The lack of evidence of Florida residency could attract tourists to the COVID-19 vaccine

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Amid a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines, the lack of evidence of Florida residency could attract tourists to the COVID-19 vaccine.

Judy Wolff, of Fort Lauderdale, is eager to receive the first dose of the vaccine. The 73-year-old grandmother said she can’t wait to see her grandchildren.

Wolff has been trying to get a date for almost two weeks. She’s upset because she knows eight people from New York who fly to South Florida just for the vaccine.

Although it’s about family and friends, Wolff doesn’t think it’s fair.

“I think they steal our vaccines,” he said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that Florida is a transitional state, so snowbirds, seasonal travelers who find refuge in South Florida to avoid cold winters at home, should have no problems to access the vaccine if they are 65 years of age or older.

Mireille Gaouette thinks she’s fine, but she hasn’t had access to the vaccine either. The 75-year-old snow bird from Quebec, Canada, considers Broward County to be a second home. He has been traveling back and forth for 23 years.

“We discourage people who come to Florida just to get vaccinated,” DeSantis said.

Wolff said he knows this is not true and is hurting many of the seniors who call Florida.

“Every time I go there, he says, ‘Upcoming appointments are full’ and ‘Please try again,’ are there people from New York happening? ‘ Wolff said.

Jackson Health System in Miami-Dade County and Memorial Healthcare System in Broward County require photo identification, but only to verify the age requirement.

Local 10 News has a pending application to the Florida Department of Health for data on the number of non-Florida residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.