Coronavirus COVID-19

The following applies for the required wearing of face coverings in Martin County:

Indoor Public Places, Businesses and Establishments - Face coverings must be worn by all persons, while obtaining or providing any goods or services or otherwise visiting or working in any indoor public places, businesses or establishments.

Outdoor Public Places, Businesses and Establishments - Face coverings must be worn by all persons, while obtaining or providing any goods or services or otherwise visiting or working in any outdoor public places, businesses or establishments where social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines is not possible and/or not being practiced.

Restaurants and Food Service Establishments - Face coverings must be worn by all persons in restaurants and food service establishments whether indoors or outdoors except when actively consuming food or beverages.

County and Municipal Governmental Facilities - All persons accessing governmental buildings for the purposes of conducting public business, visitation, contracting and maintenance, delivery or any other activity requiring a presence in a governmental building shall wear face coverings at all times while present in the building.  Governmental buildings shall mean any Martin County or municipal-owned and/or operated buildings, including, but not limited to, office buildings, fire rescue stations, service centers, recreational facilities and libraries.

Businesses and Establishments - Businesses and establishments include, but are not limited to, restaurants, bars, retail stores, salons, massage parlors, tattoo parlors, hotels, grocery stores, gyms, fitness centers, pharmacies, indoor recreational facilities, hospitals, medical offices, dental offices, movie theaters, concert halls, auditoriums, bowling alleys, playhouses, arcades, public transit and vehicles for hire.

Exemptions - Face coverings are not required for the following persons: 

• Children either under the age of six (6) or in the custody of a licensed childcare facility, including schools, summer camps and daycare centers 
• Persons prohibited from wearing face coverings by federal or state safety or health regulations
• Public safety, fire or other life safety personnel that have personal protective equipment requirements governed by their agencies 
• Persons actively engaged in exercise and who are social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines
• Persons receiving goods and services from a business or establishment for the shortest practical period of time during which the receipt of such goods or services necessarily precludes the wearing of a face covering such as, but not limited to, consuming food or beverage or receiving dental services, facial grooming or treatment
• Persons who have a medical condition or disability that makes the wearing of a face covering unsafe
• Persons assisting individuals who are hearing impaired or who rely on reading lips in order to communicate may temporarily remove face coverings 
• Persons in private rooms of a lodging establishment, such as a hotel, motel or vacation rental; however, face coverings must be worn in all indoor common areas
• Persons engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing pursuant to CDC guidelines in place and being practiced

Types of Face Coverings - A face covering includes any covering which snugly covers the nose and mouth, and which is secured in place. Persons who wear masks should review the CDC and Florida Department of Health guidelines regarding properly and safely applying, removing and cleaning masks. Medical and surgical masks, such as N95 masks or other similar medical surgical masks, should be reserved for health care personnel, police, firefighters, emergency management and other first responders engaged in life/safety activities.

Signage - All businesses and establishments including restaurants, food service and retail establishments shall conspicuously post signage (English and Spanish versions available below) for easy visibility at all entry points. 

Enforcement - A violation of this ordinance is a noncriminal infraction and shall be enforced by county law enforcement agencies. A violation does not authorize the search or arrest of an individual. It is the intent of this ordinance to seek voluntary compliance and to educate and warn of the benefits of compliance and the dangers of noncompliance. Prior to issuance of a citation, the individual will be asked to comply with the ordinance or explain how an exemption applies. It is up to the discretion of the law enforcement officer to determine whether the circumstances warrant the issuance of a written warning to the individual for non-compliance. Failure to comply with the requirements of this ordinance presents a serious threat to public health, safety and welfare, and a citation may be issued for such a violation after the above inquiry and if the individual received a prior written warning. The penalty for a violation of this ordinance is: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense and each subsequent offense.

What is a face covering? What does it do?

Face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and help keep you and those around you safe. The use of face coverings may reduce transmission by more than 50%. Face coverings should cover your nose and your mouth and comply with CDC recommendations for selection, use, and sanitization. Please note face coverings are in addition to, and not a substitute for, required social distancing.

Who has to wear a face covering and when?

Generally stated, face coverings must be worn by all persons when in an indoor public place or obtaining any good or service from any indoor establishment, and by all persons working in those establishments. These general rules apply to all indoor public places and establishments, including businesses, stores, and amenities.

