A LA CARTE
RESET Task Force Issues Liability Policy Recs Related to Future COVID-19 Related Lawsuits
T
he Florida RESET Task Force — which is comprised of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF), Florida Retail Federation (FRF), the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and dozens of other business groups — released its liability protection policy recommendations aimed at protecting Florida businesses from future COVID-19-related lawsuits. These recommendations were developed by the RESET Task Force’s Legal Reform Working Group.
The RESET Task Force’s liability protection policy recommendations include:
• Exempting essential businesses entirely from COVID-19 liability • A heightened culpability standard: to establish liability, the defendant must have acted with gross negligence or intentional conduct • A heightened evidentiary standard: clear and convincing evidence is required to establish liability, rather than a mere preponderance of the evidence • A shortened statute of limitations so that businesses will not face COVID-19 liability years after the pandemic has passed • Protections for employers from employees’ COVID-19 related claims, including any enforcement actions brought under state law, so long as the employer complied with applicable guidelines The RESET Task Force was formed to focus on providing industry-specific policy recommendations to the Florida Legislature and bringing forth initiatives that will seek to help all of Florida’s economy rebound from the effects of COVID-19 and future economic slowdowns.
Estimated Hotel Jobs Lost and Closures Post COVID
T
he American Hotel and Lodging Association released a study this fall that reveals the serious impact COVID-19 has had on the industry. The industry has been working to urge Congress to pass another COVID-19 stimulus bill to assist operators through this turbulent time. The following are predictions should nothing be implemented.
Florida Breakdown Pre-COVID Hotel Jobs
201,433
Jobs Lost September 2020
-76,746
Total Pre-COVID Supported Jobs Direct hotel jobs + jobs supported by hotels
747,705
Jobs Lost September 2020 Direct hotel jobs + jobs supported by hotels
-172,720
Total Hotel Closures Forced foreclosure or closure due to low current/projected demand
3,861
Hawk’s Cay Salutes Health Care Workers
H
awks Cay honored 50 frontline health care workers this fall by surprising them with a no-cost, two-night stay at the Florida Keys resort. Chosen by their supervisors, the workers demonstrated their commitment to service and went above and beyond what was required of their roles during this global pandemic. Hawks Cay’s Heroes Salute program celebrates America’s heroes, including the military, first responders and health care workers. Thank you to Hawks Cay for your recognition of our heroes! 46 WINTER
2020
Sen. Rubio Names Anna Maria Oyster Bar as Senate Small Business of the Week
U.S.
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, named Anna Maria Oyster Bar of Bradenton as the U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week. Rubio released the following video message to congratulate Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the honor. Congratulations to the AMOB crew! FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
PHOTO BY YAKOBCHUKOLENA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (HOTELS) AND MASAOTAIRA / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS (RESET)
Want to know more about the state-by-state breakdown? Click here.
