We Are Here For Your Hollywood Business
The City of Hollywood’s Office of Communications, Marketing & Economic Development (CMED) is open for business, compiling information to assist Hollywood businesses throughout the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to check the City of Hollywood’s webpage, sign up for City and Business email/text updates, and follow us on Facebook. Our team is available to talk you through any of your business-related issues. Contact us at 954.921.3620 or by email.
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Broward County Emergency Order
Curfew, Signage and Short Term Rental Restrictions Now In Effect
The number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, along with positivity rates. In the past week, Broward County has experienced more than 1,300 new cases each day with positivity rates as high as 16.58%. Broward County is now posting a daily statistical dashboard of COVID-19 indicators (e.g. number of cases, positivity rates, hospitalizations, hospital capacities, and deaths).
County Administrator Bertha Henry has also issued Emergency Order 20-22, which implements new restrictions to help curtail large social gatherings, including house parties, street parties and other activities that are contributing to community spread of the virus:
- Curfew – Effective July 17, 2020 at 11PM and until August 1, 2020, all of Broward County is under a curfew from 11PM to 5AM. Exemptions to the curfew include: active duty police, fire rescue, first responders, news media, delivery or transportation drivers, government employees, persons seeking emergency medical care and medical, health care and utility service personnel. Also exempt are individuals traveling to and from their place of employment, returning to their homes after commercial travel, and persons walking their pets within 250 feet of their residence.
- Private Gatherings – Effective immediately, private gatherings at a residential property, single-family or otherwise, indoors and/or outdoors, are limited to no more than 10 individuals. Persons present at such gatherings shall be individually liable for violations of this Order and subject to civil and criminal penalties. The owner(s) of the residential property are also liable for violations that occur on their property, whether or not they are in residence or on site at the time of the violation. Residents of any private residential property, whether they own or rent, must ensure all persons on their property comply with the guidelines, subject to civil and criminal penalties.
- Vacation Rentals – Short-term vacation rentals that are not actively managed by on-site owners or on-site management companies with staffing or security on site 24 hours a day to enforce compliance with all the requirements, are not permitted to operate, effective for check-ins commencing on or after July 20, 2020 through August 20, 2020.
- Restaurant Operations – Ordering food or beverage from a bar counter is strictly prohibited. Effective immediately, restaurant patrons must order and consume food and drinks at a table, following all other requirements as outlined in previously issued operating guidelines.
- Gym and Fitness Center Operations – Effective immediately,all persons shall wear a facial covering at all times while using or visiting a gym or fitness center, including while exercising.
- Signage Requirements – Effective July 20, 2020 at 12:01AM, owners, operators and landlords of commercial property at which any retail, restaurant or food establishment is located must ensure compliance by those establishments with the signage requirements of Emergency Order 20-17, and must also ensure the required signage is conspicuously posted in common areas of the property such as mall entrances, food courts and hallways.
Individuals in our community have a personal responsibility to adhere to the guidelines and do their part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The new Order strongly recommends that any person who tests positive for COVID-19, or who is experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, immediately:
- self-isolate to the greatest extent possible and avoid contact with any other person
- avoid visiting establishments and amenities except when medically necessary
- avoid use of common areas such as shared kitchens, laundry rooms or recreational facilities, especially in shared housing or multi-housing developments
Businesses in our community must adhere to the guidelines governing their operations, and patrons of reopened business are encouraged to report violations, which may result in warnings, citations, fines and/or business closures. Through July 15, County and municipal code and law enforcement teams have issued 57 citations and 768 warnings. Residents are urged to call 311 or visit MyBroward.Broward.org to anonymously report violations.
The new Order also updates the following attachments for business guidance: Attachment 2 (Restaurants and Food Establishments), Attachment 5 (Movie Theaters); Attachment 6 (Community Rooms, Fitness Centers and Gyms in Housing Developments); and Attachment 14 (Commercial Gyms and Fitness Centers).
For updates on county orders go to: Broward.org/Coronavirus
For City of Hollywood Information go to: www.hollywoodfl.org
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Public Dashboard Tracks Local COVID-19 Business Complaints
Residents can see if businesses are following emergency guidelines
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb in Florida, and the nation prepares to enter a July 4 holiday weekend typically marked by large group gatherings and public celebrations, Broward County has launched a new tool to help residents ensure they are doing everything they can to contribute to a safer, healthier community and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Broward County’s Planning and Development Management Division has launched a public-facing dashboard of COVID-19 complaints about businesses not following sanitation, social distancing, facial covering and other reopening requirements contained in local Emergency Orders. The GIS-based website displays details about business complaints received, including:
- Name and location of businesses reported to be in violation
- Number and type of warnings and citations issued
- Complaint Outcomes (i.e. Warning Issued, Citation Issued, Resolved, or Pending Inspection)
The database is searchable by Commission District, and by municipality, making it easy for residents to find out if a business they plan on patronizing is observing all the requirements of the Emergency Orders.
According to the dashboard, the most common type of violation is Failure to Follow Social Distancing. Other types of violations include Not Approved to Reopen, Not Following Sanitation Requirements; Not Following Appointment Guidelines, and Allowing More than 50% Indoor Capacity.
Residents are encouraged to bookmark the dashboard at http://arcg.is/1riWfH and visit it frequently for updates in your area.
Residents are reminded, especially over the holiday weekend, to celebrate responsibly. Follow social distancing and facial covering guidelines whenever and wherever possible, even at family gatherings. If you observe that a business is not following the preventive guidelines, you can report it anonymously online at MyBroward.Broward.org, or call 311.
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Free Face Masks & Facial Shields For Businesses
As part of the City of Hollywood’s "Backing Business" initiative, each Hollywood business may pick up a maximum of (20) free masks and (10) free facial shields (while supplies last) in Room #203, City Hall, 2600 Hollywood Blvd, Monday through Thursday, 7AM-6PM.
These COVID-19 supplies are also available from the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) if your business is located within the CRA Beach or Downtown District.
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COVID-19 Safety Posters for Motels + Hotels
As part of its Backing Business initiative, the City of Hollywood has created COVID-19 Safety posters for hotels and motels, which are available for download here.
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COVID-19 Safety Posters for Businesses
As part of its Backing Business initiative, the City of Hollywood has created COVID-19 Safety posters for businesses, which are available for download here. Hollywood businesses may pick up free printed 11" x 17" posters at the following locations:
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City of Hollywood: Backing Business - Temporary Café Zones
The purpose of the Temporary Café Zone expansion is to back the City’s restaurant businesses that have been heavily impacted by COVID-19 mitigation measures, and provide these businesses with the opportunity to expand their dining areas using outdoor spaces. This pilot program has now been extended to run through Monday, July 27, 2020.
The use of Temporary Café Zones requires restaurants to register online, which includes submitting a registration form with supporting documents (indemnification form and proof of insurance), along with other requirements. To learn more and apply for Temporary Café Zones, please click here.
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Phase 1 of Reopening Hollywood Businesses
On May 18, 2020, Broward County joined into the State’s Phase 1 Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida’s Recovery. Under the Phase 1 order, some businesses previously closed, or open only for certain activities, have reopened with restrictions. These businesses include:
- Professional Services
- Restaurants and Food Establishments
- Personal Services (such as barbershops and salons)
- Drive-In Movie Theaters
- Community Rooms, Fitness Centers and Gyms in Housing Developments
- Public Community Pools and Private Club Pools
- Museums
Click here to learn more about the businesses that may reopen and the restrictions that must be followed.
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The City of Hollywood has compiled this list of PPE vendors.
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Important Update: Business Assistance Programs
President Trump Signs $484 Billion In Federal Aid For Small Business Lending Programs
On Friday, April 24, 2020, President Donald Trump signed legislation providing an additional $310 billion in funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), $60 billion of which is reserved for community banks and small lenders; $75 billion for hospitals; $25 billion to support testing efforts; and $60 billion for emergency disaster loans and grants. Read the COVID-19 Federal Legislative Summary Update here.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act Fact Sheets: CLICK HERE
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EIDL Application Portal Is Open
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has reopened the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.
This advance of up to $10K may be available to small business owners and non-profits, and will be forgiven. Please complete the online EIDL application as soon as possible if you wish to apply for the EIDL program or EIDL advance.
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Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) - The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) resumed accepting applications July 6, 2020, at 9:00 AM EDT in response to President signing the program’s extension legislation. The new deadline to apply for a PPP loan is August 8, 2020.
The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. Click here to learn more.
AICPA’s List of Recommendations For PPP Application & Loan Forgiveness
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has outlined the steps businesses should take both when applying for a PPP loan, as well as guidelines to maximize PPP loan forgiveness. Review these steps now to submit an effective PPP application and prepare for loan forgiveness at the end of the 8-week covered period.
Among other suggestions for loan forgiveness, the AICPA urges that:
- The 8-week covered period under PPP should align with the beginning of a pay period, not the date loan proceeds are received.
- The 8-week period should commence once local stay-at-home restrictions are lifted, not when loan proceeds are received, so small businesses have adequate funds to ramp up operations.
- Full-time job equivalents (FTEs) can be calculated using a simple wage-based proxy when hours worked are not tracked by the employer.
- Payroll reduction calculations should be based on average payroll per employee per week, not total compensation per employee.
