Florida now requiring proof of state residency for COVID vaccines

Florida now requiring proof of state residency for COVID vaccines Anyone who wants to receive a vaccine against COVID-19 in Florida must prove they are a resident of the state, according to a new emergency public health declaration signed Thursday by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees. Miami Herald

Anyone who wants to receive a vaccine against COVID-19 in Florida must prove they are a resident of the state, according to a new emergency public health declaration signed Thursday by Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees.

In the advisory, Rivkees said the “prioritization of Floridians for COVID-19 vaccine in Florida” is “necessary to protect public health and safety,” as a result of limited vaccine availability in the state. The advisory would apply to “every vaccine provider,” the advisory said.

The only cited exception to the new residency mandate are healthcare workers who are working directly with patients. Nonresidents who received the first dose will be able to receive their second dose in Florida, according to a Florida Department of Health spokesperson.

The new statewide advisory is a change in direction for several local health leaders, who reinforced earlier this month that they would not deny anyone a vaccine if they could prove they were over 65.

It follows similar requirements from other Florida counties, where patients must show a valid Florida driver’s license or photo identification, a utility bill with a Florida address and the patient’s name, or, in the case of “snowbirds,” a part-time rental agreement. ...

Florida’s new vaccine requirements come after several news outlets, including the Miami Herald, documented several cases of “vaccine tourism,” or the practice of traveling to Florida from another country or state just for the purpose of receiving the vaccine.

While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has previously said he approves of “snowbirds” receiving the vaccine, he has said he opposes “vaccine tourism” and signaled he would curb the practice.So far, at least four counties are now requiring proof of Florida residency, including Manatee, Volusia, Seminole and Sarasota counties. ...