From Miami-Dade to Palm Beach, curfews are in effect. Here is what you need to know
As the fourth day of protests continues in South Florida in the wake of the violent death of George Floyd, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties have all enacted curfews to stave off looting and violence that has occurred in small groups.
Last weekend marked the beginning of protests in South Florida that began peacefully with hundreds of marchers. Afterward, a smaller group set fire to a police car and looted stores. Dozens were arrested.
Because of this, South Florida counties have enacted nightly curfews, something residents should be familiar with as it wasn’t too long ago counties were under novel coronavirus curfews.
The virus curfews and the newly mandated ones are similar in their rules and timing. Here’s how the counties’ curfews will work:
When does the curfew begin?
Miami-Dade: The countywide curfew will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. each day.
Broward: Broward’s curfew will begin at 9 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. each day.
Palm Beach: The curfew will be in place from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
When will the curfew be lifted?
Miami-Dade: The Miami-Dade curfew does not have a set end date.
Broward: The Broward curfew is effective for seven days and will end June 7, unless another curfew order is put in place.
Palm Beach: The curfew is in place until further notice; the county has not yet said when it will end.
WILL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BE SHUT DOWN DURING CURFEW?
Public transport services were briefly suspended on Saturday and Sunday in Miami-Dade County due to protests, but that was lifted on Monday.
Transportation services in all three counties will be running as usual.
CAN YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE?
While the Palm Beach County order wasn’t specific, orders in Miami-Dade and Broward counties say you can walk your dog within 250 feet of your home.
In all three counties, no one is allowed to use any street or sidewalk, with few exceptions.
Can I go to work?
Miami-Dade and Broward have exempted all essential workers from the curfews, including first responders, people who work in the medical field, people who work at such businesses as grocery stores, gas stations and pharmacies, and members of the media.
If a resident falls in one of these categories and is stopped for breaking curfew, they would need to show proof of employment, like an ID or badge.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SOMEONE VIOLATES THE CURFEW?
Those caught breaking curfew can face a misdemeanor charge and jail time.
Are beaches affected by the curfew?
In Miami-Dade County, all beaches will be closed for 24 hours a day until the curfew is lifted. Broward’s curfew order did not mention beaches.
This story was originally published June 2, 2020 at 7:50 PM.
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