Click here for AICPA’s List of Recommendations
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PPP Loan Forgiveness: Application & Instructions
The Small Business Administration (SBA), in consultation with the Department of the Treasury, released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Forgiveness Application and detailed instructions for the application.
The form and instructions include several measures to reduce compliance burdens and simplify the process for borrowers, including:
- Options for borrowers to calculate payroll costs using an “alternative payroll covered period” that aligns with borrowers’ regular payroll cycles
- Flexibility to include eligible payroll and non-payroll expenses paid or incurred during the eight-week period after receiving their PPP loan
- Step-by-step instructions on how to perform the calculations required by the CARES Act to confirm eligibility for loan forgiveness
- Borrower-friendly implementation of statutory exemptions from loan forgiveness reduction based on rehiring by June 30
- Addition of a new exemption from the loan forgiveness reduction for borrowers who have made a good-faith, written offer to rehire workers that was declined
Click here to view the application and instructions.
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Reemployment Assistance - Application Guide
(formerly Unemployment Compensation)
Reemployment Assistance benefits (formerly Unemployment Compensation) are available to Floridians whose employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and is available for workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. In Florida, a maximum of $275 a week is typically available for a maximum of 26 weeks. The CARES Act has provided for $600 a week for a maximum of 16 weeks in additional assistance and made other modifications due to the current pandemic.
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, if you were denied benefits or if you applied on or before April 4, you should reapply online at www.FloridaJobs.org (regardless of whether you have received a response from the department). This includes gig workers, independent contractors, the self-employed, people who just moved to Florida, or almost anyone else who wouldn’t normally be eligible for state benefits.
If you applied on or after April 5, the state will already be able to process your claim.
Please click here for the City of Hollywood’s Reemployment Assistance Application Guide, which is a step-by-step guide on how to complete and submit the online application. In addition to applying online from a computer or mobile device, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is now accepting paper applications for Reemployment Assistance claims (available in English, Spanish and Creole). Here are three ways to obtain a paper application to mail in:
A) Download an application here and mail it to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350.
B) FedEx is now offering free printing and mailing of Reemployment Assistance paper applications at over 100 storefronts across the state. Click here to find your nearest FedEx store location.
C) Pick up a paper application from a CareerSource Broward career center below, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Once you have completed your paper application, please mail it to: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350.
- 7550 Davie Road Extension, Hollywood, 33024
- 2610 West Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park, 33311
- 4941 Coconut Creek Pkwy, Coconut Creek, 33063
PIN Trouble When Applying For Reemployment Assistance
If you are unable to reset your PIN online:
- Call the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity for assistance: 1-800-297-0586
- CareerSource Broward is now doing PIN resets for Reemployment Assistance (RA) customers in order to assist DEO with the overflow of PIN reset requests. Click here, scroll down to the “Get Help With Resetting Your CONNECT PIN” section, and click on the “Submit PIN Reset Request” button. This puts your name on a list so your PIN can be reset by CareerSource Broward staff.
Please note that in some cases, individuals may need to authenticate their identity. To do this, you will need to send a copy of your driver license and social security card to DEO:
- OR -
Still have questions regarding Reemployment Assistance? Check out the FAQ page on the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website.
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The City of Hollywood urges its business community to evaluate the Short-Time Compensation Program in an effort to curtail major layoffs.
The Short-Time Compensation program helps employers retain their workforce in times of temporary slowdown by encouraging work sharing as an alternative to layoff. The program permits prorated reemployment assistance benefits to employees whose work hours and earnings are reduced as part of a Short-Time Compensation Plan to avoid total layoff of some employees. Apply here.
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Florida Small Business Emergency Loan Program
Currently, the DEO is not accepting applications for the Emergency Bridge Loan Program. If you have previously applied, check your application status below.
View Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Application Status
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and its emergency bridge loan partners will continue to review applications that are received online or postmarked by Monday, April 13, 2020. DEO and its Emergency Bridge Loan partners will continue to quickly and efficiently process loans for Florida businesses affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19 until available funds are expended.
For questions regarding the loan program, please contact DEO toll-free at 833-832-4494 or email FloridaBusinessLoanFund@deo.myflorida.com.
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Has COVID-19 affected your business? Take this survey to help activate additional resources.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued the Business Damage Assessment Survey to evaluate businesses affected by COVID-19 and the impacts the virus has had on the local economy. The survey’s feedback allows the State Government to fully assess the economic impact COVID-19 is having on Florida businesses and industries, in order to mobilize the appropriate resources to help alleviate those pressures. The Business Damage Assessment Survey can be taken online. Results will be shared with government agencies and local partners, including the Small Business Administration (SBA). For inquiries/assistance with the survey, contact ESF18@em.myflorida.com.
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