Sloppy Joes in Key West has been closed since March 17. Bars in Florida are allowed to reopen Friday per Gov. Ron DeSantis' order. MANDY MILES/Keys Weekly

Governor Ron DeSantis announced on June 3 that bars, movie theaters and bowling alleys in most of the state, including the Florida Keys, can reopen on Friday, June 5. The order does not apply to the counties hit hardest by the coronavirus, Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach.

Under the latest executive order, bars can operate at  50% capacity indoors, and at full capacity outside as long as space allows for proper social distancing of 6 feet between tables. 

Entertainment businesses such as movie theaters and bowling alleys can open at 50% capacity beginning on Friday as well. Personal service businesses such as tattoo parlors may reopen as well, and people can begin gathering in groups of 50 or less, starting Friday, the order states.

DeSantis said restaurants and retail shops, which are currently limited to 50% capacity, could open up to full capacity as long as they have space to practice social distancing. 

Restaurants can serve food and drinks at bars with chairs at least 6 feet apart, but bars will only be allowed to serve people who are seated, he said during a press conference Wednesday in Orlando.

The Caribbean Club in Key Largo has been closed for over a month, one of the longest ever for the Keys’ staple bar. HOLLY HOUSER/Keys Weekly
Mandy Miles drops stuff, breaks things and falls down more than any adult should. An award-winning writer, reporter and columnist, she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998. "Local news is crucial," she says. "It informs and connects a community. It prompts conversation. It gets people involved, holds people accountable. The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously. Our owners are raising families in Key West & Marathon. Our writers live in the communities we cover - Key West, Marathon & the Upper Keys. We respect our readers. We question our leaders. We believe in the Florida Keys community. And we like to have a good time." Mandy's married to a saintly — and handy — fishing captain, and can't imagine living anywhere else.