COVID-19 Coronavirus Resources and Information

Status

Indian River County in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Indian River County has declared a local state of emergency as an administrative measure to allow for additional purchasing capability as needed and to allow for certain orders going forward if deemed necessary. More information regarding this action.

County Government Services, Facilities, Announcements, and Relief Efforts

  • Local Assistance and Relief Programs:

    Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Mortgage and Rent Payment Assistance Program

    In response to the significant financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on local families, Indian River County has launched the Rental and Mortgage Payment Assistance Program. This program, approved by the Indian River County Board of County Commissioners, will utilize Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) received from the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) to assist local households affected by the pandemic with rental and mortgage payments. The Rental and Mortgage Payment Assistance Program will provide financial assistance of up to $1,500 per month, for up to three months, to eligible households that require assistance due to economic losses caused by COVID-19. Rental and mortgage assistance may be used for late payments and late fees and charges. Mortgage assistance may also be used for a portion of taxes and insurance under limited circumstances as state and federal rules permit. Applications will be accepted starting September 14th, 2020. The application period will be open on a first come first serve basis until December 1st, 2020.

    • Indian River County Launches Small Business Grant Program

      The Small Business Recovery Grant Program is a partnership between Indian River County, the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, and the Florida Small Business Development Center at Indian River State College which seeks to assist those local businesses impacted by COVID-19. Learn more about the Small Business Grant Program

  • County facilities and operations update regarding appointments:

    As of September 1st, appointments are no longer required in order to receive in-person customer services at the Public Works, Community Development, and Utilities Departments located within the County Administration building. Appointments at the Tax Collector, Property Appraiser, Supervisor of Elections, and Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller's offices may still be required, depending on the policies of those individual offices. As we continue to work together to protect the health and safety of all who visit and work in Indian River County, please remember to abide by all social distancing guidelines and wear a mask when visiting the County Administration building. If you think you may be ill or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and take advantage of those services offered online or by phone. Please consider the following guidelines when planning to meet with County staff:
    • Facemasks are required at all indoor County facilities
    • Practice social distancing by maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet from the nearest person while in the building
    • Limit the number of people participating in any appointment to only those necessary for the issue at hand
    • Wash your hands before and after your appointment
    • Please have your temperature scanned upon entering the offices
    • If you think you may be sick or are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please stay home and check the Indian River County website for ways to conduct your business electronically

    Appointments: While services provided by the Public Works, Community Development, and Utilities Departments will be re-opened without the need to schedule an appointment, we do encourage Indian River County residents to continue utilizing those services that are offered online, by phone, or by drop-box.
    Additionally, the Appointment Scheduler will continue to allow County staff to offer services and resources to County residents and businesses while also ensuring all social distancing guidelines are followed. To utilize the Appointment Scheduler, please visit

    Schedule Appointment

  • Face mask requirement for employees of businesses in unincorporated Indian River County, Visitors of County Facilites, and riders of public transportation - Pursuant to Emergency Order 2020-16 terminates the previous mask order, Emergency order 2020-15. Emergency Ordinance 2020-009 - Face Mask Requirements was passed July 14th with the following in place:
    1. All persons working in restaurants, grocery stores, food service, salons,
      gyms, any retail establishments, or businesses open to the public or any other indoor facility visited by the public shall wear face coverings.
    2. All persons entering an indoor County facility including, but not limited to; the County Administration Building, libraries, iG center, fire rescue stations, etc. shall wear face coverings.
    3. All persons utilizing public transit and transportation in Indian River County shall wear face coverings.
    4. All other persons physically present in any public place in Indian River County are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
    5. A face covering includes any covering which snugly covers the nose and mouth, whether store bought or homemade, 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.
  • DBPR Approval of County Plan for Vacation Rental Operations - The Department of Business and Professional Regulation has approved the Indian River County Short Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan. Indian River County recognizes the importance of keeping residents and visitors safe, and has established the following plan for the safe reopening of short term vacation rentals in the county. This plan was developed in response to the Governor's announcement of Full Phase 1 of the "Safe, Smart, Step-by-Step" guidelines for reopening Florida. It was developed based upon guidance from the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the US Center for Disease Control (CDC), the vacation rental industry, and with other counties in the State of Florida. View the Indian River County Short Term Vacation Rental Safety Plan.
  • Local Restaurants Update- In order to provide local restaurants and food establishments the ability to re-open in a viable manner, Indian River County has waived temporary use permitting and site plan restrictions which govern temporary outdoor dining areas. This waiver applies to any restaurant or food establishment located in the unincorporated areas of Indian River County as well as those located in the City of Sebastian. Restaurants located within the City of Vero Beach should contact the City of Vero Beach Planning Department at (772) 978-4550 to facilitate additional outdoor seating.
  • Goline Bus Service - Beginning April 9, 2020, GoLine will be limiting the number of people on a bus to no more than 10 passengers. An overflow bus will be operating from the Main Transit Hub to accommodate additional passengers when needed. In addition, the following temporary service changes are being implemented on GoLine:
    • Route 11 and Route 15 service suspended until further notice
    • The stop located at Orange Blossom will become a special stop. Riders can call the dispatcher at 772-569-0903 and Route 3 will be dispatched to them.

