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COVID-19 Business & Employee Resources & Assistance

Emergency Business Damage Assessment Survey

Governor Ron DeSantis has activated the Business Damage Assessment Survey to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Florida’s local business operations. The survey, managed by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), will evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy so actions to implement appropriate relief programs can begin.

The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online. Results from this survey will be shared with state agencies and local partners. Completing this survey could help unlock State and Federal funding. For inquiries or assistance with the survey, businesses can contact Emergency Support Function 18 at ESF18@em.myflorida.com.

Miami-Dade County COVID-19 Small Business Relief Program

Miami-Dade County has implemented a relief program in response to the impacts on small businesses brought on by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Approved by the Board of County Commissioners, the $5 million Small Business Assistance Forgivable Loan Program (SBAFLP) utilizes United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds allocated through the Federal Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

Program Information

Forgivable loans will be up to $25,000 with a 0% interest rate and no origination fees. The company must retain employees in their permanent jobs, after twelve (12) months from the date of approval for assistance, the borrower will be deemed to have met the requirements of the program and the loan will be satisfied so long as the employer can show documentation that no jobs have been lost.

Who is Eligible?

Business is a for-profit located and operating in Miami-Dade County
Business must have less than 25 employees
Business must not have been approved or received funds from any institution under the Paycheck Protection Program Loan (PPP)
Must have employees that will be retained with these funds

Use of Funds Eligible

Rent
Salaries of current employees
Personal protective equipment
Utilities
Licenses
Insurance

Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan Emergency Advance

The Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program is available to small businesses and nonprofits that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. These targeted, low-interest loans of up to $2 million can provide vital economic support to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue during this time. The EIDL allows for an advance of up to $10,000.

Learn More

Small Business Paycheck Protection Program

NOTICE: The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.

The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.

SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender or through any federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, and Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Other regulated lenders will be available to make these loans once they are approved and enrolled in the program. You should consult with your local lender as to whether it is participating in the program.

Learn More

Back-to-Business Box

Miami-Dade County is committed to helping businesses get back to work. If you’re re-opening your small business and need assistance, Miami-Dade County is offering the Back-to-Business Box.

These boxes come with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to assist with safety requirements. Please see the requirements for small business owners below and follow the application process for the issuance of PPE. Supplies are limited and will be provided as available on a first come first serve basis.

Apply Now

Stimulus Checks

You can track the status of your stimulus checks using the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Get Your Payment application. You can find out when it’s scheduled to be mailed or deposited into your bank account.

You can also use the application to provide your direct deposit information as well as update your mailing address if you have moved since you last filed federal income taxes.

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who did not have to file federal income taxes in 2018 or 2019 can enter their direct deposit information to receive their stimulus check.

Coronavirus Tax Relief

The 2019 income tax filing and payment deadlines for all taxpayers who file and pay their Federal income taxes on April 15, 2020, are automatically extended until July 15, 2020. This relief applies to all individual returns, trusts, and corporations. This relief is automatic, taxpayers do not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify.

This relief also includes estimated tax payments for tax year 2020 that are due on April 15, 2020.

Penalties and interest will begin to accrue on any remaining unpaid balances as of July 16, 2020. You will automatically avoid interest and penalties on the taxes paid by July 15.

Individual taxpayers who need additional time to file beyond the July 15 deadline can request a filing extension by filing Form 4868 through their tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov. Businesses who need additional time must file Form 7004.

In certain circumstances, employers can apply for an advance from the IRS to obtain funds to provide paid leave. The IRS has issued a press release explaining some of the benefits that are available.

For more information, visit irs.gov.

Small Business Tax Payers

The state’s Department of Revenue has a special email address, COVID19TAXHELP@FloridaRevenue.com, to answer questions for small business taxpayers and encourage taxpayers to work with the department if they have financial difficulties with meeting taxpayer deadlines.

Short-Time Compensation Program (Florida Department of Economic Opportunity)

The Short-Time Compensation Program is a voluntary employer program designed to help employers maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees. If an employer establishes a Short Time Compensation Plan and an employee meets the qualifications to file a re-employment assistance claim in the state of Florida, the employee will receive a partial re-employment check to supplement their reduced paycheck.

