Capacity limits on bars, restaurants and retail stores have been lifted as Florida continues to lighten its COVID-19 restrictions.
On Friday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis moved the state into Phase 3 of its COVID-19 recovery plan. This lifts a restriction which previously required bar, restaurants and retail shops to operate at 50% capacity. Further, the order prohibits local governments from enacting their own more restrictive rules. Any local order requiring a business to close must be justified on the basis of protecting public safety.
On Thursday, DeSantis stated that he did not believe closing restaurants is an effective move. "I get how you could potentially have spread there. But we can't have these businesses dying. So, they're not going to be able to be closed by locals anymore. And they will be able to operate at the capacity that they're comfortable with.”
Disney has not commented on how these moves may impact operations at Walt Disney World. Theme park shops and restaurants have been observing the state requirements by monitoring guest traffic and closing off select dining tables. However, Disney may also choose to take a more cautious approach. There is no requirement to immediately return to full capacity.
Disney's theme parks are currently operating at limited capacity with masks and social distancing requirements enforced. Disney Vacation Club resorts in Florida and South Carolina are open, while select hotels remain closed, including properties in California and Hawaii.
