Miami Businesses Risk New Penalties If Found Not Following Social Distancing Measures

The Magic City is starting to get tough on establishments that don't follow the rules. With the continual spike in COVID-19 cases in the state, Miami businesses risk closure if found not following social distancing measures. The new penalties were implemented to help stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

"This week, what we're implementing is new penalties for businesses that don't comply with the rules," Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said in a news conference yesterday afternoon in Coral Gables. "Before, if you didn't comply with the rules, you would get shut down for as little as a day, the next day you would come into compliance you would be open up again."

Businesses caught skirting the rules a first time will result in a 10-day closure of the businesses. If caught a second time, the closure will increase to 15 days. For habitual offenders, the third offense will result in that business being closed for a month.

It's part of a greater crackdown on establishments openly flaunting the COVID-19 guidelines put into place. With the city and the state of Florida enduring a record spike in cases, the Magic City is implementing stricter measures to help stop the spread.

The city's crackdown on businesses comes after Miami-Dade County launched its own tougher stance on establishments not following the rules.

Mayor Carlos Gimenez said last week that he would shut down businesses that were in violation of the county's guidelines.

"If one of our officers come into your business and see people aren't wearing masks or practicing social distancing when they should, they will shut you down," Gimenez said in a press conference.

Cities and counties all over South Florida are implementing stricter measures to reduce the spread, beyond closing businesses.

Last week, the City of Miami also mandated face masks be worn in public. For those caught without a face covering, a fine would be issued.

Miami Beach became the latest city to institute a face mask ordinance that would require the coverings to be worn as soon as you step outside your house.

Miami-Dade County continues to lead the state in novel coronavirus cases, with the county recording 36,820 positive cases as of Tuesday.