TALLAHASSEE, FL — Florida is trying to speed up the processing time for unemployment benefits.
The online registration system has been overwhelmed by so many people requesting benefits. Today, it was announced that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has waived a rule requiring recipients wait a week before their first check is given.
Previously, he did away with the rule that said people getting the benefits have to prove they are continuing to search for new work.
A stay at home order was also issued by DeSantis.He issued the order today and it limits people to being outside for essential activities.
It begins tomorrow at midnight and will last for 30 days.DeSantis had been under pressure to issue the order as cases in his state have spiked.
The number of coronavirus cases in Florida is up to nearly 7,000.New numbers released by the state health department this morning show a jump of 214 cases, for a total of 6,955.
Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties account for about 4,000 of the state's cases.
Also, two more people have died, bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 in Florida to 87. Palm Beach County has the most deaths in the state at 16.