COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that's not answered below? Email info@lakelandgov.net.

• How is the Governor’s Order enforced?

  The order is enforced by the Lakeland Police Department, the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Violations of the Executive Order are considered a 2^nd Degree Misdemeanor.

• Are local governments like the City of Lakeland allowed to adopt requirements directly on businesses, operations that include beaches, boat ramps, buildings and parks that may be stricter than the Governor’s Executive Order?

  Yes, per the Governor’s Executive Order 20-91 and subsequent Executive Order 20-92 that followed, local jurisdictions were given additional authority to be more restrictive but not less restrictive with closures to help instill social distancing.

• Where can I report a business that violates the Governor’s Executive Order?

  If you live inside the Lakeland City limits or the business is inside City limits, contact the Lakeland Police Department's NON-EMERGENCY number, 863.834.6900.  If you live outside of the Lakeland City limits or the business is outside City limits, contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Department at 863.298.6200.

• Are there any laws about stores who are not practicing social distancing measures, whose employees are not wearing masks, etc.?

  As of April 7, 2020, the City of Lakeland and LakelandPD are not legally allowed to do anything about this. It is up to the stores deemed essential to instill safe distancing practices.  Masks are suggested and not mandatory at this time.  

• How do I know what qualifies as an essential activity?

   

  The Governor’s Executive Order lists the following:

  • Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues, and houses of worship
  • Participating in recreational activities (consistent with social distancing guidelines) such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running or swimming
  • Taking care of pets
  • Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend

  Visit our Safer at Home: Essential Business page and click on the links from FloridaDisaster.org for the most in-depth information currently available on Essential Services.

   

• Do I need a letter from my employer if I am an essential worker?

  No, a person does not need a special permit or letter to leave the house if they are part of an essential service or participating in an essential activity. However, some businesses may wish to provide an employee with a letter. It is not mandatory at this time. (Updated April 7, 2020)

• How do I know what qualifies as an essential service?

  There is a list outlined and vetted by the Governor’s office and that list can be found at www.floridadisaster.org. If you have a question about your business, please consult this list, which is also outlined on our Safer at Home: Essential Businesses page. 

• Do I have to close my physical business if it is not listed as an essential service?

  Yes, and this is per the Governor’s Executive Order.

• If my business is not an essential service, must I close the physical location to customers?

  Yes.

• Am I allowed to continue my business from home or remotely?

  Yes. The Governor’s Executive Order encourages individuals to work from home.

• Why are City of Lakeland Parks closed and some neighboring county parks are open?

  Per Governor DeSantis' Safer at Home Executive Order and the subsequent addition that clarified local governments can be more restrictive but not less restrictive than the original order, current activities and closures set in place by the City of Lakeland are in compliance. 

  In fact, all State Parks are closed and the City of Lakeland along with Polk County and many other jurisdictions are following that example during this 30-day period to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.   

  The goal is to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and health experts continue to state the best way to do that is to minimize human contact.

• When did the Governor’s Executive Order take effect? How long does it last?

  The Governor's Executive Order took effect Friday, April 3, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. It lasts until Thursday, April 30, 2020, unless extended.

• Are inflatables/bounce house companies allowed?

  No. According to the Governor’s Office: The provision of bounce houses is not an essential activity or service under the Governor’s recent Executive Order.  The Executive Order does not list “activities and entertainment” as an essential business category under the Governor’s Safer at Home Executive Order.  No such category has been added to the list subsequent to the Executive Order and these operations should cease while the Safer at Home Executive Order is in place.

• Can I still go fishing while under Safer at Home orders?

  No fishing is allowed in City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation lakes/fishing areas. You may only fish from a private dock/lake or area not maintained by the City of Lakeland.

• Is the Governor’s Executive Order consistent with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on 30 Days to Slow the Spread?

  Yes. See the President’s and CDC’s guidance here: 30 Days to Slow the Spread.

• May senior citizens and individuals with significant medical conditions leave their homes to go to the grocery store or pharmacy, or go for a walk, or go to work at an essential service?

  Yes. Senior citizens may leave their homes when necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. 

• May my business and its employees operate remotely and provide delivery of our product?

  Yes. All businesses are encouraged to provide delivery or pickup and to take orders online or by telephone.

• Are restaurants, or other sellers of food and beverage, permitted to continue takeout and delivery services?

  Yes. See Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR)'s guidance.

• May I exercise outside or participate in recreational activities?

  Yes - if consistent with social distancing guidelines as published by the CDC.

• May churches, synagogues or other houses of worship hold services?

  Yes. However, the Florida Department of Health encourages them to follow CDC guidance specific to faith organizations.

• May childcare centers remain open?

  Yes, but only for employees working at businesses or operations that are essential services, to the extent those childcare centers adhere to social distancing.

• Can I visit or travel to a family member?

  Yes, if caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend.

• How do I search COVID-19 cases by zip code?

  Zipcode sorting of COVID-19 cases is a new feature on the existing COVID-19 map from the Florida Department of Health. 

  See Zipcode View

• How do I donate supplies (Personal Protective Equipment or PPE) to Lakeland Regional Health?

  If citizens would like to donate PPE supplies, please contact Anita Henry at Lakeland Regional Health at 863.284.1945 or Anita.Henry@mylrh.org.

• If I need counseling, can I receive it?

  Yes. For specific information on COVID-19 counseling, contact the Florida Department of Health at 866.779.6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

• May gun stores remain open?

  Yes.