Florida Keys & Key West Coronavirus Information and Updates
Right now, the Florida Keys and Key West remain closed to visitors. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office implemented southbound traffic stops restricting road access to non-residents. The traffic stops are located at mile marker 112.5 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway (US 1), and on State Road 905, between Ocean Reef and the access point to US 1 in Key Largo, and are to operate 24 hours a day until further notice.
Here is some pertinent info to help you plan ahead.
Q: I have plans to come to the Florida Keys, but I understand the Keys are temporarily closed to visitors. What can I do about refunds or rescheduling plans?
A: Contact your airline, hotel and other travel providers regarding trip changes and/or refunds. Travel resources should work out solutions regarding deposits and other payments.
Q: What about traveling on cruise ships, ferries and their port calls in Key West?
A: The Florida Keys are temporarily closed to visitors until further notice. US ocean-going cruise lines have temporarily suspended cruise ship operations from US embarkation ports. In addition, the Key West Ferry Terminal is closed and the Key West Express ferry has suspended operations.
Q: Are Florida Keys beaches, parks and attractions open?
A: Florida Keys lodging, attractions, marinas, boat ramps and fishing piers are temporarily closed.
•The City of Marathon has closed Sombrero Beach and all city beaches.
•All City of Key West beaches and parks are closed, including Smathers Beach. Monroe County officials closed nearby Higgs Beach. White Street Pier is closed. Reynolds Street Pier located at Higgs Beach in Key West will be closed nightly starting at 6 p.m. until further notice. Other county beaches in unincorporated areas of the island chain remain open.
•Parks in the Village of Islamorada are closed to the public with the exception of open spaces such as fields and walking paths at Founders Park. The Founders Park Aquatic Center and dog park are closed. Founders Park facilities such as basketball court, tennis courts and pickleball courts are closed. All beaches and other Village parks including Anne’s Beach and Library Park Beach are completely closed. All restroom facilities at parks and beaches are closed. The area known as the Fills from MM 77.5 to 79.8 and the boat ramp at Indian Key Fill are closed.
Q: What about restaurants, bars and nightclubs?
A: Based on an executive order issued by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, all bars and nightclubs throughout Florida, including the Keys, ceased operations on March 17.
•Per the Governor’s March 20 executive order, all restaurants and food establishments within the State of Florida, including the Florida Keys, suspended on-premises food and alcohol consumption for customers. On-site dining is not allowed. Establishments may operate for the purpose of take-out or delivery.
Q: Are area state and national parks open?
A: All Florida state parks are closed.
•Ferry and seaplane service to Dry Tortugas National Park is temporarily suspended. All islands in the Dry Tortugas National Park are closed until further notice. The Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds in Everglades National Park are closed.
Q: Where can I get reliable information from trusted resources?
A: The coronavirus situation is extremely fluid and has the potential to change rapidly, on a daily basis. Coronavirus information is abundant and can be found at these trusted resources including the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Florida Department of Health and Monroe County Emergency Management.
•Florida’s state health department has established a dedicated COVID-19 hotline at 1-866-779-6121. The call center is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
