Florida is seeking to vacate a preliminary injunction granted to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) in August that allowed it to require proof of vaccination from passengers.
Namely, the state is asking the court to overrule U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who granted NCLH a preliminary injunction against Florida’s law that banned business from requiring proof of vaccinations.
The state argues that the court is imposing policies of other jurisdictions over Florida, adding that:
It has the sovereign authority to protect its citizens’ personal liberties, privacy, and health
In March 2021, Florida issued an executive order banning the use of vaccine passports followed by signing a bill a month later restricting the use of lockdowns and other measures against COVID-19.
The state also filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention seeking to void the CDC’s restrictions on cruises operating from Florida’s ports.
Florida now says that Norwegian Cruise Line may still require documentation from its customers, and they can voluntarily provide it and that the cruise line and its passengers are free to discuss the topic.
The company did not immediately respond to the news of Florida’s latest appeal.
