DeSantis: Local governments will face $5K fines for imposing vaccine mandates

Cities and counties in Florida that require COVID-19 vaccines as a condition of employment will be fined $5,000 per violation, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) said Monday.

During a press conference, DeSantis said government agency vaccine mandates violate the state’s law banning private businesses from requiring “vaccine passports” for customers.

What he’s saying: “We are gonna stand for the men and women who are serving us. We are gonna protect Florida jobs,” DeSantis said. “We are not gonna let people be fired because of a vaccine mandate.”

DeSantis said any local government that imposes vaccine requirements could risk millions of dollars in fines. He specifically mentioned first responders who refuse to be vaccinated.

“You don’t just cast aside people who have been serving faithfully over this issue, over what’s basically a personal choice on their individual health,” DeSantis said. “We cannot let these folks be cast aside. We cannot allow their jobs to be destroyed.”

Big picture: DeSantis, who is seen as a likely presidential contender in 2024, has framed vaccination as a personal choice.

DeSantis’s ban on vaccine mandates represents another warning shot at the Biden administration and its efforts to try to ensure as many Americans as possible are vaccinated against COVID-19.