MIAMI, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis has approved Miami-Dade and Broward’s request to join the rest of Florida and enter phase one of reopening.
Governor DeSantis made the announcement at a press conference in South Florida on Thursday.
Both counties had been awaiting a response as they worked on guidelines for reopening as early as Monday.
The governor said the two South Florida counties have met the criteria to move into the first phase.
"We're able to take this small, but very important step for this region," DeSantis said.
Under Phase One, restaurants and retail shops across Florida can operate at 25 percent capacity.
However, large venues like movie theaters, hotels, bars, nightclubs and beaches must remain closed, and students must continue distance learning until further notice.
DeSantis was joined during the press conference by Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez and Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, among other local leaders.
