2020 Legislative Session
Governor DeSantis's Plan to Reopen Florida
This week, Governor DeSantis announced the first step in his plan to reopen the state of Florida's economy beginning Monday, May 4, 2020. The Executive Order can be found here.

  • The Executive Order excludes Miami-Dade, Broward & Palm Beach counties
  • Restaurants & Retail stores can reopen at 25% capacity
  • Schools will remain closed & utilize distance learning
  • Large venues (e.g., movie theaters) will remain closed
  • Personal service establishments (e.g., barbershops & nail salons) will remain closed
  • Elective surgeries can resume statewide

On Friday afternoon, Governor DeSantis announced that all state parks will reopen Monday, May 4, 2020. Governor DeSantis emphasized the following recommendations:

  • Continue practicing social distancing
  • No groups larger than 10 people should convene

Additional important information for Florida's families:

  • The CDC now recommends that all Americans wear a cloth face mask when out in public. Read the CDC guidelines here. 
  • SNAP recipients can now purchase groceries online through the FNS Online Purchasing Portal that launched April 21st . Amazon is an eligible store in Florida. More information here.
Early Education During COVID-19
Childcare and early education centers are considered essential during the efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. See below for some articles highlighting the importance of keeping these often small businesses operating to help the state recover from the effects of COVID-19.

From EdSurge : “With doctors and nurses, you want them not only physically present to do their jobs, but emotionally present, and they can’t do that if they’re worried about their 2- or 3-year-old.”

From Florida Times-Union : “Without child care, we don’t have health care workers. We’re trying to get ahead of the issue before essential employees are having to call out of work to prioritize the safety of their children.”

Thank you to the Children's Movement of Florida for compiling these articles.
2020 Census
Please Share with Your Networks!
Approximately only 52% of households in Florida have completed the Census.

Please reach out your networks and remind them that federal funding for Florida relies on an accurate count. Programs for healthcare, education, transportation and housing; strategic planning for private and public organizations and representation depend on an accurate count.
 A complete and correct count in Florida’s communities help young children thrive because communities will receive their fair share to support programs, such as health insurance, hospitals, child care, food assistance, schools, and early childhood development.

We continue to urge you to help us spread the word to please complete the 2020 Census at http://2020census.gov/

The Census is safe, it's easy, it's important!
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Resources during COVID-19
As the state of Florida, along with the rest of the country, reacts to the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, we have compiled a snapshot of resources available below:

General Information

  • 211 Helpline Florida - The United Way is aiding those who are effected by COVID-19. If you or somebody you know needs help, please reach out through calling 2-1-1 24/7 Call 2-1-1, available 24/7

School Aged Resources


Food Assistance
 

Mental Health


Re-employment assistance


Business and Non-Profit Assistance

Webinars

C.A.R.E.S. Act Webinar curated for The Children's Trust

For more information, please contact
Donovan Lee-Sin, Chief Public Policy & Engagement Officer at
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