DeSantis continues to be staunchly opposed to COVID-19 safety measures.

Last week, United States President Joe Biden issued an order through the Department of Labor that all private US companies with at least 100 employees must either ensure their employees are vaccinated or issue COVID-19 tests at least once a week. This follows an executive order Biden signed that orders all government employees to be vaccinated.

According to US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy, this move will ultimately be in the job market’s interest, as it will “not only improve public health, but it will give people some more peace of mind,” as he explained to CNN.

However, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has repeatedly maintained a stance against COVID-19 safety measures such as face masks and vaccines, threatened to issue fines on any company that mandates vaccines, deeming the measures a threat to the Florida job market. DeSantis threatened a $5,000 fine on any business or local government office that requires vaccines of its employees.

“The net result of Biden’s policy is you’re going to have good, hardworking people lose their jobs, and they’re going to lose their jobs in very key industries.” DeSantis said at a press conference on Monday. “I just think it’s fundamentally wrong. We should not be allowing the federal government to attack people’s livelihoods,” he said.

Several prominent members of Florida’s local governments have spoken out against DeSantis’ decision. “I’m not going to take actions that would adversely impact the safety of our community. Sometimes, quite frankly, I question whether or not the governor really sees it that way,” said Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. “He may say that he does, but I believe that many of the decisions he makes are purely politically motivated, and that is not how I make decisions as a crisis manager, an experienced crisis manager.”

“The health, safety and welfare of our city’s workforce and those we serve is our number one priority. The city has taken the steps necessary to achieve that priority and stand by that decision,” said Gainesville Mayor Lauren Poe. “It is our belief that as an employer, we retain the right and responsibility to require vaccinations as a condition of employment.”