Employees & Employers: Find more information on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Short Time Compensation Program.

Employers: Apply for the Short Time Compensation Program (required for employees to submit a re-employment claim).

Small Business Assistance

The Miami-Dade Beacon Council is providing resources to support local businesses and employees. For more business information about COVID-19, visit the Beacon Council website or email beaconhelp@beaconcouncil.com.

The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce also has a business resource guide.

Through the federal CARES Act, billions of dollars are available for small businesses in the form of loans and grants, such as Economic Injury Disaster Loans and the Paycheck Protection Program, both of which are administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In addition, local businesses can start applying for Florida Emergency Bridge Loans by calling 833-832-4494.

Families First Coronavirus Response Act

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA or Act) requires certain employers to provide their employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. The Department of Labor’s (Department) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) administers and enforces the new law’s paid leave requirements. These provisions will apply from the effective date through December 31, 2020.

Employer Notice: Each covered employer must post in a conspicuous place on its premises a notice of FFCRA requirements. Employer requirements fact sheet. The Department of Labor has issued a press release indicating that it intends to observe a 30-day period of non-enforcement for employers who engage in reasonable, good-faith efforts to comply with the FFCRA.

Unemployment Benefits

Florida has eliminated the ‘work search’ requirement’ for unemployment benefits.

To apply for unemployment online click here.

Unemployment applications are available to print and mail.
Click here for English | Click here for Spanish

For more information, visit floridajobs.org.

Temporary Signage for Businesses in Sunny Isles Beach

The City of Sunny Isles Beach would like to provide temporary assistance to our business community and will allow installation of temporary flag banners along Collins Avenue. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, please follow the steps below:

Email infopz@sibfl.net with the following information:
- Name, address, and type of business
- Contact information including name, phone and email of site manager/owner
- Hours of operation (days and hours)
Picture or graphic of the proposed temporary flag banner (one per business)
Dimensions of the proposed temporary flag banner (one per business)
Temporary flag banner content
Contact information (name, phone, email) of person in charge of installing and removing banner on a daily basis
Prior to installing your temporary flag banner, you shall receive a notification of approval from infopz@sibfl.net with the specific location where to install your flag banner
There will be NO fee to request a temporary flag banner, however, Code Compliance will assess $250 daily fines if guidelines are not followed

For questions and more information, please call 305.792.1740 or email infopz@sibfl.net.

July 9, 2020
Emergency Order 10-20
Reinforces Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 26-20 regarding short-term rentals including occupancy rates and new rental agreements and all amendments thereto. Also addresses production of documentation, penalties and enforcement.

June 5, 2020
Emergency Order 09-20
Amends Emergency Order 06-20 allowing for dog parks to reopen, in accordance with Miami-Dade County Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 21-20, and removing the usage schedule for park goers, effective Monday, June 8.

Emergency Order 08-20
May 29, 2020
Rescinds Emergency Orders 01-20, 02-20 and 03-20. Amends Emergency Order 06-20. States that regulations and restrictions imposed by the State and County remain in effect.

Emergency Order 07-20
May 16, 2020
All retail and commercial establishments, as defined in Miami-Dade County Emergency Order 23-20, located within the jurisdiction of the City of Sunny Isles Beach that wish to open shall follow the provisions of Emergency Order 23-20.

Emergency Order 06-20
May 1, 2020
Orders select City parks and recreational facilities to reopen with limitations.

Emergency Order 05-20
April 29, 2020
Orders all City parks and recreational facilities to remain closed.

Emergency Order 04-20
April 8, 2020
Orders general contractors of open/new construction sites in progress to strictly adhere to CDC guidelines and the Joint Construction Industry Commitment issued on March 23, 2020: Pledge to Reduce the Spread of Novel Coronavirus on South Florida’s Construction Sites.

Emergency Order 03-20
April 8, 2020
Limits construction activities permitted in multi-family residential buildings in Sunny Isles Beach.

