Miami-Dade’s Latest Emergency Order Reverses Course: What It Means for Community Associations

Miami-Dade’s Latest Emergency Order Reverses Course: What It Means for Community Associations The recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Florida caused Miami-Dade’s Mayor to reevaluate his strategy in reopening the county’s businesses. Shortly after announcing his plans to close restaurants and gyms, Miami-Dade Mayor, Carlos Gimenez, reversed course. On July 7th, a new emergency order was released, indicating that gyms and restaurants can remain open with certain safety precautions in place. Click here to access the complete order.

In light of the emergency order, as of July 9th, restaurants and cafeterias with seating for more than eight people will be limited to outdoor dining only, and can only serve patrons between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. each day, thus, effectively closing many indoor dining rooms once again. Table sizes will be limited to 4 people per table, irrespective of whether patrons reside in the same household. Establishments can also continue to operate their kitchens between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., but only to provide delivery and pick-up services. The order also requires that individuals using gyms or fitness centers wear facial coverings at all times. This requirement is a new development, as previous orders allowed people to exercise without facial coverings, so long as social distancing guidelines were followed. The order further imposes requirements for short-term vacation rentals, limiting capacity to two persons per bedroom, not to exceed ten in total, and prohibits new rental agreements to be entered into except monthly. Banquet halls and ballrooms remain closed for the time being.

Community association boards of directors and property managers should carefully read this order to determine if changes need to be implemented in their existing protocols and enforcement procedures. For example, those associations that have decided to reopen fitness centers should consider posting signage reminding residents that they must wear their facial coverings at all times. Additionally, communities that allow for short-term vacation rentals should try to monitor group sizes to ensure they do not surpass the occupancy requirement. Finally, party rooms and clubhouses should remain closed. If you have any questions on the latest emergency orders or would like to talk to us about how we can help guide your community during these trying times, contact us at [email protected].