FLORIDA — Ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) is reminding residents to have enough of their prescriptions on-hand in the event pharmacies become temporarily unavailable.

DOH is working with emergency managers across the state to prepare for any impacts from the storm. They are also reminding health insurers about a state law which allows for early prescription refills in the event the governor issues an executive order declaring a state of emergency.

DOH sent out an alert to all health entities saying that under a state of emergency, Floridians are permitted to receive early prescription refills regardless of typical limits. 

The mandate lasts until the governor's executive order is rescinded or expires.