Emergency Order 02-20
March 26, 2020
Orders all residents & visitors to remain in their homes other than to engage in essential activities. Hotels, motels, & other commercial lodging establishments shall not accept new reservations for persons other than Essential Lodgers.

Emergency Order 01-20
March 22, 2020
Orders all gyms and pools closed and establishes a nightly curfew from 11 pm – 5 am in Sunny Isles Beach.

Declaration of Local Emergency
March 12, 2020

July 7
Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 26-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on July 9, 2020, Emergency Order 26-20 is amended to close banquet halls, both stand alone and incident to any hotel or other establishment; and ballrooms, both stand alone and incident to any hotel or other establishment; to require masks or facial coverings to be worn when inside gyms and fitness centers; to limit restaurants and cafeterias to outdoor service only for on-site consumption between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. each day, and require that such outdoor on-premises service cease at 10:00 p.m., but to provide that such establishments may operate their kitchens between the hours of 10:00 p.m. each night and 6:00 a.m. the next morning only for the purpose of providing delivery, pick-up, room service, or take out services; and to further impose a maximum daytime and overnight occupancy for short-term vacation rentals of up to a maximum of two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons per property not to exceed a maximum of ten persons, and to prohibit new rental agreements entered into except on a monthly basis.

July 2
Emergency Order 27-20
Commencing on July 3, 2020, orders that a curfew is imposed for all of Miami-Dade County, including incorporated and unincorporated areas, effective from 10 p.m. each night through 6 a.m. the next morning, until cancelled or revised. During the period of such curfew, no person shall make use of any street or sidewalk for any purpose, except police, fire rescue, first responder, medical, health care, media, and utility repair service personnel. In addition, the curfew shall not apply to persons: working at essential establishments listed in attached exhibit A; returning directly to their homes from work at essential establishments or going directly to work at essential establishments from their homes; making deliveries from essential establishments; and walking their dogs within 250 feet of their residences.

July 2
Emergency Order 26-20
Commencing at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020, orders that all of the following shall be closed in Miami-Dade County: movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, indoor amusement facilities, and casinos (except casinos on sovereign tribal land).

July 2
Amendment No. 1 to Emergency Order 20-20
Effective as of 9 a.m. on July 2, 2020, Emergency Order 20-20 is amended to state that all persons throughout Miami-Dade County shall wear a mask or other facial covering when in public.

June 30
Amendment No. 1 to Emergency Order 25-20
Replaces and restates Emergency Order 25-20 to require hotels, motels and commercial lodging establishments to do the following commencing at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020 and extending through 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 6, 2020: close pools between the hours of 8 p.m. each night and 6 a.m. the next morning; limit the use of pools to guests staying in rooms at the establishment, and overall capacity to 50 percent of the pool deck capacity; not permit alcohol consumption or sales on pool decks prior to 11 a.m.; only permit guests staying at the establishment to access rooms, and to strictly observe room occupancy limits; to state that hotels, motels, and commercial lodging establishments which violate those requirements shall close their pool and pool deck until 12:01 a.m., July 7, 2020.

June 30
Amendment No. 5 to Emergency Order 23-20
Commencing on July 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., restaurants and other food service establishments with seating for more than eight people shall close for on-premises dining between 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. each day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, such establishments may operate their kitchens for the purpose of providing delivery services, pick-up or take out services. Employees, janitorial personnel, contractors, and delivery personnel shall be allowed access to such establishments at all times.

June 28
Emergency Order 25-20
Commencing at 12:01 a.m., Friday, July 3, 2020 and extending through 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2020 and notwithstanding any other emergency order to the contrary, all public and private beaches shall be closed in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, no parades shall be allowed during this time period. Municipal firework shows may take place during this time period but only in strict compliance with the social distancing and facial covering requirements of Emergency Order 10-20 and Emergency Order 21-20, as amended. Per Emergency Order 21-20, parks must close by 8 p.m.

