Legislation in Florida prevents Panthers and Lightning from requesting proof of vaccination

While many teams across the National Hockey League have implemented policies requiring proof of vaccination for all staff and patrons in order to attend NHL arenas, at least two teams will not do so due to the financial backlash they may face.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis initiated legislation in May that was designed to prevent businesses and schools from requesting proof of COVID-19 vaccination in order to enter the establishments. Starting September 16th, any establishment that chooses to go against that legislation will be fined up to $5,000 - per violation.

The implications here for the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are obvious. Neither organization will be able to follow suit with many of their colleagues from around the NHL, which could have an impact on the NHL season, should teams passing through Florida be hit with the aggressive and highly transmissible Delta variant, causing delays. The Delta variant is now the most common strain across the U.S.

"This legislation ensures that legal safeguards are in place so that local governments cannot arbitrarily close our schools or businesses," DeSantis said in a statement in May. "In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision."

Organizations and establishments who are in violation of the new legislation can appeal fines, but if they cannot successfully defend their position, the fines would need to be paid within 30 days.

The capacity for seating at NHL games at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida is 19,092. According to recent data, approximately 47.4% of American citizens are not fully vaccinated, putting Amalie arena's potential unvaccinated or partially vaccinated population at around 9,049. If the Lightning were to implement a policy requiring proof of vaccination to enter Amalie Arena for home games, that could mean facing as much as $45.25M in fines - PER HOME GAME.

It seems odd that a Governor who wants to make it all about personal choice is essentially removing the personal choice from the owners of establishments and organizations who wish to keep themselves, their families and their clientele safe.

This could be bad news for the league, who will almost certainly face delays again this season due to COVID-19 shutdowns, relating to Florida and Tampa home games and the travel involved for other NHL teams - specifically in the Atlantic Division.

Source: People.com

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