HERE IS THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-09 MORE CLEAR.
STATE OF FLORIDA
FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
FWC EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 20-09 RECREATIONAL VESSELS COVID-19
WHEREAS, The Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of the State of Florida, acts under the authority of Article IV, Section 9, of the Florida Constitution, and acts through its Executive Director under 68-1.009, F.A.C., Delegations of Authority, February 14, 2013, Paragraphs 17 and
22;and
WHEREAS, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis on March 1, 2020 by Executive Order No.: 20-51, directed the State Health Officer and Surgeon General, Dr. Scott Rivkees to declare a public emergency in the State of Florida pursuant to F.S. 381.00315; and
WHEREAS, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order No.: 20-52 on March 9, 2020, pursuant to the authority vested in him by Article IV, Section l(a) of the Florida Constitution, the State Emergency Management Act, s. 252.31, Florida Statutes,
et al., as amended, and all other applicable laws declared a State of Emergency for the State of Florida as a result of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ("CDC") recommends community preparedness and various prevention and mitigation measures be taken. These measures include among other things, keeping people away from persons who are sick or have been exposed to persons ill with COVID-19, limiting face-to face contact with individuals who are sick or have been exposed to persons ill with COVID-19, exercising social distancing which includes avoiding congregate settings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others and remaining at home; and
WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020, President Donald J. Trnmp and the CDC issued the "15 Days to Slow the Spread" guidance advising individuals to adopt far-reaching social distancing measures, such as working from home and avoiding gatherings of more than 10 people; and
WHEREAS, the CDC states that large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 whether organized by communities or by individuals, and the Commission has observed and received numerous reports from across the state that large numbers of vessels are congregating together in various locations across the state, tying up or anchoring close together, and individuals are often leaving their vessels and assembling closely in shallow water; and
WHEREAS, Section 327.71, F.S., authorizes the Commission to issue temporary exemptions to any provisions of Chapter 327 if it determines that federal law imposes less restrictive requirements or determines that the exemption will not adversely affect boating safety.
NOW THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority granted by Executive Orders 20-51, 20-52 of the Executive Office of the Governor and consistent with Executive Order 20-68; pursuant to the Commission's aforementioned delegations of authority; and pursuant to the authority granted in
327. 71, F .S. to create temporary exemptions from any provision of Chapter 327 or the rules