A Florida county received a hefty $3.5 million fine Tuesday for violating the state’s ban on vaccine passports.
The Florida Department of Health fined Leon County after the local government started requiring its employees to provide proof of vaccination, Just the News reports.
The health department called the county's actions a “blatant violation” of Florida’s law, which prevents businesses from requesting proof of vaccination from customers and employees.
The notice alleged that Leon County violated the law a mere 715 times by requesting each of the more than 700 employees to provide vaccine records. The county government also fired 14 people who refused to get vaccinated.
“It is unacceptable that Leon County violated Florida law, infringed on current and former employees’ medical privacy, and fired loyal public servants because of their personal health decisions,” Gov. Ron DeSantis said in a statement. “We will continue fighting for Floridians’ rights and the Florida Department of Health will continue to enforce the law. We’re going to stand up for Floridians’ jobs, stand up for Floridians’ livelihoods, and stand up for freedom.”
Leon County officials intend to fight the health department on its ruling, arguing that vaccine mandates are justified.
Under the law, Leon County will have 30 days from when the fine was given to petition before a court.
