Escambia County COVID-19 Update #89

Updated at 10:30 a.m. May 7:
Please reference the prior updates and Escambia County COVID-19 Update #11 for a prior comprehensive running list. View an updated list of how to access county services here.  This update only includes new information we have received. Weekend updates will be distributed only when there is new information.       

Escambia County Tax Collector 
Following the guidance of the Governor’s “Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step.” plan, the Escambia County Tax Collector’s office is beginning to transition back to limited, in-person transactions over the next several days. Services will be restricted to Escambia County residents for the next several weeks as we recover from the backlog created by the COVID-19 closure.

The following transactions are available at our Online Payment Center and will NOT be processed in the lobbies:

• Registration (Tag) Renewal - License plate or tag renewals MUST be renewed online using our convenient RenewExpress system. You can choose same-day pick up available at one of our three convenient drive thru locations or choose to have the registration mailed to you after next-day processing.
• Business Tax Receipt - Our Payment Center allows you to create an original or renew or edit a current record. It’s a great way to locate a business in our county. Searching by keywords such as plumbing will create a list of licensed plumbing businesses.
• Property Tax - Pay property tax, review full payment history, research and print prior years receipts and search ownership by name or address.
• Hunting and Fishing License - Purchase or renew your hunting and fishing license.

Visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com/payment and remember that when paying by eCheck there is never an extra fee. As we transition, Escambia County residents may continue to “Join the Phone Queue” for service by call back.

When instructed to come to an office, customers will have their temperature checked and be screened prior to entering the lobby. They will be required to supply and wear a mask while in our buildings and will take the mask off only if required for an official photo.

Driver licenses and identification cards that expired from March 16 to May 30 have been automatically extended; we ask customers to take advantage of the additional time to allow our offices to assist customers who must be served immediately.

The vision requirements have not been waived for driver license transactions, so a vision test will be given. If customers are uncomfortable with the vision machine, they can request a vision form be sent via email that can be taken to an eye care professional and completed out before the customer visits our office.

Driving exams are being offered by appointment only for Escambia residents who have held their learner permit for at least one year. Parents are encouraged to contact our office to schedule the appointment. We are unable to offer walk-in, medical or special driving exams at this time.  

Please continue to follow CDC recommendations on everyday preventable actions and visit FloridaHealth.gov for the most up-to-date resources on information and guidance regarding COVID-19 in Florida. For more information on tax collector services, visit EscambiaTaxCollector.com.

Florida Department of Health in Escambia County

• As of 10 a.m., May 7, Escambia County has had 604 positive COVID-19 cases. This number is expected to change daily due to the return of results from ongoing testing. The best source for up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Florida is the Florida Department of Health website and the associated Data and Surveillance Dashboard and Daily Report. The site is currently updated once daily, at around 3 p.m. ET.
• The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Escambia County residents is 15 individuals.
• The Florida Department of Health announced that the list of long-term care facilities in Florida associated with COVID-19 cases will now include active cases in each facility in order to provide real-time data. The list of long-term care facilities with active COVID-19 cases is available here.
• The Department is providing a report detailing surveillance data for every Florida county. Previously, this information was only available for select communities. The surveillance data report is available here. 
• To view demographics of cases in Escambia County, visit the COVID-19 dashboard and select Escambia County. The following case data will appear: age, gender, race, and ethnicity.
• Use the COVID 19 testing self-checker to determine if you need to call your healthcare provider to be tested.
• Need extra support dealing with stress and coping during this time? Find a list of available resources at Escambiahealth.com.