City of Alachua, FL

The City of Alachua continues to work to deliver essential services to our community during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Thank you for your patience and understanding as we modify operations to meet Federal and State guidance to address this challenge.  This page is designed to assist residents in accessing assistance and understanding how local services are being delivered.  Please continue to monitor this page for updates.

What activities am I allowed to leave my home for?

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 20-91 effective April 3rd, which established essential activities Florida residents can leave their home to do.  The Governor issued Executive Order 20-112 effective May 4th, which begins the reopening of Florida in Phase I, and expands what businesses can be open.  Please read the full order for details.

Alachua County issued Emergency Order 2020-21 effective May 4th, which incorportes much of the Governor's reopening Order with additional requirements for restaurants, as well as allowing a maximum occupancy of retail establishments of 1 person per 500 square feet of retail space (excluding employees).  Further, the Order requires the use of face coverings and personal protective equipment for those visiting or working in certain industries/sites.  Please read the full order for details.

Alachua County has also released a Reopening Risk Crosswalk document that provides guidance on what businesses are permitted to be open in Phase I along with industry or regulatory guidance for each industry to operate during COVID-19.

The Governor's Order supersedes the Alachua County Order if there are conflicts; however, the Governor's Order permits local jurisdictions to impose local restrictions.

The Governor's Order lists the following essential activities you can leave your home for:

-Attending religious services

-Participating in recreational activities consistent with social distancing guidelines

-Taking care of pets

-Caring for or otherwise assisting a loved one or friend

-Accessing businesses and services outlined in the Order as being open during Phase I

-Go to barber shops and salons

My employment has been impacted, what can I do?

If you have been impacted by efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida, you can file a Reemployment Assistance Claim through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).  You can file online through Florida's Reemployment Assistance System known as CONNECT and determine if you're eligible to receive assistance.  If you cannot file online, you can call 1-800-681-8102, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by the Federal Governement on March 27th, provides an additional $600 per week to eligible reemployment assistance recipients and adds reemployment assistance to those who are self-employed, independent contractors, and nonprofit employees. Additionally, the one-week waiting period has been waived.  For more information, visit Frequently Asked Questions for reemployment assistance released by DEO.

What if I'm a senior and need assistance with grocery shopping and meals?

ElderCare of Alachua County is providing assistance to anyone 60 years of age or older.  The services include:

-Telephone Reassurance

-Grocery Shopping Assistance

-Home Delivered Meals

Contact Nick Hauzer to receive assistance at 352-265-9040 or nhau0001@shands.ufl.edu.

Is the City of Alachua providing utility relief?

Yes, the City of Alachua has eliminated the Bulk Power Cost Adjustment Charge for all City electric customers for May and June 2020 billings.  Please call us at 386-418-6110 if we can provide further assistance.

How can I access City services?

We are opening City Hall to public access June 22nd.  We are also available by phone and online to serve you. City staff will continue to work normal business hours (Mon.-Thurs., 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.).  You can reach City staff by calling:

Utility Billing: 386-418-6110

Planning & Building: 386-418-6120

Public Services: 386-418-6140

City Hall Main: 386-418-6100

The Utility Billing drive-thru window at City Hall will continue to be open during normal business hours.  You can also pay your bill online at our Online Payment site.

The Building Division will continue to conduct building permit inspections as usual, with the exception that inspections within occupied homes have been temporarily suspended to any reasonable extent possible, including HVAC and water heater change-outs.

What is the schedule for waste and recycling pick-up?

All residential waste and recycling pick-up schedules remain unchanged from normal operations.  Visit Solid Waste for more details.

Are City parks open?

City outdoor park areas are open for public use, including playgrounds, splash park and skate park; however, gatherings of more than 50 are NOT permitted.  Indoor facilities will open on June 22nd.  Practice CDC recommended social distancing requirements while using outdoor park facilities and remember to wash your hands or use sanitizer often.

Are City events or programming available?

All youth sports, and recreation/culture programming have resumed; albeit modified under the Governor's guidelines.  City events will resume on a case-by-case basis to determine compatiability with the Governor's orders and CDC guidance.

What other local response and assistance information is available?

Alachua County has developed a comprehensive website to assist residents and businesses.  Visit the COVID-19 Community Resource Portal for more information.