All persons in restaurants and food service establishments also have to wear face coverings, whether indoors or outdoors, unless the person is actively consuming food or beverages or falls within another exception.

Face coverings must also be worn by all persons when in any outdoor public place, business, or establishment when CDC social distancing guidelines cannot be met and/or are not being practiced.

Do I have to wear a face covering in indoor public places, businesses and establishments if I am social distancing? If so, why?

Yes. Face coverings are required in all indoor public places, businesses and establishments even if social distancing is being practiced, unless an exemption applies. President Trump issued "Guidelines for Opening Up America Again," which direct individuals to adhere to state and local guidance, as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, particularly with respect to face coverings. State of Florida Executive Order 20-139, Phase 2: Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step. Plan for Florida's Recovery, issued by Governor DeSantis, encourages all persons in Florida to follow the social distancing and safety protocols of the CDC. Currently, the CDC recommends individuals wear face coverings in public settings and practice social distancing. 

What are the consequences of violating an emergency ordinance?

A violation of this ordinance is a noncriminal infraction and shall be enforced by county law enforcement agencies. A violation does not authorize the search or arrest of an individual. It is the intent of this ordinance to seek voluntary compliance and to educate and warn of the benefits of compliance and the dangers of noncompliance. Prior to issuance of a citation, the individual will be asked to comply with the ordinance or explain how an exemption applies. It is up to the discretion of the law enforcement officer to determine whether the circumstances warrant the issuance of a written warning to the individual for non-compliance. Failure to comply with the requirements of this ordinance presents a serious threat to public health, safety and welfare, and a citation may be issued for such a violation after the above inquiry and if the individual received a prior written warning. The penalty for a violation of this ordinance is: $50 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense and $250 for the third offense and each subsequent offense.

May municipalities impose additional, stricter limitations on face coverings?

Yes. Municipalities may have stricter limitations than the county. Any more stringent requirements imposed by a municipality are in addition to the requirements stated in Martin County emergency ordinances and as further explained in these Frequently Asked Questions. Please check with your municipality for additional restrictions.

Do I have to wear a face covering at the gym?

If you are at a gym or fitness center (including similar establishments, such as dance studios, yoga studios, boxing clubs, etc.), you must wear a face covering except when physically working out.

What about at restaurants? Who has to wear face coverings and when?

You must wear a face covering at all times when at a restaurant, including when entering, exiting, and otherwise moving around within the establishment, except during the shortest practical period when you are actually eating or drinking. For example, the face covering should be worn when arriving at the restaurant, while waiting to be seated (whether waiting inside or outside nearby the facility), while being seated, and when up and about such as to use the facilities. Face coverings do not need to be worn while sitting at your table. All restaurant staff must wear face coverings at all times.

Do I have to wear a face covering when I am outdoors?

Generally, no you do not need to wear a face covering outdoors; however, if you are outdoors in a public place, business, or establishment with other people and you are unable to social distance or you are not practicing social distancing, you need to wear a face covering. You will also need to wear a face covering if you are in an outdoor restaurant or food service establishment, unless you are actively eating or drinking.

Do I have to wear a face covering in a park?

Unless another exception applies, face coverings are required to be worn in parks whenever you cannot consistently maintain at least six feet (6’) of social distance from any person who is not in your household or group.

Do I have to wear a face covering while shopping at a retail store?

Yes. Unless another exception applies, face coverings must be worn by persons obtaining goods or services at the grocery store, the mall, or any other retail establishment. Please note that these requirements apply both while inside the establishment and while entering or leaving the establishment, including while leaving for short periods of time.

Do I have to wear a face covering on the beach?

Unless another exception applies, face coverings are required to be worn on the beach whenever you cannot consistently maintain at least six feet (6’) of social distance from any person who is not in your household or group (other than when use of the beach or water necessarily precludes the wearing of a face covering, such as while swimming, surfing, or otherwise exercising). All persons must have a face covering available and ready to use at all times and be able to show their face coverings upon request by local authorities.

Do I have to wear a face covering at a public pool? While I’m swimming? What about pool staff? 

