COVID-19 Visitor Recommendations for the Florida Keys

The Health and Safety of Keys Residents and Visitors Remain Top Priority

We may be living in a ‘new normal’ due to the global coronavirus pandemic, but the many elements that draw people to the Florida Keys remain unchanged. Visitors still find welcoming lodging options, wide-open spaces, endless blue water for diving and fishing, eco-tourism activities, unique attractions and a laid-back atmosphere where they can relax and recharge.

To reinforce tourism-related businesses' coronavirus protective practices, visitors to the island chain are strongly encouraged to be mindful of personal spaces, respect current regulations, wear well-fitting masks/face coverings in public when necessary and continue to take other measures to protect their health and traveling companions as well as Keys residents.

The coronavirus situation remains extremely fluid with the potential to change rapidly, even on a daily basis. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

COVID-19 Vaccinations in the Keys

There is usually an ample supply of different COVID-19 vaccines available in the Keys for residents and visitors. For more details, including locations, please go to Monroe County’s state health department website. 

Additionally, COVID-19 Test Sites in the Florida Keys are open to visitors and residents.

Personal Protective Actions While on Vacation

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend the wearing of facial masks/coverings, even for individuals who have been fully vaccinated, as part of a layered prevention strategy to safeguard against COVID-19. 

According to the CDC, taking steps to reduce the spread of infection, including getting a COVID-19 vaccine, are the best way to slow the emergence of new variants. To maximize protection from the virus and prevent possibly spreading it to others, individuals should wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission. You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.  

Currently, there is not a statewide mandate in Florida making the wearing of facial masks required. However, individual businesses in the Keys may request that masks be worn inside their establishment, so it is suggested that people carry a facial covering available for immediate use. Business establishments include various lodging facilities, restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, indoor attractions, museums, retail or clothing shops, beauty salons, health spas and other public settings. 

Dr. Mark Whiteside, medical director of the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County, advises that wearing a surgical-type mask or facial covering can be effective, particularly for people who are not fully vaccinated. If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home, call your physician and get medical advice. 

Social Gatherings and Distancing

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend the wearing of facial masks/coverings, even for individuals who have been fully vaccinated, as part of a layered prevention strategy.  According to the CDC website, to maximize protection from coronavirus variants and prevent possibly spread to others, wear a mask indoors in public "if you are in an area of substantial or high transmission."  You should continue to wear a mask where required by laws, rules, regulations, or local guidance to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.  

Florida officials currently do not have mandates regarding gatherings' group size. 

The Florida Keys 125-mile-long island chain offers wide-open spaces to take advantage of outdoor activities and the natural beauty of sea and sky.

Airline Travel

Both Key West International Airport and Florida Keys Marathon International Airport are operating normally. 

Airports continue to be among the venues where masks are a legal requirement, as are commercial airplanes and federally controlled transportation hubs, including public buses.

At Key West International Airport, a coronavirus-fighting robot named R2Key2 patrols the airport’s interior spaces after hours, and emits high-intensity ultraviolet UV-C wavelength light that kills harmful pathogens in the air and on surfaces. The ultraviolet disinfection robot, designed by UVD Robots, is designed to remove 99.9% of pathogens including COVID-19. Key West International Airport was among the first airports in the United States to acquire one of the sophisticated units that provides non-chemical disinfection, according to a manufacturer’s representative. 

Accommodations and Vacation Rentals

Florida Keys hotels, resorts and other lodging establishments have implemented American Hotel & Lodging Association COVID-19 guidelines for enhanced, best-practice health, cleanliness and safety. At the property's discretion, mask-wearing may be requested.

Check websites of your hotels and other lodging facilities to learn what current safety measures are in effect, and what amenities are open and available, such as hotel pools. Guests can expect other protocols such as contactless check-in and check-out procedures, or self-parking options.

Licensed vacation rental properties are also thoroughly cleaned and disinfected between rentals, in accordance with these standards. Contactless check-in and payment processes are being utilized when possible. Vacationers are encouraged to confirm with their property's management what household supplies such as linens, towels, pillows and beach towels are to be available based on the vacation home's occupancy. Extras of these items may not be provided.

Dining and Bars

Restaurants, food establishments and bars are operating at full capacity indoors and outdoors, often with social distancing observed. At the establishment's discretion, masks or facial coverings may be requested.

Outdoor dining areas should be prioritized and requested. Waiting areas may be limited to manage spacing, depending upon the eatery’s size, so waiting outdoors is preferable when possible. 

Recreation: Parks, Attractions, Museums, Watersports and Beaches

Community parks and other outdoor recreational facilities are open in the Florida Keys. Check with the tourism facility or charter operator in advance to learn if all areas or services are open, such as bathrooms and concessions. Capacity limits and mask requirements may be in place, in addition to contactless protocols such as electronic safety waivers for watersports, diving, snorkeling, fishing charters and boat tours. 

Public beaches in the Florida Keys are open from dawn to dusk with limited amenities. 

State parks are open for daytime use and camping. Park visitors may not have access to certain amenities, such as restroom facilities, pavilions, picnic areas and campsites, due to area closures or visitor safety considerations. It is recommended to check each park's website in advance, to confirm available amenities.  

Dry Tortugas National Park is open, and seaplane and ferry service are fully operational. Camping, use of restrooms and recreational boating are also permitted. Entrance fees do apply. At Everglades National Park, visitor centers remain closed, although camping is allowed. Face masks currently are required in all federal buildings and federal lands. Park operations vary based on local public health conditions.

Fitness Centers, Retail Shops and Other Keys Businesses

Most gyms, yoga and dance studios and fitness centers are open and operating at full capacity. Retail customers should endeavor not to handle or try on merchandise. Return items to store staff for proper replacement on shelves. Heed markings and signage that an establishment such as a retail store, grocery store or pharmacy displays for customers within the premises to help with personal protection.

Individual businesses may request facial coverings or social distancing, and hand washing and sanitizing are always highly recommended.

What if I Feel Ill While Traveling in the Keys

If you believe you have any symptoms of COVID-19, seek medical counsel immediately. Google “Florida Keys doctors” on your smartphone, call the front desk of your lodging property or contact a hospital emergency room at Mariners Hospital in the Upper Keys (305-434-3600), Fishermen’s Community Hospital in the Middle Keys (305-743-5533) or Lower Keys Medical Center (305-294-5531).

Remain quarantined in your hotel room/accommodations until you receive medical advice, and notify the hotel front desk of your situation. The CDC has updated isolation and quarantine recommendations for the public. 

COVID-19 testing locations in Monroe County can be found here. 

Respect Others and Have a Great Time

When traveling to the Florida Keys, please plan ahead and come prepared. You have the personal responsibility to protect yourself and others in terms of public health.

Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of personal space, respect local regulations and practices (such as wearing face coverings when needed) and continue to take other measures to protect their health and that of their traveling companions. 

Please dispose of used masks, gloves and other personal items in waste containers. Do not discard them on tables, on the floor or ground, along a roadway or near the shoreline.

The Florida Keys tourism industry wants you to remain healthy throughout your stay, and return home as healthy or healthier, and hopefully even happier, than when you arrived.