June 28
Amendment No. 4 to Emergency Order 23-20
Effective as of 11:59 p.m., on June 29, 2020, amends Emergency Order 23-20 to make changes to the attestation process for establishments that are in violation and amends Exhibit B; states that no establishment permitted to open that serves alcohol shall sell alcohol for on-site consumption between the hours of 12:01 a.m. and 6 a.m. each day; and states that hookah lounges shall remain closed.

June 28
Amendment No. 3 to Emergency Order 18-20
Effective immediately, changes the contact information for certain persons interested in placement at hotels for quarantine purposes.

June 24
Amendment No. 2 to Emergency Order 18-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m., on June 25, 2020, amends Emergency Order 18-20 to require hospitals to provide certain additional demographic information and information twice daily, as opposed to only once; and also instructs hospitals to inform both COVID-19 patients that do not require hospitalization, and individuals who have been tested for COVID-19 but are awaiting test results, that the County has hotel space available for voluntary quarantine, if desired by such individual.

June 19
Amendment No. 3 to Emergency Order 23-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on June 20, 2020, amends Emergency Order 23-20 to state that an establishment that falls out of compliance with this order shall immediately close, and that such business may reopen only upon (1) taking 24 hours to review this order and taking all necessary measures to come into compliance with its requirements; and (2) executing the attestation attached hereto as Exhibit B demonstrating that the review has been completed and the measures have been taken, and submitting the executed affidavit by email to IMT@mdpd.com or by mail to Special Patrol Bureau/Incident Management Team 1501 N.W. 79th Avenue, Doral, Florida 33126.

June 7
Amendment No. 3 to Emergency Order 21-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on June 8, 2020, amends Emergency Order 21-20 to allow for the use of gyms, recreation buildings, campgrounds, skate parks, and concessions at parks; clarifies that while dog parks may open, dogs must remain on leashes; allows for sports skills practice and drills at parks, and competitive doubles tennis; allows charter vessels to carry passengers consistent with vessel size; and clarifies that jet ski rentals may accommodate two riders from the same family.

June 4
Amendment No. 2 to Emergency Order 23-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on June 8, 2020, this amendment reopens banquet halls, gyms, fitness centers, summer camps, youth activities, massage studios or parlors, and tattoo parlors, if operated in accordance with the Moving to A New Normal Handbook (see Exhibit A) and Emergency Order 23-20 (HTML | PDF); and provides a process for the opening of movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement facilities, casinos, and other high risk but individually unique entertainment establishments.

June 4, 2020
Amendment No. 2 to Emergency Order 21-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on June 8, 2020, this amendment allows summer camps and youth sports to be conducted in conformance with Emergency Order 23-20, as amended, and the Moving to A New Normal Handbook incorporated into that order. The amendment also allows the opening of dog parks.

May 31, 2020
Emergency Order 24-20
Orders the following: public pools, including pools in municipal parks, may be open to the public if operated in accordance with the standards set for pools set forth in Emergency Order 23-20, as amended; banquet facilities and other event venues may be open to the public if operated at fifty percent of their rated capacity, and in accordance with the standards for hotel convention and banquet facilities set forth in Emergency Order 23-20, as amended; also cancels prior Emergency Orders.

May 27, 2020
Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 21-20
Effective as of 12:01 a.m. on June 1, 2020, amends paragraphs 7 and 8 of Emergency Order 21-20 to delete references to beach closures.

May 27, 2020
Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 23-20
Amends paragraphs 3, 4, 5 and 6 of Emergency Order 23-20 to reopen beaches, swimming pools, and hotels, subject to social distancing and other requirements.

May 15, 2020
Emergency Order 23-20
Effective 12:01 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2020, orders the opening of certain retail and commercial establishments in Miami-Dade County, conditioned on compliance with provisions set forth in Exhibit A (The Handbook). Orders that the following establishments remain closed: bars, pubs, night clubs, banquet halls, cocktail lounges, cabarets, and breweries, except for take-out or delivery services as authorized pursuant to Emergency Order 03-20; movie theaters, concert houses, auditoriums, playhouses, bowling alleys, arcades, gymnasiums, and fitness studios; hotels and commercial lodging establishments, except as operated pursuant to Emergency Order 09-20, as amended; pools and hot tubs, except as authorized in Emergency Order 16-20, as amended; tattoo parlors; and massage parlors. Allows for restaurants in the unincorporated municipal service area that comply with certain requirements to provide outdoor dining areas in accordance with the provisions set forth in Exhibit B.

