HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — Hillsborough County’s Emergency Policy Group made a number of changes to their mandatory face coverings order Monday afternoon.

The previous order is at the center of at least two lawsuits against the county. 

In one important change that speaks to the core of the lawsuits' arguments, businesses are no longer solely responsible for their customers complying with the mask mandate. People who refuse to comply could be given a $150 fine by either code enforcement or law enforcement.

Businesses still have to do they part with things like signage at public entrances, requiring employees to wear face coverings, and asking patrons to wear face coverings. That is, unless the customers or employees have a medical exemption — if they do, businesses can’t ask for proof.

Lastly, the county attorney clarified a point regarding Florida Statute 790, which among other things governs carrying concealed weapons. The statute does not prohibit those with concealed weapons permits from wearing a face covering, so individuals with concealed weapons permits who are carrying are expected to wear a mask, too.

The order expires in seven days.

Watch the recording of today's Emergency Policy Group meeting: