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A La Carte Liability Protection from Future COVID-19-Related Lawsuits
RESET Task Force Issues Liability Policy Recs Related to Future COVID-19 Related Lawsuits
The 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.
Hawk’s Cay Salutes Health Care Workers
Hawks 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! Estimated Hotel Jobs Lost and Closures Post COVID
The 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
Total Pre-COVID Supported Jobs Direct hotel jobs + jobs supported by hotels Jobs Lost September 2020 Direct hotel jobs + jobs supported by hotels Total Hotel Closures Forced foreclosure or closure due to low current/projected demand -76,746
747,705
-172,720
3,861
Want to know more about the state-by-state breakdown? Click here.
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!
Seminole Hard Rock and Its Guitar Hotel Win Top Global Gaming Awards
Seminole Hard Rock and its Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood won two top honors at the Global Gaming Awards 2020, which were held in conjunction with G2E in Las Vegas.
Seminole Hard Rock scored top honors as Land-Based Operator of the Year, winning the first-place award over nine other finalists, all leading casino operators from around the world. In addition, the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood won first place as Property of the Year. A little more than one year ago, Seminole Hard Rock opened the $1.5 billion Guitar Hotel, an expansion of its flagship Hard Rock-branded integrated resort.
Commenting on the awards, Chairman of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen said, “We’re excited about the acknowledgement, and on behalf of our 50,000 employees around the world, we sincerely appreciate it, especially with so many great companies being considered.”COVID-19 and future economic slowdowns.
Teri Green Luebkemann
With sadness, we want to let our FRLA family and members know that our dear friend and colleague, Geoff Luebkemann, lost his beloved wife Teri, after a long battle with cancer. Geoff and Teri met each other many years ago, while both working at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Geoff left DBPR in 2006 to join the team at FRLA while Teri continued her service for some years at DBPR.
Teri retired from the agency several years ago and shortly after her retirement, in June of 2016, Geoff and Teri were married. They have always been an inspiration to those who know and work with them. We have all been touched by their steadfast love and dedication to one another. A service will be planned at a later date when it is safer to gather together. Please keep Geoff and their family in your thoughts and prayers. Dover Named Influential in Florida Politics
FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover was named part of “2020 The Influence 100: The most influential people in Florida politics” by INFLUENCE Magazine. This list recognizes folks that are influential in the political process. Congratulations, Carol!
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation Offers Discount to FRLA Members
Do you play movies, TV or other audiovisual content in your bar, restaurant or hotel? Did you know that playing movies or TV in public requires a public performance license? MPLC is authorized by more than 1,000 motion picture rights holders to grant the Umbrella License®, an affordable copyright compliance solution. Get your FRLA member discount at mplc.com, emailing info@mplc.com or calling (800) 462-8855.
FRLA wants to welcome new members from Superior Small Lodging (SSL) to the Florida Inns Chapter. SSL recently agreed to become a part of this growing chapter that addresses the needs of Florida inns and small hotel properties with under 49 units. Nicole Chapman is the Florida Inns Chapter Director, and she looks forward to working with SSL as they transition into FRLA. For more information, please contact her at (904) 574-2259 (call or text anytime) or at nchapman@frla.org. Thank you to Hawks Cay for your recognition of our heroes!
