ORLANDO, Fla. — A Florida senator is calling for legal immunity for businesses as they reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“One of the big concerns that is coming up right now is the threat of liability,” said Sen. Jeff Brandes, (R-Pinellas County). “When I reopen what exposure do I have?”
Read: Denials soar as Florida rejects thousands of unemployment claims
Brandes is in the process of drawing up legislation that would provide a safe harbor for Florida businesses as they emerge from the lockdown to operate without the fear of litigation.
“Especially with so many thousands of people asymptomatic, it does create a challenging situation for them to open their businesses again,” Brandes said.
But the senator warns that businesses would still have to follow safety guidelines and the immunity from litigation would not be absolute.
Read: Action 9: Mortgage forbearance part of stimulus package could turn into trap
“There can’t be gross negligence or willful disregard," Brandes said. "But if you are following the state guidelines and doing what we ask you to do, then it seems reasonable that we would provide you some protection to open.”
The bill, which has not yet been released, could be taken up in a special session or when lawmakers meet again in 2021.
© 2020 Cox Media Group
