Central Florida Businesses Worry About the Legal Liabilities of Reopening

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — State leaders are considering new legislation, as many business owners are now worried about liability lawsuits as a result of opening their doors during the pandemic.

At Steve’s Famous Diner in Daytona Beach, owner Christos Mavronas claims they are trying to get back on their feet.

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While is he taking many precautions against COVID-19, he is still worried that by opening his doors he is also opening himself up to potential lawsuits.

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If someone decides to sue, even without proof, Mavronas believes he’ll probably go out of business.

“We just want something to protect us, to protect that from happening,” he said.

That’s why the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce is supporting legislation to discourage frivolous lawsuits.

“So we’ve had discussions with Gov. DeSantis, obviously we are behind his push to have this kind of legislation to protect businesses, also CFO Jimmy Patronis is very much behind and in favor of these liability protections,” said Robert Lloyd, Chairman of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.  “You know we have to restart our economy, we have to give our businesses a chance.”

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“We need the legislation because businesses are already suffering as it is and we don’t want this liability worry thrown on our back, we have enough on our backs,” said Mavronas.