May 6, 2020
Emergency Order 22-20
Orders all residential health care facilities in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of Miami-Dade County to report certain information, if requested by the County.

April 27
Emergency Order 21-20
Effective as of 6:00 am on April 29, 2020, orders the opening, with restrictions, of parks, golf courses, marinas and boat ramps.

Emergency Order 20-20
April 9, 2020
Persons working in or visiting grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, construction sites, public transit vehicles, vehicles for hire, and locations where social distancing measures are not possible shall wear facial coverings as defined by the CDC.

Emergency Order 19-20
April 4, 2020
Orders the following effective immediately: All persons outside their homes are encouraged to wear a cloth facial covering consistent with the current CDC guidelines, including cloth masks.

Emergency Order 18-20
April 4, 2020
Effective as of 11:59 p.m. April 4: Each hospital shall report on a daily basis by 10:15 a.m. and 7:15 p.m., the following information stated in this order to the County.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 18-20

Emergency Order 17-20
April 2, 2020
Orders essential commercial and retail establishments that provide unpackaged food for consumption to limit capacity and monitor entrances and exits in areas where food is sold. Also orders closing of salad bars, self-serve food stations (except pre-packaged grab and go items) and encourages sanitary practices for employees and customers.

Emergency Order 16-20
March 31, 2020
Adult Day Cares within the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the County are hereby ordered to close, or otherwise cease all programs to deliver personal services to the elderly.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 16-20

Emergency Order 15-20
March 31, 2020
Orders the closure of common-use amenities at commercial and non-commercial locations.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 15-20
•Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 15-20

Emergency Order 14-20
March 28, 2020
Orders the following: All laws, statutes, codes and regulations relating to County employees performing building code functions are suspended.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 14-20

Emergency Order 13-20
March 27, 2020
Orders that all essential businesses currently open use reasonable efforts to ensure customers and employees maintain appropriate social distancing.

Emergency Order 12-20
March 26, 2020
SAFER AT HOME: All residents and visitors are urged to remain in their homes other than to engage in essential activities, as allowed through previous Emergency Orders.

Emergency Order 11-20
March 25, 2020
Urges persons over 65 years of age or have a serious underlying medical condition to stay home and take such other measures as necessary to limit their risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Emergency Order 10-20
March 25, 2020
Orders that more than 10 people shall not gather in public. Lists specific and essential service exemptions.

Emergency Order 09-20
March 21, 2020
Hotels, motels, short-term vacation rentals and other commercial lodging establishments shall not accept new reservations for persons other than essential lodgers.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 09-20

Emergency Order 08-20
March 21, 2020
Rafting is prohibited.

Emergency Order 07-20
March 19, 2020
Effective 9 p.m. March 19, all non-essential retail and commercial establishments are ordered closed.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 07-20
•Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 07-20
•Amendment 3 to Emergency Order 07-20

Emergency Order 06-20
March 19, 2020
All parks, beaches and recreational facilities in the incorporated and unicorporated areas of Miami-Dade County are ordered closed. This order applies to both publicly-owned and privately-owned parks, beaches and recreational facilities.
•Amendment 1 to Emergency Order 06-20
•Amendment 2 to Emergency Order 06-20
•Amendment 3 to Emergency Order 06-20

Emergency Order 05-20
March 18, 2020
No person shall operate any common used moped, motorized scooter, bicycle or motorized bicycle, or any micromobility device, on any public street or sidewalk within the limits Miami-Dade County.

Emergency Order 03-20
March 17, 2020
Asking food service establishments, movie theaters, playhouses and general gathering places to close, with restaurant kitchens allowed to stay open for takeout and delivery orders.

VIEW FULL LIST OF EMERGENCY ORDERS