Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is suing the Florida surgeon general over the state's law prohibiting companies from asking customers for proof of their COVID-19 vaccinations.
In the complaint filed Tuesday, the cruise line operator says it is sticking with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines calling for all passengers to show proof of vaccination as the company prepares to resume cruises. It describes Florida's ban as an 'anomalous, misguided intrusion' that threatens to derail its plans.
The suit, filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, names Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the defendant because his office is responsible for enforcing the state prohibition. It is asking the court to suspend the law.
Among the arguments set forth in the suit, Norwegian says the ban, is a violation of First Amendment provisions protecting communications between customers and businesses, preempts federal regulations, and, 'profoundly disrupts the proper flow of interstate and international commerce.'
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is suing the Florida surgeon general over the state's prohibition on companies requiring customers show proof of vaccination. It says the law could derail its plans to launch its first cruise out of the state in August aboard the Norwegian Gem (pictured)
The suit names State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees as the defendant because he the official in charge of enforcing Florida's ban
The company said asking for vaccine documentation could expose it to a $5,000 fine per passenger on its first cruise out of the state on the Norwegian Gem scheduled for Aug. 15.
In April, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, issued an executive order blocking businesses from asking for vaccine documentation, and signed the ban into law May 3, arguing, 'In Florida, your personal choice regarding vaccinations will be protected and no business or government entity will be able to deny you services based on your decision.'
A spokeswoman for DeSantis told the Daily Mail that for its upcoming scheduled trips, Norwegian has, 'made the disappointing and unlawful choice to join the CDC in discriminating against children and other individuals who cannot be vaccinated or who have opted not to be vaccinated for reasons of health, religion, or conscience.'
