Memorandum
TO: Municipal Attorneys
FROM: Kraig Conn, General Counsel
SUBJ: Governor's Executive Order 21-65
SUBJ: (Clemency Order Regarding Remission of Fines)
DATE: March 11, 2021
On March 10, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-65, a clemency order regarding remission of fines. The Order remits "any fines imposed between March 1, 2020 and March 10, 2021, by any political subdivision of Florida related to local government COVID-19 restrictions." The Order is directed at Florida counties and municipalities. The remission of fines applies to individuals and businesses. The Order serves "as a defense to the collection of the fines" described within the Order. The Order does not remit any fines imposed on assisted living facilities, hospitals, or other healthcare providers. (The Order states it does not apply to any COVID-19 related orders or enforcement taken by the State.)
The League has contacted the Governor's Office seeking clarification of the Order, and is also reviewing the legal sufficiency of the Order. The League will provide updated information as it develops.