Yes. Unless another exception applies, face coverings are required to be worn on the pool deck except when use of the pool necessarily precludes the wearing of a face covering (such as while swimming). Pool staff must wear face coverings during in-person interactions with the public (except when deemed necessary to perform life-saving measures) and when they are within six feet of a person who is not a member of their household.

Do I have to wear a face covering at a marina? What about on my boat?

Yes. Unless another exception applies, face coverings are required to be worn at the marina and when launching boats whenever you cannot consistently maintain at least six feet (6’) of social distance from any person who is not in your household or group. Captain, crew members, and patrons must wear face coverings on shore and on the vessel whenever social distancing requirements cannot be maintained.

My business is open. Do I have to wear a face covering at work? Do my customers have to wear a face covering?

Yes, whenever you are open to the public a face covering must be worn. Businesses must ensure that employees wear face coverings in the workplace. Social distancing of six feet should be practiced to the maximum extent possible, even when face coverings are worn. In addition, the business must require customers, clients, and other visitors to the business to wear face coverings in accordance with the requirements of Martin County Ordinance No.1136.  

I’m getting a haircut, shave, manicure, or other personal service. Do I have to wear a face covering if I am receiving a service? Does the stylist or service provider have to wear a face covering? 

Yes, you must wear a face covering to the full extent practicable for the service required. If you are obtaining a manicure or a haircut, for example, you must wear a face covering throughout the service. If you are obtaining a shave, you must wear a face covering except during the shortest practical period of time when the service requires removal of the face covering. Personal service employees must wear face coverings when working. 

Do I have to wear a face covering while at a hotel?

Guests must wear face coverings in check-in areas, elevators, and all other common spaces, but not in guest rooms. All persons within the courtesy shuttle or in the business center must wear face coverings. The face covering requirements applicable to the specific use areas (such as restaurants and fitness centers) shall be required in accordance with the specific use areas. For example, at hotel restaurants, please refer to the guidelines for restaurants.

Do I have to wear a face covering when I attend church?

There are certain entities to which this ordinance does not apply, including religious organizations within their houses of worship, Constitutional Offices and the Martin County School District, among others. However, these entities are encouraged to adopt their own rules consistent with the county ordinance.

Why does my child have to wear a face covering at school when the county’s ordinance exempts children while under the custody of a licensed childcare facility, including schools?

The county ordinance does exempt any child while under the care of a school; however, Part V of the ordinance states that the ordinance does not govern the internal operations of the Martin County School District and encourages them to create their own internal policies for school operations consistent with the ordinance.

Are there exceptions to the face covering requirements?

Yes. The persons who are not required to wear face coverings are as follows:

• Children under six (6) years of age and any child while under the custody of a licensed childcare facility, including schools, summer camps, and daycare centers
• Individuals prohibited from wearing face coverings by federal or state safety or health regulations
• Public safety, fire or other life safety personnel that have personal protective equipment requirements governed by their respective agencies
• Persons actively engaged in exercise and who are social distancing in accordance with CDC guidelines
• Persons receiving goods and services from a business or establishment for the shortest practical period of time during which the receipt of such goods or services necessarily precludes the wearing of a face covering such as, but not limited to, consuming food or beverage or receiving dental services, facial grooming, or treatments
• Persons who have a medical condition or disability that makes the wearing of face coverings unsafe
  • When a person asserts he or she has a disability that makes the wearing of a face covering unsafe, a business may exclude the person as they pose a direct threat to the health and safety of employees and other patrons, and the business shall reasonably accommodate the person with a disability in a manner that does not fundamentally alter operations, cause an undue hardship, or jeopardize the health of employees and customers
• Persons may temporarily remove face coverings while assisting persons who are hearing impaired or who rely on reading lips in order to communicate
• Persons in private rooms of a lodging establishment, such as hotel, motel, or vacation rental; however, face coverings must be worn in common areas as proscribed by this ordinance
• Persons engaged in outdoor work or recreation with appropriate social distancing pursuant to CDC guidelines in place and being practiced

I have an exception to the face covering requirements, but an establishment will not let me in. What can I do?

Martin County has established certain exceptions to the county requirements for face coverings. Please note that a business may deny access for any legitimate, nondiscriminatory reason. If you believe an establishment is treating you inappropriately, you may want to provide a copy of the ordinance and discuss your concern with management of the establishment if you feel comfortable doing so. 

