Miles Bennett
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order on April 3, 2020, directing Floridians to stay at home as much as possible and limit their movements outside to only those necessary for essential services and activities. This order sparked questions about whether golf courses would remain open, as the sport is a beloved pastime for many in the state. Governor DeSantis' office confirmed that golf is considered an essential recreational activity in Florida, as long as proper social distancing guidelines are followed. This decision was welcomed by golfers and golf clubs alike, with some clubs reporting higher-than-expected business during this time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is golf considered essential in Florida? | Yes, golf is considered an essential recreational activity in Florida, as long as proper social distancing is maintained. |
| Date of Decision | 1st April 2020 |
| Source | Governor DeSantis' Executive Order 2020-91 |
| Counties where golf is not considered essential | Some counties in Florida have specified that golf courses in their county are closed, and these county orders should be followed. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf courses remained open during the pandemic
The executive order stated that:
> "all persons in Florida shall limit their movements and personal interactions outside of their home to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities."
Golf was included in the list of acceptable essential activities, along with other recreational activities such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, and swimming. Proper social distancing and safety measures were, however, encouraged.
Some golf professionals, like Matt Sommers at Lake Jovita Golf & Country Club, implemented safety protocols to ensure social distancing and sanitization. These included allowing only one golfer per cart, using noodles in the holes to prevent the ball from going all the way in, providing hand sanitizers on each tee box, and limiting the number of people in the pro shop.
Despite the state's order, it is important to note that some counties in Florida independently specified that golf courses in their county were closed, and these county-specific orders took precedence.
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Social distancing measures were implemented
Golf was considered an essential recreational activity in Florida during the pandemic, as long as proper social distancing was maintained.
Some counties in Florida specified that golf courses in their regions were closed, and residents were expected to follow those directives.
Golf courses took various precautions to align with social distancing protocols. They implemented measures such as placing noodles in the holes to prevent balls from falling in, limiting the number of golfers in specific areas, and providing sanitization stations. These steps ensured that golfers could enjoy the game while adhering to the necessary safety guidelines.
Golf, an activity that lends itself well to social distancing, saw an increase in participation during the pandemic. Golfers could maintain their distance while playing and took the necessary precautions to ensure a safe experience for all.
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Golf carts are considered motor vehicles
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order directing Floridians to stay at home as much as possible. Golf courses were allowed to remain open, and golf was considered an essential recreational activity, provided that proper social distancing was maintained.
Golf carts have become increasingly popular as a mode of transportation, not only on golf courses but also in residential areas, parks, and campuses. While they are typically associated with golf courses, they are now being used on public roads. This has led to some ambiguity regarding their classification as motor vehicles and the associated legal implications.
Legally, a motor vehicle is defined as any self-propelled vehicle with four or more wheels that uses public roads, excluding farm equipment and vehicles that move at speeds less than 20 mph. Most state laws have a specific vehicle class for golf carts, and they are generally allowed on roads and sometimes even sidewalks. Some states require safety features like headlights and turn signals, while others mandate only licenses and insurance.
Golf carts that are regularly used on public roads to transport golfers and their equipment would be considered motor vehicles. However, if these carts have a maximum speed of 20 mph or less and have a configuration that distinguishes them from other vehicles (e.g., no doors or windshield), they would not be classified as motor vehicles and would not need to meet the same safety standards.
It is important to note that the classification of golf carts as motor vehicles can vary depending on the state and local regulations. Golf cart owners and users should be aware of the specific rules and regulations in their area to ensure safe and lawful operation.
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Golf was deemed essential by Governor DeSantis
On Wednesday, 1 April 2020, Governor DeSantis issued Executive Order 2020-91, directing Floridians to stay at home as much as possible and limit their movements outside to only those necessary to obtain or provide essential services or conduct essential activities. This order came into effect on April 3 at 12:01 a.m. and was to be observed until April 30.
Golf was deemed an essential recreational activity under this order, as confirmed by the Governor's Office, provided that proper social distancing was maintained. This decision was welcomed by golfers and golf clubs in the state, with some golf professionals reporting higher-than-expected business during this period.
The inclusion of golf as an essential activity was specified in Section 3 A. ii of the Executive Order, which outlined essential activities as participating in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines, such as walking, biking, hiking, fishing, hunting, running, or swimming. Golf was included under the "'such as' clause, indicating that it was considered a similar recreational activity.
Some counties in Florida specified that golf courses in their county were closed, and residents were instructed to follow these county orders. Overall, the decision to include golf as an essential activity provided an opportunity for golfers to continue their favourite pastime while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
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Some counties closed golf courses
While Governor DeSantis issued an executive order in April 2020 stating that golf was an essential recreational activity during the pandemic, some counties in Florida specified that golf courses in their county were closed. These county orders took precedence and golf courses in these counties were not allowed to remain open.
The State's order defined "essential services" as those listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce, with some exceptions. Marine dealers and golf courses were not explicitly considered essential under the State's order.
Golf courses that did remain open implemented safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures included allowing only one golfer per cart, placing noodles in the holes to prevent balls from falling in, providing hand sanitizers on every tee box, and limiting the number of people in the pro shop.
Despite the efforts to keep golf courses open, some counties in Florida ultimately made the decision to close them to prioritize the health and safety of their residents during the pandemic.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is considered an essential recreational activity in Florida, as long as proper social distancing is maintained.
Golfers are expected to follow all suggested social distancing guidelines. Golf courses have implemented safety measures such as allowing only one golfer per cart, providing hand sanitizers, and limiting the number of people in the pro shop.
Yes, golf courses are open during the stay-at-home order in Florida. However, some counties in Florida have specified that golf courses in their county are closed, and those orders should be followed.
Other essential recreational activities in Florida include walking, biking, hiking, hunting, running, and swimming. These activities are allowed as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
