You’re not wearing a mask in South Florida? Here’s how much it could cost you
UPDATE 9/29/2020: Mask fines are gone. Do you still need to wear one in Miami-Dade, Broward and the Keys?
Original article below:
For months, health experts and South Florida leaders have asked the public to wear their mask to help protect others from COVID-19. They have issued indoor and outdoor public mask mandates. Then they decided to crack down on maskless offenders by talking to their wallet.
The message?
Anyone not wearing a mask in public, inside and outside, will be fined.
Here’s how much being maskless in South Florida can cost you:
How much is the fine for not wearing a mask in Miami-Dade County?
In Miami-Dade County, you are required to wear a mask at all times when out in public, including outside.
Mask violators can be fined up to $100.
Anyone who cannot pay the fine can do community service instead through the county’s diversion program, according to Miami-Dade County. Businesses where violations occur will also face a $500 civil fine, the county states.
The county’s fine policy is part of a new ordinance the Miami-Dade County Commission unanimously approved Thursday.
The ordinance gives Miami-Dade police and code enforcement, which have the authority to issue tickets, the power to issue civil citations to anyone caught breaking the county’s “New Normal” guidelines, including indoor and outside mask and social distancing requirements.
Depending on the situation, police can also still charge violators of the county’s “New Normal” guidelines with a “second-degree criminal misdemeanor carrying fines of up to $500 and 180 days in jail,” according to the county’s news release.
Exceptions to the mask mandate in Miami-Dade include children younger than 2, anyone who has a medical condition or disability that prevents them from wearing a face covering and anyone who is hearing-impaired or is communicating with someone who is hearing-impaired.
Anyone who is “actively” eating or drinking, is swimming or is participating in a “strenuous exercise” such as playing basketball also do not need to wear a mask. Keep in mind that if you are exercising inside a gym, fitness center or dance studio, you will need to wear a mask. You also do not need to wear your mask inside your personal car or inside your home.
How much is the fine for not wearing a mask in Miami?
Miami’s mask fine policy became stricter Thursday.
Now, mask violators can expect a $100 fine for their first and second offense. First offenders will also be given a free mask if supplies are still available, according to Miami police.
Anyone who is caught violating the city’s mask mandate after receiving the second offense may be subject to arrest or will receive a notice to appear in court, police said.
This is the second time this week that the city updated its mask fine policy. Monday’s fine policy was:
▪ First offenders — a $50 fine instead of a warning (and a free mask if supplies still available)
▪ Second offenders — a $100 fine
▪ Third offenders — a $500 fine
▪ Anyone who was caught breaking the mask mandate after the third offense would receive a $500 fine and be subject to arrest or receive a notice to appear in court.
How much is the fine for not wearing a mask in Miami Beach?
Strollers around South Beach, North Beach and parts in-between take note: As of Thursday, police and code enforcement officers will start dishing out $50 civil citations to anyone who is not wearing a face covering.
How much is the fine for not wearing a mask in Broward and Palm Beach counties?
In Broward County, you are required to wear a mask at all times when out in public. You also have to wear a mask outside in areas where social distancing (staying at least six feet away from others) is not possible.
Anyone who violates an emergency order, including the indoor and outdoor mask mandate, in Broward County may be subject to civil and criminal enforcement action, according to the county’s “Facial Coverings Frequently Asked Questions,” which was updated on May 29.
“Civil enforcement of a violation may include fines of $1,000 per day per violation, except where the violation is knowing and irreparable/irreversible, in which event civil enforcement may include fines up to $15,000 per violation,” reads the document. “Criminal enforcement of a violation as a second-degree misdemeanor may include fines of up to $500 per day, imprisonment up to 60 days, or both.
In Palm Beach County, you are also required to wear a mask at all times when out in public. You also have to wear a mask outside in areas where social distancing is not possible.
Anyone who is caught violating emergency orders relating to COVID-19 in Palm Beach County, including its mask mandate, can face “civil enforcement action.”
This may include fines up to $250 for first violations and up to $500 for each additional violation, according to the county’s “Facial Coverings Frequently Asked Questions,” which was updated on June 26.
Mask mandate exceptions in Broward and Palm Beach counties are similar to those of Miami-Dade County.
How much is the fine for not wearing a mask in the Florida Keys?
In Monroe County, including Key West, it’s a crime to not wear your mask in public. Those who are found violating the mandate could be fined up to $500 and could spend up to 60 days in jail. It could also be a code violation or civil citation.
Monroe County’s mask mandate requires everyone to wear a mask inside and outside if social distancing is not possible. In Key West, the mandate is stricter and requires you to wear a mask at all times, including outside, regardless if you can social distance or not. This includes people running, biking and walking dogs.
Miami Herald staff writer Gwen Filosa and David J. Neal contributed to this report.
This story was originally published July 21, 2020 at 8:42 AM.
