Friday, March 27, 2020
The United States now has in excess of 100,000 confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases – more than any other nation in the world. COVID-19 has caused major challenges for American families, businesses, and workers. Governments at every level are taking action to address both the public health situation and its economic impacts.
Since Hand Law is focused on government, we will publish regular updates on how policymakers in Washington, Tallahassee, and various Florida localities are responding to the pandemic – and what those responses mean for you. This inaugural article provides guidance on where to find the latest public health information, summarizes the most recent State of Florida policy directives, and highlights the economic relief measures the federal and Florida governments are implementing.
COVID-19 Public Health Information
- The latest State of Florida daily report (Friday, 3/27 at 7:10 PM) shows 3198 total cases in the state
- Key public health agency sites for the latest on COVID-19 include the following:
Federal Government: Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease
State of Florida: Florida Department of Health and Division of Emergency Management
Florida Localities: County emergency websites can be found at www.floridadisaster.org/counties/. The Florida Association of Counties provides other key information on county orders, policies and websites at https://flicg.org/covid-19-resources-2/. The Florida League of Cities links to municipal websites at www.floridaleagueofcities.com/coronavirus-resources/municipal-covid-19-webpages.
Florida Government Extends Tax Deadlines, Closes Public Facilities
Property Tax Deadline Extended: The Florida Department of Revenue (FDOR) has extended the property tax payment deadline for Florida residential and commercial property owners from March 31, 2020 to April 15, 2020. See more at https://floridarevenue.com/Pages/media.aspx.
Sales and Use Tax Deadline Extended: Sales, use and related taxes collected in February 2020 were previously due on March 20. FDOR will waive penalties & interest for any taxes submitted by March 31, 2020. COVID-impacted taxpayers will have until April 30 to submit March taxes.
Florida Statewide Closures:
Florida K-12 schools are closed until at least April 15. Some school districts have transitioned to online education. Colleges/universities have also moved to virtual classes.
Florida state parks are closed indefinitely. While the state has not closed beaches statewide, numerous Florida counties have implemented beach closures.
Though restaurant dining rooms are closed, many restaurants are open for take-out and/or delivery. Bars and nightclubs remain closed throughout Florida.
Florida, Federal Governments Offer Economic Assistance to Businesses, Workers
U.S. Income Tax Deadline Extended: The U.S. Treasury Department has extended the deadline to file and pay federal income taxes from April 15, 2020 until July 15, 2020.
Emergency Small Business Assistance: The State of Florida is extending emergency business bridge loans up to $50,000.00: https://floridadisasterloan.org. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans: www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources#section-header-0.
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Congress has adopted and the President has signed a $2 trillion economic stimulus package to provide relief to taxpayers, businesses, industries and unemployed workers. Key provisions include:
Direct Payments to Americans: Each American whose last filed tax return reflected an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $75,000 for a single filer, or who filed jointly with a total AGI of less than $150,000, will be provided with $1,200. This payment will be supplemented with an additional $500 for each child under 17. Payments will start to phase out above the $75,000/$150,000 AGI level and end altogether at $99,000/$198,000 AGI.
Expanded Small Business Loans: The Keeping American Workers Paid and Employed Act invests $377 billion to help small businesses survive the COVID-19 economic crisis. Its Paycheck Protection Program provides up to eight (8) weeks of federally guaranteed loans (maximum $10 Million) so that small businesses, self-employed individuals, gig economy workers and non-profits can meet key financial obligations. Employers that maintain payroll will receive loan forgiveness for qualifying expenses. Please see this U.S. Senate Committee for Small Business and Entrepreneurship summary of all initiatives: www.rubio.senate.gov/public/ cache/files/28e8263e-e7d4-4da7-a67b- 077c54ba4220/9F7B494B2E355791B24536DC2162CF16.final-one-pager-keeping-american-workers-paid-and-employed-act-.pdf
Payroll Tax Relief: Employers will be permitted to defer their 2020 Social Security payroll tax deposits until 12/31/2021 (50% due) and 12/31/2022 (50% due). Businesses which meet qualifying criteria will receive 2020 payroll tax credits on certain wages paid.
Enhanced Unemployment Benefits: The federal government will add $600/week to state unemployment payments for up to four months, make self-employed workers eligible for assistance, and provide an extra 13 weeks of unemployment after state benefits expire.
Targeted Assistance: The Act provides nearly $100 billion to hospitals and $500 billion in loans/loan guarantees to distressed industries and state/local governments. State and local governments will also receive $150 billion in emergency aid.