ORLANDO, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health now has a way for people to report violations of the state’s ban on so-called COVID-19 “vaccine passports.”
The ban was signed in to law by Governor Ron DeSantis in May and officially went into effect two weeks ago, but it was unclear exactly how it would be enforced.
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Thrilled to sign legislation that prohibits COVID-19 vaccine passports in Florida. Neither government, nor private businesses, will be able to condition your participation in everyday life on producing private health information. https://t.co/0NMBk1l9zI
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 3, 2021
According to the health department, any Floridian or visitor can submit complaints by sending an e-mail to VaxPassFreeFL@FLHealth.gov. The health department will then determine whether the complaint is valid.
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Any businesses or local government agencies proven to be requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination could face a fine of $5,000 per violation.
Under the law, businesses, counties, and cities are free to make their own policies regarding virus protocols such as capacity limits, mask requirements, and regular testing, but no one has to show whether they’ve had the vaccine to be allowed in or receive service.
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