Florida Gov. ends restaurant capacities, state now in Phase 3 reopening

Gov Ron DeSantis today lifted all remaining restrictions on restaurants and other businesses in Florida due to the coronavirus in a move to further reopen the state’s economy.

Bars and restaurants are no longer required to operate at less than full capacity and also prohibits governments from closing businesses or collecting fines related to pandemic-related mandates.

DeSantis has moved the state to what he has called Phase 3. While Phase 3 had 75% capacity limits to restaurants he is bypassing that and removing all state-level restrictions on businesses.

The minimum capacity for reopening a restaurant or bar is now 50%. Local governments can not impose any restrictions without an economic and health justification.

What this means for the restaurants at the Walt Disney World Resort is unknown yet. “We received the Governor’s executive order and are evaluating it to determine what it may mean for our business.  We are not making any immediate changes.  As a reminder, face coverings are still required at Walt Disney World Resort,” according to a Disney spokesperson.

The state has given Walt Disney World and Universal Studios more leeway operating with their own capacity limitations.

Earlier this week, DeSantis said he supports Disney World increasing capacity.

The story is developing. Please check back for updates.