Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced in a press conference on Monday he is lifting all remaining local emergency orders, pertaining to Covid-19, statewide.
The governor signed the executive order suspending Covid restrictions during a ceremony held in St. Petersburg, Fla., where he also signed Senate Bill 2006 into law which prohibits “vaccine passports”.
“I think that’s the evidence-based thing to do,” DeSantis said. “I think folks that are saying they need to be policing people at this point, if you’re saying that, then you’re really saying you don’t believe in the vaccines.”
In addition to banning any vaccine-credentialing system, SB 2006 restricts the power local officials have during a pandemic by adding new checks and balances.
Under the new law, the governor will be able to override city and county restrictions, the legislature will have discretion over local emergency orders, and city and county commissions will be able to overrule mayors, according to reports.
New limitations will also be placed on the duration and scope of emergency orders and mask mandates “in order to reduce any infringement on individual rights or liberties to the greatest extent possible,” the law states.
Explaining why he is implementing these laws, the governor said, “We want people to be able to enjoy themselves and live freely in the State of Florida.”