Your safety and the safety of your family, employees and customers are of utmost importance to us. We understand that the current situation with the COVID-19 virus and the corresponding governmental guidelines and mandates may recommend or require you to temporarily alter or cease your operations to promote social distancing.
We recognize that this situation is hurting all of us financially. We implore you to please take advantage of the various financial governmental assistance programs that are being made available to small businesses during this difficult time. Please see below regarding a few of the programs available.
General Information
For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 (Coronavirus), its spread in the U.S., and recommended practices to protect against the virus, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites:
Florida
Phase One - Governor DeSantis has announced restaurants and many retail stores outside of Southeast Florida can start reopening May 4 with limited occupancy as part of the first phase of the economic-recovery effort. DeSantis outlined what he described as a step-by-step plan that will allow restaurants outside of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties to have outdoor seating and occupancy up to 25 percent, with operations complying with physical-distancing guidelines. However, movie theaters will remain closed, as will bars, gyms and hair salons, and visitors will continue to be prevented from going to hospitals and nursing homes. The second phase will depend on trends involving hospital occupancy and if there are surges or declines in cases. The state will also look at what other states are doing for businesses, such as barber shops, that require close contact between workers and customers.
Phase One - Executive Order 20-112 (added 05/04/2020)
Phase Two - Under phase two, bar and pubs can reopen at 50 percent capacity indoors and with social distancing outdoors. Restaurants will also be allowed to have bar seating. Retail stores and gym can also reopen at full capacity. Movie theaters, bowling alleys, arcades and other entertainment venues can reopen at 50 percent capacity. Tattoo parlors, tanning salons and other similar businesses can reopen if they adhere to Department of Health guidelines.
The phase includes all counties included in the original phase one order. Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach will have to get approval to enter phase two.
Phase Two - Executive Order 20-139 (added 6/8/2020)
Resources
Federal and state governments and other organizations have acted quickly in creating programs to aid small and mid-sized businesses and minimize the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. You are encouraged to research these programs to determine which might be of assistance to your business. We have also included resources to help you monitor the situation in your area and formulate your business' response.
Hillsborough County Rapid Recovery Assistance Program (added 06/24/2020)
Main Street Lending Program - Federal Reserve System (added 04/30/2020)
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation - Grant Program (added 04/20/2020)