Florida retail/restaurant indoor capacity can increase to 50% next week

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced today that retail stores and restaurants can start operating at 50% of indoor capacity starting Monday, May 18.

DeSantis made the announcement as part of his daily COVID-19 update. Currently retail and restaurants are only allowed to have 25% of capacity. He said this is the next step in his plan to bring Florida’s economy back from the coronavirus pandemic.

In addition, DeSantis announced that gyms and fitness center would be allowed to reopen as long as safe social distancing took place and machines and surfaces were sanitized. Bars will remain closed, and theme parks must submit detailed plans on safety procedures prior to opening, DeSantis said.

He said the latest changes makes this the “Full Phase 1” of this three-step plan. “Phase 2 will begin after the successful conclusion of Phase 1, which includes a downward trajectory of the syndromic and epidemiology criteria while maintaining adequate health care capacity. This will occur when there is no evidence of a rebound or resurgence of COVID-19 cases and satisfies the benchmarks outlined in this Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. plan,” according to the governor’s office.

The announcement means, that when Disney Springs stores and restaurants reopen on May 20 they will be able to serve more inside than originally anticipated. Universal Orlando opened its CityWalk dining and shopping area on March 14.

Disney Springs will open on May 20, but only with stores and restaurants operated by third-party operators. Disney has not announced when it will open its stores and restaurants, though a union official said that those would open a week later on May 27.

Here is the updated list of stores and restaurants scheduled to open on May 20.