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Do I close or stay open?

I reside in palm beach county and work on a project in Miami. I am remodeling apartments with no tenants in them but there are surrounding units that are very close together. Do I close my business or remain open. Palm beach was just put on order to close non critical business. Miami is on a shelter in place order.

2 replies

Mar 27, 2020

Florida hasn't taken the same measure, statewide, that other states have regarding stay at home orders during this coronavirus outbreak. While some counties in South Florida have enacted some form of stay at home regulation, it looks like construction is being deemed "essential" and can likely continue even in those places where businesses are limited. As for whether you should continue working: Ultimately, that's a personal safety and business decision you'll have to make based on your circumstances. Though, if you feel like you can't safely execute your work due to the COVID-19 outbreak and social restrictions, it might be a good idea to consider postponing some work. Finally, keep in mind that these regulations have been moving fast - so it's entirely possible that things could change very soon. So, it'd be wise to keep an eye on the local news and to be on the lookout for new information from your local and state government. Additionally, this tracker from Levelset might provide some value: Can I do Construction Work In my State?

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Apr 1, 2020

You can keep working most likely. Earlier today, Governor Desantis issued an executive order addressing this and construction is generally an essential order. Under the order, Essential Services are listed in three separate places: (1) the US Dep’t of Homeland Security’s guidance on critical infrastructure workforce, (2) the businesses and activities listed in Executive Order 20-89, and (3) other essential services approved by the State Coordinating Officer and the State Health Officer. First, construction is most clearly allowed under item #2 above – the list in Executive Order 20-89, which allows the following construction related activities: - Contractors and other tradesmen, appliance repair personnel, exterminators, and other service providers who provider services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences and other structures; - Landscape and pool care businesses, including residential landscape and pool care services; - Open construction sites, irrespective of the type of building; - Architectural, engineering, or land surveying services. Second, construction is also allowed under item #1 above. Most of that list can be found at www.cisa.gov, but it can be vague. Many specific types of construction are allowed, for example telecommunications towers. But, under the public works and infrastructure support services, the following are specifically allowed, which should encompass most construction: - Workers such as plumbers, electricians, exterminators, builders, contractors, HVAC technicians, landscapers, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, businesses, and buildings such as hospitals, senior living facilities, any temporary construction required to support COVID-19 response. - Workers in hardware and building material stores, consumer electronics, technology and appliances retail, and related merchant wholesalers and distributors. - Workers performing housing construction related activities - Workers supporting the construction of housing, including those supporting government functions related to the building and development process, such as inspections, permitting and plan review services, etc.. Third, the State Coordinator’s list will be available at www.floridadisaster.org and www.floridahealth.gov. Nothing new is listed on either website yet, but you should check there for updates. If you want to download a copy of the order, visit https://hammerngavel.com/blog/governor-desantis-issues-statewide-stay-at-home-order-commercial-and-residential-construction-still-deemed-essential-businesses Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

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