ORLANDO, Fla. — More than 100 separate entities are being investigated by the Florida Department of Health for possible violations of the state’s ban on vaccine passports.
The law, signed in May, prohibits businesses, government agencies, and schools from requiring documentation of a COVID-19 vaccination or post-infection proof.
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It’s been two weeks since the health department released its list of more than 100 businesses currently under review for violating the law, but Eyewitness News has learned only four of the entities on the list have received notification.
Orlando’s Amway Center is one facility on the list.
According to the Department of Health, they were found to be in violation for a Harry Styles Concert that required proof of a vaccine or negative COVID-19 test for entry.
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With a potential fine of $5,000 per violation and a crowd of approximately 20,000 in attendance, Amway would end up paying $100 million if they’re actually found to be in violation of the law.
Of the County Governments, theme parks, and performance centers on the Health Department’s list, a vast majority have not been notified that they’re under review.
Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings received a letter in late September accusing him of being in violation of the law because of a county employee vaccine mandate he implemented.
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The Mayor responded by calling the threat of fines an “unauthorized gubernatorial usurpation of epic proportion.”
When asked why the dozens of other entities under review haven’t been notified, health department officials say the entities on the list are simply those against whom complaints have been submitted.
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It includes the Orange County Convention Center, AdventHealth, Amway, Dr. Phillips Center, Orlando Shakes, Plaza Live House of Blues, and many others.
According to the health department, only those actually found to be in violation of the law will be fined.
“We have an opportunity here to take additional action,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said during a press conference. “I think we have to do it. We have got to stand up for people’s jobs and their livelihood.”
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So far, Leon County is the only entity in Florida to be fined by the state.
They’re facing a fine of nearly $3.6 million for its vaccine requirements for county employees.
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