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Gov. DeSantis suspends criminal charges for people, businesses that violated local COVID-19 restrictions

This new order comes after DeSantis canceled all COVID-19 related fines in March for businesses and people.
Credit: AP
Surrounded by lawmakers, Florida Gov.Ron DeSantis speaks at the end of a legislative session, Friday, April 30, 2021, at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis says anyone or any business that was or could be charged or arrested for violating local government COVID-19 restrictions is being given clemency for 60 days.

The governor's new executive order is expected to be a precursor to a statewide full pardon to people or businesses that were subject to criminal non-violent sentences or penalties for COVID-19 restriction violations. 

Until the June 16 meeting of the Board of Executive Clemency, however, DeSantis issued this temporary reprieve. 

This executive order follows one DeSantis issued in March that put a retroactive end to local governments collecting fines for individuals or businesses violating COVID-related restrictions. DeSantis also stated in this new executive order he intends to make another statewide remission of fines.

Back in September 2020, the governor put a stop to local governments collecting fines from individuals who violated local mask mandates. 

Neither executive order applies to assisted living facilities, hospitals or other health care providers.

Executive order 21-116 takes effect immediately. You can read the full order here.

RELATED: DeSantis cancels COVID-related fines for businesses, people

RELATED: Gov. DeSantis extends order preventing business shutdowns and fines for local mask ordinance violations

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