    Please be advised that these service suspensions are temporary and GoLine will resume its regular operating schedule as soon as conditions permit. For more information or questions about arranging alternative transportation, please contact GoLine Offices at 772-569-0903 or visit the website at www.golineirt.com.

  • County Recreation Facilities - The following Indian River County recreation facilities are closed until further notice: Fairgrounds. See details on specific recreational facilities below:
    • Aquatic Centers are open for lap swimming only - The Gifford Aquatic Center and North County Aquatic Center are open for lap swimming only as of Tuesday May 12, 2020. GAC opens at 10 AM and NCAC opens at 9 am. One swimmer will be allowed per lane. Physical distancing, and enhanced sanitization measures will be in place at both locations. Visit ircrec.com/pools for contact information.
    • Indian River County Shooting Range - Open and operating during regular business hours. Various policies have been established to ensure adherence to CDC social distancing guidelines. Classroom use, spectator viewing on the gun and archery ranges, and gatherings of more than ten people will not be permitted at this time. For more information, review the range guidelines here or call 772-581-4944.
    • Sandridge Golf Course - : Open and operating under new guidelines to promote social distancing and ensure heightened cleaning practices. In order to limit person to person contact, all tee times must be booked and pre-paid online by visiting www.sandridgegc.com.
    • All OUTDOOR tennis and pickle ball courts operated by Indian River County, City of Vero Beach, and City of Sebastian are open. Play will be limited to singles play only. Please remember to abide by all social distancing guidelines while playing.
    • Intergenerational Recreation Center (iG Center) - The iG Center will re-open on Monday, September 21st for pre-reserved, socially distanced meetings and pickleball play. Read full press release
  • Beaches and Parks
    • County Playgrounds: All County operated playgrounds, along with those operated by the cities of Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fellsmere, are closed until further notice. However, all County Parks and Conservation areas remain open, as well as the restroom facilities located at those County Parks and Conservation areas.
    • Beach Access Points : All public beach access points in Indian River County, except for Seagrape Trail, are open for all regularly permissible beach related activities. Beachgoers may bring coolers, chairs, and other regularly permissible personal belongings to the beach. When visiting the beach, please remember to abide by those social distancing guidelines per the Governor's Executive Order and as recommended by the CDC and do not congregate in groups larger than 10 individuals. Seagrape Trail Beach Access remains closed for a dune crossover project until further notice.
    • Donald Mac Donald Campground: Donald McDonald Campground is open and operating under new guidelines to promote social distancing and ensure increased cleaning and disinfecting practices throughout the campground property. Visit ircgov.com/camping for more details and reservations.
  • Libraries - The Main, North County, and Brackett Libraries will be opening to the public for limited services on Monday, August 10th with expanded hours. Face coverings are required as well as maintaining social distancing from staff and other patrons at all times. Masks will be available at the front doors if needed. View the Reopening Guidelines and Operation Hours here or visit www.irclibrary.org for more details.
  • Courthouse -The Indian River County Courthouse reopened to the Public on Monday, June 1st. Detailed Information on all court closures and services can be found at clerk.indian-river.org/en/covid-19-updates/.
  • Property Appraiser - As of March 18, 2020, direct to the public in person services by Property Appraiser personnel are temporarily suspended in all three locations, Main Office at the County Complex, Beachside, and Sebastian will be closed to public access. Visit ircpa.org for online services. More Information
  • Supervisor of Elections - Office is open to the public Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm.. Visit www.voteindianriver.com
  • Tax Collector - The Main, West, and Sebastian offices are open for most services. Appointments must be made online prior to arrival for in-office services. Road tests for driver licenses will not be available at this time. Get more information at irctax.com
  • Schools - Open  Visit indianriverschools.org for details.

State Resources and Information

Florida Governor DeSantis Executive Orders
Other State Information

Federal Resources and Information

Other Local Resources and Information

  • United Way of Indian River County announces an Indian River County COVID-19 Community Response Fund. United Way of Indian River County has launched the COVID-19 Community Response Fund, an emergency fund to aid in recovery efforts to support those in Indian River County who have been affected by this crisis. We are working diligently with our partner agencies across the county to best anticipate the needs and hardships of individuals and businesses. Below we have listed resources for food distribution, financial stability, well-being, and ways for you to get involved.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Health Resources and Contacts