I have a health condition that makes breathing while wearing a face covering particularly difficult. Am I required to wear a face covering?

No, the ordinance does not require that persons who have difficulty breathing, or for whom the wearing of a face covering is otherwise unsafe, wear face coverings.

I have a health condition that does not allow me to wear a face covering. Do I need to show medical proof before seeking access to a business or other establishment?

No, the ordinance does not require that you provide medical proof of a health condition that renders you exempt from the requirement to wear a face covering. Please note, however, that a municipality or individual establishment may impose other or additional requirements.

How should I discard my face covering?

Reusable face coverings should be properly sanitized after each use per CDC guidelines. Disposable face coverings and other disposable personal protective equipment such as gloves must be discarded properly in a waste receptacle. 

When did this ordinance become effective?

Martin County Ordinance #1136 went into effect on July 8, 2020.

How can I contact the county if I have any questions or comments? 

For more information about the ordinance or other COVID-19-related issues, call the Community Information Center at (772) 287-1652, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Businesses can select the links below to open a PDF file that you can print (8.5″W x 11″H), or the county will provide printed versions. 

For Restaurants:

• Download English Version [PDF]
• Download Spanish Version [PDF]

For Businesses:

• Download English Version [PDF]
• Download Spanish Version [PDF]

For Outdoor Public Places:

• Download English Version [PDF]
• Download Spanish Version [PDF]

Martin County will make face coverings available to the general public with the generous assistance of our local chambers of commerce, the Business Development Board of Martin County (BDB) and county libraries. 

LOCAL BUSINESSES:

Beginning Friday, July 10, local businesses can pick up boxes of disposable masks from one of the five chambers of commerce or the BDB, while supplies last. Limit 150 per business. Local businesses can offer the disposable masks to residents and visitors without a mask.

RESIDENTS:

Beginning Friday, July 10, residents can pick up reusable, cloth masks at one of the six Martin County Library branches during normal operating hours, while supplies last. Distribution is limited to 2 masks per person and no more than 8 masks per household.

BEACHES:

As of Monday, July 6, 2020, all Martin County beaches are open to the public. Beachgoers are encouraged to follow social distancing and CDC guidelines.

PARK FACILITIES & AMENITIES:

Social distancing and group size restrictions at all Martin County parks and facilities, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are required.

***Sailfish Splash Waterpark:

Sailfish Splash Waterpark reopened to the public on Saturday, June 6. View health and safety procedures.

**County Procedures for Youth Sports Programs:

The County now has procedures in place for Youth Sports Programs to return to play. View youth sports procedures.

*Skate Park Restrictions:

To ensure social distancing, a limit of 50 participants are allowed in the skate park at one time. Skate time is limited to 90 minutes if there is a wait. It is recommended that all participants and spectators follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing.

BOATING:

All restrictions for all Martin County-owned boat ramps have been lifted as of Friday, May 1.

GOLF COURSES:

On Tuesday, June 2, the board rescinded the emergency order that placed restrictions on golf course operations, including the restriction on the number of people allowed per golf cart. Courses are still encouraged to follow PGA, USGA, CDC, and NGCOA COVID-19 guidelines. 

The Martin County Board of County Commissioners has been making plans and preparations to reopen offices to the public in a phased approach. The following county facilities and offices have reopened or have partially reopened to the public.

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING:

Beginning Monday, July 27, the Administrative Center will be open to the public for limited services. Guidelines for visitors and meetings by appointment are included below.

Residents can enter the lobby area for certain services:

• Visitors may come into the lobby from 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
• All visitors must wear a face covering to enter the building. No mask, no entry.
• Visitors can enter the building to drop off and pick up paperwork.

Meeting procedures:

• Meetings will be held by appointment only.
• Meeting participants must check in with security at which time they will be asked the questions from the Health Self-Assessment. Visitors can then wait in the lobby for the appropriate staff member to escort them.
• Face coverings must be worn by all participants during the meetings. 

For any futher questions or for assistance, please call (772) 288-5400.

LIBRARIES:

Partially reopening for grab-and-go services, the following libraries are providing or are scheduled to provide computer access, printing and copying, reference services, and item pick-up. This includes Summer Reading Program prize pick-up. The magazine and newspaper racks and children’s areas will be closed until further notice.

