Nearly 30K nonresidents have received COVID-19 vaccines in Florida

ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida has been giving out coronavirus vaccines for exactly one month, but it’s not always Floridians who are getting those shots.

Local officials said that thanks to the federal government, Florida has to open up COVID-19 vaccines to everyone.

Vaccination sites across Central Florida do not require proof of residency.

Watch: USF study: Vaccine messaging failing to move the needle

“I know it feels like hunger games out there,” said Jared Moskowitz, director of the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

Right now, the only requirement to get a COVID-19 vaccine in Florida is to prove you’re 65 years and older.

In Florida, the most determined brave the long lines and the most attentive get a vaccine appointment.

Watch: Florida contracts private company to help with COVID-19 vaccine rollout at long-term care facilities

The governor does have the power to require proof of residency if he wants.

While there are limited doses, you’re also not just competing for a dose with other Florida residents.

“Initially, we restricted to county residents, but we were quickly reminded that it has to be open to anyone,” said Dr. Raul Pino with the Florida Department of Health in Orange County.

Watch: Florida allows COVID-19 vaccines for those under 65 who are deemed medically ‘high-risk’

“We know that 97% of the individuals who’ve been vaccinated here are Florida residents,” said Florida Surgeon General Scott Rivkees.

With the current state vaccine totals, data shows around 29,510 from outside of Florida have been vaccinated in the state.

Residency requirements for COVID-19 vaccines vary state by state.

See the full report in the video above.

Cox Media Group