TAMPA, Fla. — Hillsborough County's Emergency Policy Group has changed the mask ordinance it passed on June 22.
The original order put the responsibility on business owners to enforce the mandate, but the following week, the EPG asked the county attorney to come back with some suggestions that might change how the order is enforced.
Some business owners in Hillsborough County had complained about the way the mandate was enforced, and lawsuits were filed over the order.
During a 1:30 p.m. virtual meeting on Monday, the group made alterations.
First, the EPG voted to drop the criminal penalties business owners could have faced for violating the rules. Instead, violations are now civil violations that would be met with citations.
The revised order finds businesses "in compliance" as long as they post signs showing that masks must be worn inside. The businesses will have to make reasonable efforts to let people know they just wear masks.
The order allows individuals to be fined for not complying. The fine for such a civil citation would be $150.
Hillsborough County is just one of many communities in Tampa Bay mandating that people wear masks in public. These orders come as Florida's coronavirus cases continue to climb exponentially, and positive rates hover around 15 percent.
Monday, data for July 5 showed 47 new deaths, 6,336 new positive lab tests and a positive rate of 14.97 percent.
- Coronavirus in Florida: State reports another 6,336 new cases, 48 more deaths
- Pasco County gentlemen's club catches on fire
- Everything to know about the new St. Pete Pier opening, including how to get a reservation
- Police identify men struck by lightning on Clearwater Beach
- Bellagio error may be biggest sportsbook loss in Vegas history
- Clearwater Fire Medics deliver baby boy on Courtney Campbell beach
- Deadly amoeba that destroys brain infects person in Hillsborough County, health department warns
- Man in famous 9/11 photo dies of coronavirus in Florida
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter
