JMA’s Interpretation of Recent Executive Orders

In light of the local and state executive orders issued today, Wednesday, April 1, 2020, by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, we want to make sure JMA members are informed to make logical decisions to operate their business within the “safer-at-home” guidelines.

In Mayor Curry’s Executive Order, it states is section hh., “Private and municipal marinas and boat launches, docking, fueling, marine supply and other marina services, and other private outdoor recreational activities that comply with the spacing, maximum capacity and other requirements of federal, state and local executive orders and proclamations;”

In Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order, which supersedes any local order, it does not list the Marine Industry specifically, however it states on page 6, “This list is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard. Additionally, this advisory list is not intended to be the exclusive list of critical infrastructure sectors, workers, and functions that should continue during the COVID-19 response across all jurisdictions. Individual jurisdictions should add or subtract essential workforce categories based on their own requirements and discretion.”

With that said, we urge members to use their best judgment and descretion when it comes to the well being of yourself, staff, customers, family and community. HERE is a list to suggested guidelines for operating your business under the Covid 19 crisis.  We have provided these in a Word format so that you can add or delete anything to conform to your own particular business. I suggest you email them to your team or post them in different locations in your business, so that everyone is aware of the guidelines.

When it comes to the activity of boating and/or fishing, after discussions with local officials it is our understanding that as BOTH Executive Orders read, they qualify recreational boating as an allowable activity in light of its ability to be easily conducted while using strict social distancing guidelines.

Social distancing and other guidelines MUST be followed.  For example: Congregating at boat ramps, rafting off with other vessels and more than 10 persons per boat must be avoided. It is important to maintain social distancing habits within dealerships and repair facilities.

 Unlike other parts of our state, boat ramps and marine interests have not been specifically ordered to close in Jacksonville and surrounding counties. This is subject to change at any time.

You can find a helpful document HERE with suggested guidelines for safe boating considering the threat of Covid-19.  Please distribute to your customers to keep them safe and post on social media to keep our waterways open for healthly outdoor recreation.

As always, we are here for you and want to help as best we can. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please reach out to me!

Best Regards,

Erin Johnson, Administrative Director