A county in Florida was fined $3.5 million for violating a new law that bans vaccine mandates in the state and for firing workers who refuse to get the shot, according to the Associated Press.
The state’s heath department issued Leon County, home of the state capital with the $3.5 million fine saying they violated a state law that bans businesses and governments from requiring proof of vaccination.
“These are people that, presumably, have been serving throughout this whole time and now all of a sudden they’re basically getting kicked to the curb,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said at a news conference.
The law, which took effect last month carries a fine of 5,000 per violation. It is being challenged in court since it potentially conflicts with federal law that companies with more than 100 employees require their workers to be vaccinated or face weekly testing, according to AP.
“The governor’s position in this instance unfortunately appears to be less of a public health strategy and more about political strategy,” Leon County Administrator Vincent long said in a statement.
Other Democratic leaders from the state took issue with Desantis fining counties for taking steps necessary to keep people safe.
Florida state Sen. Loranne Ausley (D) called the fines “unbelievable,” adding that localities “don’t need the state bullying our communities or private businesses who are simply trying to serve the people and get on the other side of this pandemic,” according to The AP.
At least 120 cases of potential violations are being investigation by the Florida Department of Health, according to the Orlando Sentinel. Some of these areas include Orange County government; the Orange County Convention Center; AdventHealth, one of the state’s largest health care systems; several performing arts venues; Amway Center; the city of Miramar; the Plantation Police Department; the Marlins and several cruise ship companies.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) signed a similar order on Monday banning “any entity” in the state from enforcing a vaccine mandate.
