CRESTVIEW, Fla., July 21, 202—Okaloosa County passed an emergency ordinance today requiring all businesses to place signs stating their mask policy.

According to the ordinance signed during today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting, every business is directed to place signs at every entrance clearly stating its required usage of face coverings for customers and employees while inside the establishment.

The ordinance applies to incorporated and un-incorporated areas of Okaloosa County until it automatically expires Oct. 1 or is extended by the board.

This includes transportation network companies such as Uber, Lyft, taxis and other passenger vehicles for hire.

It also includes locations were non-profits, governmental and quasi-governmental entities conduct business as well as places of worship.

Signs must be readable from a 6-foot distance and specify who, if anyone, is required to wear a mask and under what conditions while frequenting the establishment when social distancing is not possible.

From the ordinance:

“‘Business establishment’ means a location with a roof overhead under which any business is conducted, goods are made or stored or processed or where services are rendered. … The term ‘business establishment’ also includes places of worship.’”

Noncriminal penalties for violating the ordinance is a $50 fine for the first offense, $100 for a second offense and $250 for each offense thereafter.

The ordinance defines face coverings as a material covering the nose and mouth, fitting snugly against the sides of the face so there are no gaps.