• Blake Library reopened on Monday, July 6
• Peter & Julie Cummings Library will reopen on Tuesday, August 11
• Robert Morgade Library will reopen on Tuesday, August 11

For the health and safety of all visitors, face coverings are required and a limited number of patrons will be admitted at a time to allow for 6-foot social distancing. While the library will close midday from 12 to 2 p.m. for cleaning, hold pick-up will still be available. The library is quarantining items and asks that all returns are put into the outside book drops.

While the reopening schedule for other library locations will be released soon, hold pick-up and access to Wi-Fi and mobile printing continues at all Martin County Library System locations during regular hours. For any futher questions or for assistance, please call (772) 288-5702.

MARTIN COUNTY UTILITIES:

Martin County Utilities reopened to the public on June 1, by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (772) 221-1434, Monday-Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Measures such as protective barriers and increased sanitization have been put in place to ensure the health and safety of employees and the public. Customers are encouraged to using online, email and by phone options for conducting business whenever possible. 

Ways to make a utilities payment without an office visit:

• Pay online 
• Mail payment to: Martin County Utilities, P.O. Box 9000, Stuart, FL 34995
• Leave payment in a secure envelope in the blue dropbox located in parking lot at 3473 SE Willoughby Blvd. 

HUMAN SERVICES:

Martin County's Human Services Office reopened to the public on June 1, by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (772) 288-5786, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

VETERANS SERVICES:

Martin County's Veterans Service Office reopened to the public on June 1, by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (772) 288-5448, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Although some county offices remain closed to the general public, the county will continue to provide services with altered modes and methods in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to use online, email and over-the-phone resources to conduct county business.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT:

The Building Department is closed to walk-in traffic.
For assistance, call (772) 288-5916
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

LIBRARIES:

The Hobe Sound Public Library, Hoke Library in Jensen Beach, and Elisabeth Lahti Library in Indiantown are closed for in-person services. Although our buildings are closed we will still be honoring holds at all library locations.You can pick up your hold by going up to the front entrance with your library card and a staff member will retrieve it for you. If you have additional questions, staff is available at (772) 288-5702 x5.

While libraries are closed, the following services will be provided: 

• Hold pick-up at each location (during normal library hours)
• Receive item returns in outside book drops
• Email and telephone reference (during normal library hours)
• Online classes and downloadable eBooks and eAudio (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

Any county service changes or updates due to COVID-19 will be listed below. 

MARTY PUBLIC TRANSIT:

MARTY, Martin County's public transit service, will continue to provide service for riders performing essential activities. Increased cleaning and disinfecting will continue to be performed on all vehicles and at bus stops with seating. 

Individuals utilizing public transit shall adhere to the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with regards to social distancing. Passengers should make every effort to sit or stand at least six feet from any other passenger and the bus operator. Individuals that are sick are asked NOT to board MARTY vehicles.

To minimize interaction between patrons and bus operators, MARTY is suspending the sale of on-board bus passes and fare box collection until further notice.

HAZMOBILE:

As of March 26, the HazMobile program is suspended until further notice, and we will no longer be going to the designated Public Safety/Fire Station locations throughout the County for residents to drop off their household hazardous waste. Residents will still have the option to drop off hazardous materials at the Hazardous Waste Facility, located at 9155 Busch Street in Palm City.

Florida Department of Health: For all health-related questions related to COVID-19 in Florida, please contact the Florida Department of Health’s COVID-19 call center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

24/7 State Hotline: (866) 779-6121
Email: covid-19@flhealth.gov 
Website: floridahealthcovid19.gov

DOH Martin County: (772) 221-4000
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m – 5 p.m.

FEMA Rumor Control: The Federal Emergency Management Agency has created a Rumor Control page to help distinguish between rumors and facts in response to COVID-19. 

CRISIS SUPPORT

If  you are in need of crisis or mental health resources, counseling and/or emotional support during the COVID-19 pandemic, view the following link for a list of available COVID-19 crisis resources.

INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE

Congress has passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated funding to provide direct financial relief to American families as we deal with the impacts of the coronavirus. The IRS has issued updated guidance on how to ensure that you receive your payment in a timely manner.

PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida's state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 can visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply.  

FINANCIAL STABILITY

211: 

211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect residents with resources for food, paying housing bills, mental health services and more. For assistance, dial 2-1-1, (561) 383-1112, or text your zip code to TXT211 (898211). Service is free and confidential. For more information, visit the 211 website.

BASIC NEEDS:

If you are unable to meet basic needs like housing, food and healthcare:

• House of Hope: (772) 286-4673
• Salvation Army: (772) 288-1471

HOME ENERGY NEEDS:

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. Apply online via the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc., ALPI website.

UNITED WAY OF MARTIN COUNTY:

To assist Martin County individuals and families who are impacted by COVID-19, United Way of Martin County launched the COVID-19 Community Economic Relief Fund and has authorized up to $200,000 from their emergency fund to aid in recovery efforts.

United Way of Martin County is working with local direct service organizations to disseminate emergency funds with the appropriate sense of urgency. Learn more via the United Way Martin County website.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT:

The Martin County School District's Food & Nutrition Services (FNS) Department is serving hot and cold meals to all students aged 18 and under. Each bagged meal served will have a ready-to-eat lunch and breakfast for the next day. Meals will be served 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the locations listed below while schools are closed. 

• Hobe Sound Elementary School
  11555 SE Gomez Avenue, Hobe Sound
• J.D. Parker Elementary School
  1010 E. 10th Street, Stuart
• Jensen Beach Elementary School
  2525 NE Savannah Road, Jensen Beach
• Port Salerno Elementary School
  3260 SE Lionel Terrace, Stuart
• Warfield Elementary School
  15260 SW 150th Street, Indiantown

**FNS is also providing meal service to St. Lucie Mobile Village in Indiantown.**

Hours of operation at each site are subject to change depending on community participation. Additional questions should be directed to Food & Nutrition Services at (772) 223-2655 or via email: AskFNS@martinschools.org.

DIAPERS AND FORMULA:

Martin County Healthy Start Coalition: (772) 463-2888 | mchealthystart.org

FOOD PANTRIES: 

• House of Hope: (772) 286-4673
• Salvation Army: (772) 288-1471

FOOD ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

The Florida Department of Children and Families' Food Assistance Program helps people with low-income buy healthy food. To apply for the Food Assistance Program (SNAP), please visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.

HOUSE OF HOPE FOOD DISTRIBUTION:

House of Hope is distributing prepackaged food directly into client’s vehicles. Clients on foot and bicycle will also be served. Those new to the House of Hope will need to bring the following information to access the service:

• Picture ID
• Proof of Martin County residency (current lease, mortgage or utility bill)
• For questions, call (772) 286-4673

MEALS ON WHEELS:

Are you in need of meal delivery due to COVID-19? Call Meals on Wheels at (772) 223-7826 or (772) 223-7825. The Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels program provides hot, noontime meals for those who are unable to shop or cook. 

Although Meals on Wheels primarily serves seniors, it is available to all Martin County residents who have a need for this service, whether on a permanent or temporary basis (for example, following surgery). For more information, visit the Kane Center website.

PREPARED MEALS FOR HOMELESS:

Love and Hope in Action: (772) 781-7002 | lahia.org

TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK:

Treasure Coast Food Bank supports a network of local emergency food assistance programs. If you are in need of food, please contact one of our agency partners listed on the Stop Hunger website.

For further assistance, contact the Treasure Coast Food Bank Partner Relations Dept. at (772) 489-3034 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

The Council on Aging of Martin County has many resources for Martin County seniors in need. For more information related to home-delivered meals, the emergency food pantry, 24-hour hotline, caregiver counseling, case manager navigator and the Day Medical Center, call the Kane Center at (772) 223-7826 or visit the Kane Center website.

RESOURCES FOR VETERANS

The Florida Veterans Foundation has teamed up with the American Legion of Florida to create the COVID-19 Project Vet Relief Fund. This will help with emergency assistance for those veterans who are affected by this pandemic around the state of Florida. Learn more via the Florida Veterans Foundation website.

PRICE GOUGING

Price gouging can be reported by calling 1-866-9NO-SCAM.

