On June 3, Governor DeSantis announced Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida's Recovery effective Friday, June 5. As detailed in Leon County’s COVID-19 Response and Re-opening Plan, consistent with Phase Two of Governor DeSantis’ Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery and in alignment with local, state, and national health expert guidance, Leon County Government safely re-opened certain programs and services on Friday, June 5.
For Frequently Asked Questions about Phase Two, click HERE. Learn more about the Governor’s Phase Two re-opening plan HERE.
- Restaurants may still operate at 50 percent capacity.
- Restaurants may allow bar-top seating with appropriate social distancing.
- Bars and pubs may operate at 50 percent capacity inside and full capacity outside with appropriate social distancing. NOTE: On Wednesday July 1, the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) amended its order that suspended alcohol sales at bars and pubs to allow any establishment licensed to sell food to sell alcohol, effective immediately. View the amended order HERE.
- Retail establishments may operate at full capacity with responsible social distancing and sanitization protocols.
- Gyms may operate at full capacity with appropriate social distancing and frequent sanitization.
- Entertainment businesses, including but not limited to movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys and arcades, may operate at 50 percent capacity with appropriate social distancing and sanitization protocols.
- Personal services businesses, including but not limited to tattoo parlors, acupuncture establishments, tanning salons and massage establishments may operate while adhering to guidance from the Florida Department of Health.
- Individuals over 65 or with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to avoid crowds and take measures to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
- All individuals that work in long-term care facilities should be tested for COVID-19 on a routine basis.
- All persons in Florida are encouraged to avoid congregating in groups larger than 50.
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Leon County's Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan approved by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Leon County’s Short-Term Vacation Rental Plan allows for short-term vacation rental reservations and guests in Leon County. Consistent with Governor DeSantis’ recent executive order and implementation of a “full phase one” reopening, the County’s safety plan was developed utilizing guidance from DBPR, the CDC, and the Vacation Rental Management Association for property owners and managers to utilize once they resume hosting guests. Recognizing the priority of keeping both residents and visitors safe, the County’s plan aligns with state guidance by restricting travel from international locations and states with substantial community spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, the County’s plan outlines industry best practices and safety guidelines for property owners and managers to ensure short-term vacation rentals are opened in a responsible and safe manner. Leon County’s Division of Tourism, in coordination with Leon County Emergency Management, will continue to review these guidelines throughout each phase of Leon County’s COVID-19 Response & Reopening Plan. Click here to view the plan.
To meet critical community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, on Monday, August 17, 2020 the County opened its Leon CARES online portal to distribute millions of dollars in direct assistance to those in Tallahassee-Leon County impacted by COVID-19. Individual, business and local human service agency assistance is now available. For eligibility information and to submit your application, visit www.LeonCountyCARES.com.
The following County programs and services were re-opened on Friday, June 5 with certain service delivery changes to protect public health and safety:
All County Offices
- County offices who offer direct services will now accommodate walk-in clients with physical distancing measures in accordance with public health guidance.
- No non-essential in-person demonstrations, events, programs, or trainings will be conducted.
Leon County Public Library System
- Library locations are now open to the public at 50 percent capacity.
- To allow for extra cleaning, library hours are now as follows for inside operation and curbside services:
- Main library, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Branch libraries, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Patrons limited to one hour in library.
- Library computer use limited to one hour with physically distanced terminals.
- In person Library programming (Baby Time, etc.) remains suspended.
- All seating (except computer terminals) and community rooms remain closed.
- Libraries will continue to offer curbside pick-up and drop-off services for print and other media materials at the County main library and all branches under select hours. To learn more about curbside services and access online library services, visit www.LeonCountyLibrary.org.
- Library patrons may use the online catalog or library mobile app to reserve materials, or call (850) 606-2665. Once reserved, patrons will receive instructions when to report to library and how to contact a librarian to bring out the reserved materials.
- Continue to offer library-based telephone services on (850) 606-2665.
Development Support and Environmental Management (DSEM)
- All online services remain accessible.
- Walk-in clients will be accommodated.
Intervention and Detention Alternatives (as determined by courts and criminal justice operations)
- Resume drug and alcohol testing.
- Resume face-to-face case management services.
Veteran Services
- Resume in-person operations, including appointments and walk-ins.
Housing Services
- Resume in-person operations, including appointments and walk-ins.
Leon County Courthouse
- Further information on when judicial functions resume will be provided at a later time.
Parks and Recreation
- OPEN: Greenways, trails, tennis courts, dog parks, and campgrounds.
- Consistent with Florida State Parks, all County campgrounds will reopen starting Saturday, August 15th at 8 a.m. This includes Coe Landing, Hall Landing and Williams Landing. The following COVID-19 rules will apply to campgrounds until further notice:
- Face masks required in the common facilities.
- Reservations required at least 48 hours in advance and paid for online. NO walk-ins to avoid cash payments in the iron rangers.
- Restroom use limited to one person at a time.
- Picnic pavilions remain closed.
- Some individual camp sites may be closed to accommodate social distancing between individual camp sites.
- Group camping special events are not permitted. Family units/individuals only.
- PARTIALLY OPEN: Athletic fields and basketball courts for individuals and groups no larger than 10.
- CLOSED: Community centers, playgrounds, pavilions, and active recreation facilities for organized play.
Solid Waste
For more information on service changes, visit our Services Changes page.
Getting Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease – The Center for Disease Control offers guidance to help plan for any possible community transmission of COVID-19. We want to help everyone prepare to respond to this public health threat.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Households – The Center for Disease Control states cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection is a best practice measure for prevention of COVID-19 and other viral respiratory illnesses in households and community settings.
Centers for Disease Control’s COVID-19 Situation Summary – Updated regularly, the CDC maintains a webpage that provides updated information as it becomes available with updated guidance.
Talquin Electric Customers. If you are a Talquin Electric customer struggling to pay your utility bill due to the COVID-19 crisis, please contact Talquin directly to discuss the possibility of utility bill assistance. To contact the Talquin Member Services group call (850) 627-7651, or email MemberFeedback@talquinelectric.com.