Executive Order 20-86 has created a lot of changes for the State of Florida. For drivers and snowbirds with second homes in Palm Beach and Boca Raton, this could seriously affect your ability to travel to your second home in the Sunshine State. On March 27th, Governor DeSantis began limiting travel into the State.
Who Is Being Screened by the Checkpoints on I-10 and I-95?
Everyone will be required to stop at the checkpoints. If you're from Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and trying to travel to the State of Florida, you'll be required to isolate yourself for 14 days once you have reentered Florida, or for the length of their visit, whichever time period is shorter.
If you are traveling from these areas for military reasons, or a responder for emergency services, health, or infrastructure, you will not be required to isolate. If you work in Georgia and commute to Florida for business, or if you are traveling for commercial reasons, you also should not be affected.
What Should I Do to Prepare for the Checkpoints?
When you enter Florida and pass through the checkpoint, you will have to complete a traveler form. The form will include specific details on every traveler, or if you are a family, the responsible family member will complete the form. You need to have the following information with you:
- Driver's license
- Contact information
- Reason for visiting
This detail is especially important: if you travel and you do not complete this form at the checkpoint (it appears that it will be provided to you), or if you do not follow your isolation order if you are given one, you will be in considered in violation of Florida law.
How Will They Track People Who Are Ordered to Quarantine?
The DOT will issue a Traveler ID Card. We're not sure what the requirements will be for carrying this or how it will be implemented.
What Are the Repercussions for Violating Florida Law in Regards to COVID 19/Executive Order 20-86
We're not entirely sure, but according to Business Insider, the consequences for violating such an order are considered a 2nd degree misdemeanor, and subject to a $500 fine or 60 days in jail.
Can I Bypass the Checkpoint?
According to CBS Miami, commercial vehicles can bypass the checkpoint by staying in the left lane. At this time, we believe these are only semi-trucks allowed to pass in the left lane. However, it's not recommended to blow past the checkpoint - you could end up in serious hot water and it appears that there have already been enforcements for people who have done this.
Traffic is going to be very bad at the checkpoints. Stay safe and be prepared with food, gas, and water before driving into Florida while this is going on.
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Read the full press release from FDOT below:
FDOT Provides Guidance for Implementation of Executive Order 20-86
~ Motorists from areas with significant community spread required to isolate for 14 days upon entry ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – With the primary goal of keeping Floridians safe and to assist with the
implementation of Executive Order 20-86 issued on March 27, 2020 by Governor Ron DeSantis, the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), in coordination with the Florida Department of Health
(DOH) and the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), is providing guidance to motorists entering Florida from
areas with significant community spread.
Effective immediately, motorists who are traveling from areas with substantial community spread
including Louisiana, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, will be required to isolate for a period of
14 days upon entry to Florida or for the duration of their visit, whichever is shorter, and should be
prepared for additional monitoring by DOH to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Executive Order
20-86 does not apply to persons performing military, emergency, health or infrastructure response, or
persons involved in any commercial activity, including individuals that live in Georgia and commute to
work in Florida.
Upon entry in Florida, each arriving traveler or responsible family member (if traveling as a family) will
be required to complete a traveler form. The form requires key information, including each traveler’s
contact information and trip details. Failure to complete the form and failure to follow any isolation or
quarantine order from DOH are a violation of Florida law.
Additionally, travelers will be provided with a traveler card, which has contact information and guidance
in the event the traveler exhibits symptoms while in isolation that are attributed to COVID-19, including
fever, cough, or shortness of breath.
To assist with the implementation and enforcement of the Executive Order, Florida Highway Patrol will
staff the checkpoint at I-10 at the Alabama/Florida line, 24 hours a day with approximately 16 troopers in
12-hour shifts.
FDOT’s top priority is safety; therefore, motorists who are approaching a checkpoint should be prepared
to reduce their speed. Motorists should expect to be directed by law enforcement to enter the weigh
station. Depending upon the motorist’s origin, they will be directed to either proceed back to the Interstate
or to pull aside for further screening.
Commercial motor vehicles should proceed in the left lane and may bypass the checkpoint to ensure
timely delivery of products across the state.
Motorists seeking real-time traffic information should refer to https://fl511.com/.
Sources
Business Insider
CBS Miami
News 13 Orlando
Photo credit:
Jonathan Peterssen
