Monday, March 23, 2020

Effect of Local Government Orders

Updated 032520 03:37 ET

There are many questions that have been asked. How does the Miami Mayor's order affect the OJCC? How does the Broward order affect the OJCC? Which OJCC Offices are open?

The easiest is the last. All OJCC offices are open for business. Two are not allowing the public inside right now as they are in state-owned buildings. The Port St. Lucie/Fort Pierce office is open, but the public cannot enter. Similarly, the Miami office is open, but the public may not enter. 

The Broward County business closure order is here. This order, on page 8, clarifies that it does not affect "any State or Federal office."

The Miami business closure order is here. This order on page four clarifies it does not affect "any State or Federal office."



The Gainesville Business closure order is here. This order on pave 9 clarifies that it "does not affect or limit" "any state of Federal office or facility.




The Orange County closure order is here. By its terms, this applies to "retail and commercial businesses." The State of Florida Office of Judges of Compensation Claims is neither of these. This Order does not affect the operations of this Office.


Hillsborough County has not ordered a "stay at home" as of this time. OJCC operations in Hillsborough are not affected. 

Leon County has issued "stay at home" not "shelter at home" order. No effect on businesses, but on gatherings.  OJCC operations in Leon are not affected. 

It does not appear that Duval County has entered a closure order beyond the direction to close beaches.
It is important to remember that various individuals are dealing with challenges. Those may relate to health, care giving to children or others, or building closures at someone's business. The community that is Florida workers' compensation needs to remain proactive, flexible, and professional as we all strive to get through this situation.

What if a different city or county enters such an order? We will wait to read that order to decide how it might constrain OJCC operations or employees.