While it may seem trivial in light of the deaths and horrors surrounding COVID-19, the disease is spreading its tentacles into the world of Florida workers’ compensation. Many have hypothesized about the compensability of the virus should one allegedly contract coronavirus on the job. However, that is only one facet of how this virus is impacting our industry, particularly claims within the hospitality industry, and it is going to be felt for months—and likely years—ahead.

Tourism, which is considered Florida’s top industry, added $111.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2016; in 2018, 126.1 million visitors flocked to the Sunshine State. Since the widespread diagnoses of COVID-19 began, travel came to a screeching halt, rendering tourism as we have known it gasping for air. Our theme parks are closed, beach access limited, and hotels empty.  Disney World alone furloughed 100,000 employees. Hotel staff, from the front desk, to the kitchen, to the housekeepers, become unnecessary when there are no guests to serve. This is an unmitigated disaster for the industry.

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