BUSINESSES

MARTIN COUNTY BUSINESS RENEWAL PROGRAM:

The purpose of the Martin County Business Renewal Program is to help Martin County businesses that have suffered financial hardship resulting from the Coronavirus pandemic. View the Martin County Business Renewal Program page for information on how to apply. 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BOARD:

The Martin County Business Development Board (BDB) has created a centralized online resource, Martin County BIZHub, to help meet the ever-changing needs and interests of local businesses.

It features announcements, updates, links to state and federal business loan programs, connections to small business, job and workforce development partners and more. Businesses can also call the BDB at (772) 221-1380 or email info@bdbmc.org.

• If a company needs help determining if they are essential, they can contact the BDB: 
  • By phone: (772) 221-1380
  • By email: info@bdbmc.org
  • Online: Website
     
• If an individual needs to file a complaint about a business not complying with the Governor’s Executive Order, they can contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation:
  • By phone: (850) 487-1395
  • Online: Website

In addition, businesses affected by COVID-19 are asked to complete the Business Damage Assessment Survey.

STIMULUS BREAKDOWN FOR SMALL BUSINESSES:

The stimulus breakdown for small businesses includes the funding available, the four policy initiatives included in the federal stimulus package and FAQs to help walk small business stakeholders through this process. View the stimulus breakdown here. 

TOURISM, DINING, INDUSTRY

The Martin County Office of Tourism & Marketing offers resources for our local tourism industry, resources for small businesses and more at their Discover Martin website. 

We encourage you to support our local businesses by ordering from area restaurants that are offering take-out, delivery and curbside pickup services. For a list of restaurants offering amended services, visit Discover Martin's Dining at a Distance page.

MARTIN COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR:

Full services are being offered at the Indiantown, Willoughby Blvd, Palm City and Hobe Sound Tax Collectors’ offices. Residents are encourage to perform transactions online, by phone, by mail and curbside pick-up when possible. Please note the following safety measures are in place:

• Clients will temporarily be limited to Martin County residents
• Only the person conducting business will be allowed in the office
• A face mask or shield must be worn while in the office
• We ask residents to NOT pay by cash, if possible (payment can be made by check or E-check, credit or debit card, or Apple, Samsung or Google Pay

For more information, please visit the Martin County Tax Collector's website.

MARTIN COUNTY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT:

As of July 20, the Chief Judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit directed that the Martin County Courthouse rever to phase one protocols. In alignment with these measures, the Martin County Courthouse Complex is closed to public access until further notice, except for limited essential court proceedings or clerk services. For more information, please call (772) 288-5576.

Jury trials are suspended at all courthouses within the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit for an indeterminate period of time.

The public is strongly encouraged to use the Clerk's online services, chat service, telephone assistance or the secure drop box located at the Courthouse, 100 SE Ocean Blvd. It is available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For more information, please visit the Martin County Clerk of the Court’s website. 

MARTIN COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER:

The Martin County Property Appraiser’s Office is open to walk-in traffic, however the Property Appraiser would like to remind property owners that many services can be done online:  

• Homestead Exemption Applications
• Mailing address changes
• Interactive map search
• Tangible personal property returns can be emailed to: tpp@pa.martin.fl.us
• Real property ownership and sales search available on home page

For more information, please call at (772) 288-5608, email at info@pa.martin.fl.us, or try out our “Live Chat” available on the website. Get your questions answered instantly by clicking the chat bubble icon.  A representative will happily assist you.

MARTIN COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS:

The Martin County Supervisor of Elections' Office is open to walk-in traffic. If you would like to vote by mail in the upcoming primary and general elections, register to vote or update information, please visit the Martin County Supervisor of Elections website, call the office at (772) 288-5637 or email elections@martinvotes.com.  Elections staff will be available to assist you. Spanish assistance is also available.

MUNICIPALITIES

• City of Stuart
• Town of Jupiter Island
• Town of Ocean Breeze
• Town of Sewall's Point
• Village of Indiantown

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOLS:

The 2020-2021 school year will begin as originally planned in the Martin County School District, as the Martin County School Board voted to proceed with the established start date of August 11 as the first day for students. Students will begin the school year participating in either traditional (in-person) or remote learning, depending on the option selected by their parents/guardians. Continue to monitor the Martin County School District's website for the latest information.