-19 here.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Florida Department of Health, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.