Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

St. Augustine Reopening: Horse-Drawn Carriages Return; No Short-Term Rentals

Lightner museum exterior
Visit St. Augustine

The nation’s oldest city is hoping to lure visitors once more as it reopens on a limited basis Monday, following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Phase 1 guidelines.

As they can across the state, restaurants in St. Augustine may open indoor seating at 25% occupancy.  Outside seating will be set at 6 feet apart, and serving alcohol with food will be permitted.  Restaurants must only seat parties of 10 or less.

Almost all establishments in St. Augustine serving alcohol are licensed as restaurants.

In-store retail shops can open at 25% capacity and will follow safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

  • Museums and libraries can open at 25% of their building occupancy; however, interactive functions and exhibits must be closed.
  • Short-term vacation rentals remain suspended.
  • Hotels and commercial lodging establishments may reopen at their discretion, in compliance with recommended guidelines.
  • Transportation operations such as tour trains, trolleys and horse-drawn carriages may commence limited operations in Phase 1.
  • City-managed parking lots, on-street parking, and the parking garage will remain free of charge until further notice.
  • The Visitor Information Center and Gift Shop will remain closed.
  • Avoid congregating in groups larger than 10.
  • Restrictions remain in place for visiting nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
  • Senior citizens and individuals with underlying medical conditions are strongly encouraged to stay at home.

St. Augustine City Hall will remain closed to the public, but all customer services are available via telephone, email and internet.
The drive-thru Customer Service window is open, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but our walk-in Customer Service at 50 Bridge Street remains closed.