Visiting the Florida Keys? Bring a mask to comply with a new law

Don’t forget your mask if you’re visiting the Florida Keys.

It’s now a law to cover both your nose and mouth with some type of facial covering when inside a bar, restaurant or other business with a roof.

And, locals, it’s best to carry one with you whenever you leave home, Monroe County leaders say.

Florida Keys leaders this week unanimously decided to make wearing a face mask mandatory while inside a public place, with exceptions such as while eating or drinking.

Key West has already warned people that they could be cited criminally for failing to wear a mask while inside a business since the region is under a state of emergency.

But the Monroe County Commission made its own ordinance during a lengthy back-and-forth with its attorney on Wednesday.

The penalty is a fine of up to $500, but no jail time.

The ordinance is built to last until June 1, 2021, but commissioners said they would revisit it every few months.

Key West Mayor Teri Johnston welcomed the county’s mask law.

“It gives us a more uniform message as a county,” Johnston said.

Two weeks ago, the County Commission voted 3-2 against a similar ordinance. Two commissioners — Craig Cates, of Key West, and David Rice, of Marathon — said at the time they wanted to see how people behaved first.

People out and about didn’t come close to passing the test, said Bob Eadie, administrator of the Department of Health in Monroe County.

“If anyone has been down Duval Street in the last few days, you will notice that not only do I not see people wearing masks, I don’t even see people carrying masks,” Eadie said.

They changed their votes Wednesday, along with Commissioner Michelle Coldiron, of Marathon.

Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers, of Key West, and Commissioner Sylvia Murphy, of Key Largo, have all along wanted a mandatory mask law.

“Even when I ride my bike, I take it,” Carruthers said, in case she runs into someone. “I want to be able to have it.”

Here’s a look at the new law:

Where do I have to wear a mask?

You must wear a mask inside any restaurant, bar or store that has a roof. This takes into account tiki bars and outdoor seating at restaurants or farmer’s markets. Also, wear your mask at a hotel unless you’re in your room.

What about the gym?

Yes, masks are required at the gym unless you are working out and can stay at least six feet away from the closest person.

What’s the penalty?

If, after being given a warning by a code compliance officer, business owner or police officer, you don’t “immediately” put one on, the law says you’re looking at a fine of up to $500. You could also be given a notice to appear before a county judge.

Does a bandanna or handkerchief count as a face covering?

Yes, in Monroe County, bandannas and handkerchiefs count. Nothing fancy is required. The law states it can be made of materials such as cotton, silk or linen. A cloth face covering may be factory-made or sewn by hand, or can be made out of household items.

What about children?

The county only recommends that children 6 and older wear masks and always have one available to wear when not at home. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend masks for children 2 and younger.

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 12:03 PM.

Gwen Filosa

Miami Herald

Gwen Filosa covers Key West and the Lower Florida Keys for FLKeysNews.com and the Miami Herald and lives in Key West. She was part of the staff at the New Orleans Times-Picayune that in 2005 won two Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of Hurricane Katrina. She graduated from Indiana University.