State of emergency in Florida: What it means for you as Hurricane Helene approaches

Jennifer Torres, GulfLiveGulf Live

Now a Category 1 hurricane, Helene is forecast to intensify into a major (possibly Category 3) storm before hitting Florida’s Gulf Coast along the Big Bend area late Thursday.

On Tuesday, President Joe Biden approved a federal state of emergency, unlocking federal funds to bolster state and local emergency response efforts and granting the Federal Emergency Management Agency authority to lead disaster relief operations.

The move follows Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to declare a state of emergency in 61 of the state’s 67 counties, ensuring resources are mobilized ahead of the anticipated storm surge, wind and heavy rain.

But what does the state of emergency mean for you? While much of the declaration is focused on storm preparation and mitigation — as well as post-storm cleanup and appraisal — there are certain aspects of a state of emergency residents should be aware of now.

Early prescription refills

Under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills until the governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.

Under this mandate, all health insurers, managed care organizations and other entities licensed by the Office of Insurance Regulation who provide prescription medication coverage as part of a policy or contract are required to waive time restrictions on prescription medication refills,

And according to the Florida Department of Health, “an early refill may include controlled substances” as long as it’s not listed among those prohibited by the Florida Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act.

Insurance

If you wait until a storm is approaching to purchase insurance — it may be too late.

That’s because insurance companies can restrict new policies or coverage changes when a storm is heading toward the state in what is known as an insurance moratorium.

If you are able to find a policy for purchase, read the fine print — many take upwards of 30 days to take effect.

Rules for public adjusters

Because insurance claims tend to be a complicated process, a public adjuster can help Florida policyholders navigate the process. A public adjuster is a licensed insurance professional who works for the policyholder —not the insurance company.

Adjusters typically have a vast knowledge of the system, so they can often (but not always) negotiate a higher settlement offer. In return, the adjuster receives a percentage of the claim payment.

During a state of emergency, public adjusters are only allowed to solicit policyholders from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday. And for claims caused by a disaster during a declaration of a state of emergency by the governor, the adjuster’s fee is limited to 10% of the claim payment for one year after the declaration of an emergency — after which the fee limit is 20%.

Further, public adjusters cannot charge fees for claim payments paid to you before the date they enter into a contract with you — or for services not performed.

If you suspect fraud or that an adjuster is working without a license, call the Insurance Fraud Hotline at 1-800-378-0445.

Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry

If you know — or care for — an individual with a disability or a special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, you are asked to preregister with the Florida Special Needs Shelter Registry.

Special needs shelters are available for those who qualify, and registering permits emergency management officials to provide the subscriber with emergency notifications, information and assistance ahead of and during the storm.

For more information on your local shelter status, visit FloridaDisaster.org.