DeSantis extends order banning local governments from enforcing mask mandate violations

ORLANDO, Fla. – Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday extended his executive order that bans local governments from enforcing mask mandate violations.

The order, first signed in September, prevents cities from fining people for not adhering to mask mandates. It also prevents cities and counties from ordering restaurants to close without economic or health reasons being justified.

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The order signaled Florida’s move to phase 3 during the pandemic.

Many other states have added rules and restrictions in recent weeks due to a spike in COVID-19 cases.

DeSantis did not comment on the extension, but he released a video saying Florida is ready to distribute COVID-19 vaccines once they are approved.