DeSantis extends Florida's COVID-19 state of emergency order

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order Tuesday to extend Florida's state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The order was set to expire Tuesday at midnight.

The original state of emergency was declared by the governor on March 9, 2020, and extended in 60-day increments. Tuesday's order extended it for another 60 days, citing the "continuing threat to the health, safety and welfare of the State of Florida and its residents."

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The order broaden his powers to respond to the virus, including allowing him to deploy National Guard troops if necessary. A state of emergency is broader than a public health emergency.

Read the full executive order below (mobile users: click here to read):