Florida wins suit against CDC’s cruise rules

Florida won a federal court ruling that may make it easier for cruise ships in that state to resume sailing after being shutdown for 15 months due to the health crisis.

Fred Katayama reports.

A court ruling may make it easier for cruise ships in Florida to resume sailing after being shut down for 15 months.

A federal judge granted the state a preliminary injunction against the Centers for Disease Control on Friday.

That ruling bars the CDC from preventing an immediate resumption of cruise operations.

The judge said starting July 18, the CDC’s sailing order - that's aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 - will only persist as a non-binding “consideration.” Back in March, the CDC insisted it would keep its stringent framework for a resumption of cruise ship operations until November.

Then, in April, Florida sued the Biden administration, asking the court to lift a “nationwide lockdown” on the sector that has been in place since March of last year.

A major hub for the cruise industry, Florida said operating revenue at its ports had fallen by almost $300 million since the start of the health crisis.

The CDC was not immediately available for comment.