Florida’s motion for an injunction against the Conditional Sail Order (CSO) restricting the cruise industry since October 2020 is now granted. As a result, the CDC is temporarily prohibited from enforcing the CSO against any cruise ship docking at a Florida port or embarking on a voyage.
The court essentially ruled in favor of Florida, asserting that the CSO exceeds the CDC’s “statutory and regulatory authority.” The order is stayed until July 18, after which the CSO will only become a non-binding recommendation.
The court further recommended the CDC propose a “narrower” version of the injunction no later than July 2, and both parties were ordered back to the mediation table.
As we have previously published, the court case was brought forward earlier this year by Gov. Ron DeSantis, together with Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, after DeSantis urged the CDC to rescind the order and allow cruises to restart by summer. “Today’s ruling is a victory for Floridians whose livelihoods depend on the cruise industry,” said Moody in her statement. “The federal government does not have the authority to single out and lockdown an entire industry indefinitely.”
