The Florida Department of Health has announced that early prescription refills are permitted for residents under the current state of emergency related to Hurricane Milton. The department is coordinating with emergency managers across the state and advises residents to ensure they have an adequate supply of medications in case pharmacies become temporarily inaccessible.
According to the department, “Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills. An early refill may include controlled substances as long as the medical drug is not listed in Schedule II appearing in Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, of the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.”
The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) also issued a reminder to health insurers and managed care organizations regarding their legal obligations during such emergencies. “This notice is a reminder that all health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes, which allows for early prescription refills in the event the Governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency. This mandate remains in effect until the Governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires,” OIR stated.
Executive Order 24-215 outlines specific requirements for insurers and pharmacies during emergencies. All relevant entities must waive time restrictions on medication refills—including suspension of electronic “refill too soon” edits—to allow advance refills if authorized by existing prescriptions. They must also authorize payment for at least a 30-day supply regardless of when it was last filled if certain conditions apply: if the person resides in a county under hurricane warning from the National Weather Service; is included in a state-declared emergency area; or where local emergency operations centers have been activated.
These allowances remain valid within 30 days after such conditions begin or until authorities declare them ended. Extensions can be granted by additional orders from OIR.
The Florida Department of Health oversees licensing and regulation for healthcare practitioners and facilities statewide to help protect public health and safety. The OIR regulates insurance companies operating within Florida; more information about its activities can be found at www.floir.com or via its X account @FLOIR_comm.
