Late last week, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that gyms and fitness centers may reopen beginning on Monday, May 18. Additionally, restaurants and stores may now move from operating at 25% capacity to operating at 50% capacity. DeSantis stated that these measures are appropriate considering the progress that Florida has made.

DeSantis also stated that bars will continue to remain closed. DeSantis provided no guidance as to when theme parks may reopen, but theme parks have been asked to submit detailed safety procedure plans to the state.

Indoor movie theaters are also to remain closed as DeSantis clarified that he is awaiting more guidance from the White House on how theaters could open while effectively practicing social distancing.

Regarding short-term rentals, DeSantis has taken a more localized approach and asked counties to pitch him their safety plans.

The announcement made by DeSantis is an expansion of Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan and not a move to Phase 2. In support of this decision, DeSantis cited state data which shows that positive test results have decreased from 10.5% to 7.1% as of Friday.