Starting June 26, you have to wear a face mask in Miami or pay a fine

DORAL, FL – Starting Friday, June 26, anyone not wearing a face mask in public while at City of Miami will be fined with up to $500 for repeat offenders. 

“If they fail to wear masks in public, they’re going to get a warning. The second time they’ll be fined $50, the third time they’ll be fined $150 and could be fined up to $500,” said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. 

According to Business Insider, the situation could get a lot worst for people who persist in refusing to wear a face-covering resulting in being arrested, as a last resort. 

“With the number of COVID-19 cases in our community growing, every single Miamian must step up and do their part to reverse this surge by wearing face coverings whenever they’re in public spaces,” City Manager Art Noriega said Thursday.

This new measure, proposed by Mayor Suarez earlier this week when he called on city commissioners to impose a penalty for not wearing a face mask, does not include children under two, people with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask, or those practicing exercise while social distancing. 

As far as City of Doral, although it hasn’t been announced that there will be fines for people not wearing facial coverings in public, two days ago it was clarified through the City’s website in what situations is mandatory to get facial protection.

“The Miami-Dade County and City of Doral orders say people must wear a mask indoors in public places. Masks are only required to be worn outside in situations where you cannot practice social distancing and remain at least 6 feet apart,” reads the announcement. 

In other words, face coverings must be worn when venturing outside of your home and into public transit, vehicles for hire, public places where social distancing is impossible, including groceries, hardware stores, pharmacies, restaurants, (until you are seated) and all other businesses.

Also, according to the statement, people is required to wear a mask in public when they visit a public park unless engaging in strenuous activity such as running and otherwise away from other people. The requirement does not apply to children age two and younger or those with chronic preexisting breathing problems.

Anyone with questions and concerns about the coronavirus can call the Florida Department of Health’s 24-hour hotline at 1-866-779-6121.