The lack of proof of residence in Florida could attract tourists from COVID-19 vaccines

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. Amid a limited amount of COVID-19 vaccines, the lack of evidence of residence in Florida could attract COVID-19 vaccine tourists.

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

Wolff has been trying to make an appointment 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 family and friends, Wolff does not think it’s fair.

“I feel they are stealing our vaccinations,” she said.

Governor Ron DeSantis said earlier this week that Florida is a short-lived state, so snowbirds, seasonal travelers finding a place to stay in South Florida to avoid cold winters at home, should have access to the vaccine if they are 65 or older .

Mireille Gaouette finds it wonderful, but she also could not access the vaccine. The 75-year-old snowbird from Quebec, Canada, considers Broward County a second home. She has been traveling back and forth for 23 years.

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

Wolff said she knows this is not true and that it hurts many of the elderly people who call Florida home.

“Every time I go there, it says ‘upcoming appointments are full’ and ‘please try,’ but still there are people from New York who get it right?” 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 request from the Florida Department of Health for information on the number of non-Florida residents receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.