Florida Fines County Millions for Requiring Employees to Get COVID-19 Vaccine

The Florida Department of Health, under the so-called “leadership” of Governor Ron DeSantis, has issued a notice of violation to a county government in connection with vaccine requirements.

Leon County has been fined more than $3.5 million for 714 purported instances of “violating” the state’s vaccine passport ban. As previously announced, per regional outlet WKMG, DeSantis had threatened agencies with word that any vaccine-related requirements could be fined thousands for each “violation.”

In a statement shared Tuesday, DeSantis—who’s known for a string of uniquely Floridian MAGAisms—said it was “unacceptable” that Leon County had “violated” Florida law.

“We will continue fighting for Floridians’ rights and the Florida Department of Health will continue to enforce the law,” DeSantis said. “We’re going to stand up for Floridians’ jobs, stand up for Floridians’ livelihoods, and stand up for freedom.”

In response to DeSantis’ statement, Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long said the vaccine requirement was both “completely legally justifiable” and entirely necessary amid the ongoing pandemic.

“Every single day over the last 20 months of combating the pandemic, Leon County’s emergency response and mitigation efforts have been informed by expert public health guidance and in alignment with a plain reading of the law to ensure the safety of our community,” Long said. “The Governor’s position in this instance unfortunately appears to be less of a public health strategy and more about political strategy.”

All told, a reported 14 Leon County employees were fired after refusing to comply with the very-easy-to-comply-with vaccine requirement.

Complex has reached out to reps for both the Florida Department of Health and the Leon County government for additional comment.

Still not vaccinated? Embarrassing. Fix it.