Defying Broward County orders, Fort Lauderdale moves to reopen gyms

Bianca Padró Ocasio, Aaron Leibowitz
·2 min read

The mayor of Fort Lauderdale is giving commercial gyms a green light to reopen on Monday, citing that COVID-19 infections have “steeply declined” in the city.

But this new executive order is openly defying a Broward County ordinance that says they must remain closed.

“We want people to feel confident that they can return gyms and the other businesses without concern for infection. But if you don’t feel comfortable, please continue to stay home or limit your trips outside,” Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said in a statement. “Our plans for Monday constitute a cautious and prudent approach to reopening. “

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday that gyms and fitness centers statewide can open Monday at 50% capacity, but he has generally held that counties can enact stricter orders than the state. Miami-Dade and Broward officials have said gyms shouldn’t reopen until a later phase.

DeSantis has also said that cities can be stricter than their counties in enacting social distancing measures, but that they can’t allow businesses to open that are ordered closed by their county leaders.

Nonetheless, Trantalis is telling gym owners in his city they can open their doors. And this could lead to a legal fight between the jurisdictions.

Broward County Vice Mayor Steve Geller told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Sunday that cities “simply do not have the authority to ignore a county order.”

“It could end up in court,” Geller told the Sentinel.

Trantalis’ order says gyms cannot exceed 50% of their capacity and employees are required to wear face masks and “have health checks” before they start working. Customers will have their temperature taken and will be denied entrance if they have a fever. Fitness classes have to adhere to social distancing requirements, and showers will be closed.

Trantalis added that the Phase 1 reopening regulations could be adjusted according to public health data.

“We now resume a more normal daily life while still doing what is needed to protect public safety,” Trantalis said.