City creates task force to enforce COVID-19 rules at Jacksonville businesses

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville is cracking down on businesses breaking Florida’s Phase 2 reopening safety guidelines.

Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry announced a new task force team that will conduct routine patrols and complaint-based inspections on businesses.

The task force is made up of city code enforcement officers working in conjunction with state officials. “Right now, one could walk into your restaurant or your bar and check your occupancy’s,” Mayor Curry said.

Right now, bars, pubs, and restaurants can operate at half-capacity inside and unlimited seating outside with proper social distancing measures in place. “It is the responsibility of the bar owner to make sure that they are not over 50% capacity and people aren’t in there shoulder to shoulder,” Mayor Curry said.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation said licensed locations that fail to comply with the indoor capacity thresholds or other requirements will receive an immediate warning requiring action to attain compliance.

Businesses could be subject to additional penalties, including having their license revoked.

Action News Jax asked the DBPR if any complaints or citations were issued to Jacksonville-area businesses, but we’re waiting on a response. If you’d like to report concerns regarding the compliance of a restaurant or bar, click here.

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