On October 6, 2024, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, amending a previous order and declaring a state of emergency across multiple counties in Florida. This action was taken in preparation for Hurricane Milton's expected landfall.
The Florida Department of Health is collaborating with emergency managers to ensure communities are prepared. They advise residents to secure enough prescription medications as pharmacies may become temporarily unavailable. Under the state of emergency, early prescription refills are permitted, including controlled substances not listed in Schedule II of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes.
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation reminded health insurers and managed care organizations to comply with section 252.358, Florida Statutes. This statute allows early prescription refills during a declared state of emergency. The mandate will remain until the executive order is rescinded or expires.
In line with section 252.358, health insurers must waive time restrictions on medication refills and authorize payment for at least a 30-day supply if conditions are met. These include residing in a county under a hurricane warning or declared state of emergency by the Governor.
This waiver applies within 30 days after the stated conditions begin or until they end. Extensions can be made by the Office of Insurance Regulation through emergency orders.
The Florida Department of Health oversees healthcare practitioner regulation to protect public health and safety. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation manages insurance business compliance and enforcement in the state.