Florida has threatened to slap cruise lines with tens of thousands of dollars in fines for requiring passengers to show proof of Covid-19 vaccines.
The state could fine cruise lines $5,000 per customer required to show proof of vaccination.
It comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law banning bars, schools, restaurants and other businesses from asking customers whether they've been vaccinated against the virus.
The mandate puts the state in a direct clash with cruise liners, who are required to check their customer's vaccination status.
The state of Florida could fine cruise lines $5,000 per customer required to show proof of vaccination
Explaining his decision at a bill signing last month, DeSantis said: 'In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision.'
He signed the law five days after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave the green light for cruise ships to begin sailing from U.S. ports this summer.
The CDC announced cruise ships would be able to resume in July, as long as 98 per cent of their crew and 95 per cent of their passengers are vaccinated.
The state ban on vaccine mandates is in opposition to the CDC's requirements for cruise industry to be allowed to resume following over a year of standstill.
Gov. Ron DeSantis, pictured above, signed a law banning bars, schools, restaurants and other businesses from asking customers whether they've been vaccinated against the virus
Industry executives have voiced their concern for DeSantis' ban on vaccine mandates, and have warned investors they might have to relocate operations out of Florida.
DeSantis has shown no signs of backing down. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said: 'We are going to enforce Florida law.
'I mean, we have Florida law. We have laws that protect the people and the privacy of our citizens, and we are going to enforce it.'
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