HomeMy WebLinkAboutflorida_executive_order_21-081_20210402OFFICE OF T LE COVE 0
EXECUTIVE ORDER NU BER 21-81
(Prohibiting COVID-.19 Vaccine Passports)
WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, I issued Executive Order 20-52, subsequently extended,
declaring a state of emergency for the entire State of .Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, on December 23, 2020, I. issued Executive Order 20-315, as subsequently
extended by Executive Orders 21-46, 21.-47, 21-62, 21.-67, and 21-79, directing Florida's initial
phase of vaccine distribution and prioritizing seniors first; and
WHEREAS, the State of Florida is leading the effort to distribute the vaccine to elderly
and vulnerable populations of the State and has successfully provided vaccines to nearly 3.5
million seniors; and
WHEREAS, many Floridians have not yet had the opportunity to obtain a COV1D-19
vaccination, some have infection. -acquired immunity, and others may be unable to obtain a
COVID-19 vaccination due to health, religious, or other reasons; and
WHEREAS, Florida seeks to ensure that every Floridian who desires a COVII -19 vaccine
can obtain one, but such vaccines will not be mandated; and
WHEREAS, no COVID-1.9 vaccine is required by law; and
WHEREAS, individual COV1D-19 vaccination records are private health information
which should not be shared by mandate; and
WHEREAS, so-called COVID-19 vaccine passports reduce individual freedom and will
harm patient privacy; and
WHEREAS, requiring so-called COV. -19 vaccine passports for taking part in everyday
life such as attending a sporting event, patronizing a restaurant, or going to a movie theater --
would create two classes of citizens based on vaccination; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to protect the fundamental rights and privacies of Horidians
and the free flow of commerce within the state.
NOW, THEREFORE, 1, RON DESANTIS, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the
authority vested in me by Article IV, Section I (a) of the Florida Constitution and by the Florida
Emergency Management Act, as amended, and all other applicable laws, promulgate the following
Executive Order:
Section 1.. No Florida government entity, or its subdivisions, agents, or assigns, shall be
permitted to issue vaccine passports, vaccine passes, or other standardized documentation for the
purpose of certifying an individual's COVID-19 vaccination status to a third party, or otherwise
pu.blishor share any individual's COVID-19 vaccination record or similar health information.
Section 2. Businesses in Florida are prohibited from requiring patrons or customers to
provide any documentation certifying COVM-19 vaccination or post -transmission recovery to
gain access to, entry upon, or service from the business.
Section 3. All executive agencies under my direction shall work to ensure businesses
comply with this order. Any provision of Florida Statutes is hereby suspended solely to the extent
it restricts a Florida agency fromrequiring compliance with this order as a condition for a license,
permit, or other state authorization necessary for conducting business in Florida.
Section 4. All businesses must comply with this order to be eligible for grants or contracts
funded through state revenue,
Section 5. The requirements in this order do not. otherwise restrict businesses from
instituting COVID-19 screening protocols in accordance with state and federal law to protect
public health, and nothing herein shall be construed to interfere with individuals' rights to access
their own personal health .info.imation under federal law.
Section 6. This order is effective irnmediately and shall remain in effect for the duration
of Executive Order 20-52, as extended,
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set
my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of
Florida to be affixed, at Tallah.assee, th nd day of
April., 2021..
ESANTL.
ATTEST:
SE Y OF STAT—