After Gov. Ron DeSantis passed legislation earlier this year prohibiting so-called “vaccine passports”, businesses and local governments that require proof of the COVID-19 vaccination may risk fines from the state of Florida beginning today.
The Department of Health will begin issuing $5,000 fines to violating businesses, as well as local and county governments, with the right to a hearing before a judge.
So yet, no penalties have been issued in the state, and all fines are due within 30 days.
“We will not allow individuals to be fired as a result of a vaccination mandate.” “DeSantis stated this during a press conference outside of Gainesville on Monday.
“You don’t just dismiss individuals who have been serving honorably over this issue, which is really a personal choice on their individual health.”
During the news conference, DeSantis asked numerous central Florida local government officials to explain why they didn’t want to be vaccinated at the risk of losing their jobs.
Several people spread bogus conspiracy theories regarding vaccinations, which medical professionals say are safe and effective.
Many municipalities that require vaccinations for workers provide exemptions for medical or religious reasons.
Broward County will pay $500 to county employees who receive COVID-19 vaccinations, but those who remain unvaccinated may suffer a bi-weekly fee and weekly testing, according to liberal Mayor Steve Geller on Wednesday.
Geller stated that the initiative will be implemented by the end of September.
Geller also said the county has roughly 6,800 employees, but it’s unclear how many are vaccinated.
Any county employee who does not provide evidence and is getting job benefits such as healthcare will be charged a $20 bi-weekly penalty, according to Geller.
They will also be subjected to COVID testing on a weekly basis.
Geller stated that the county would review the program at the end of the year and may impose more extreme measures, such as mandatory vaccines.
